Northern Neck Author Pens Historical Fiction Book About Unsung American Hero Who Emancipated Hundreds of Slaves

MONTROSS, Va., Sept. 23, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Author Peggy Patterson Garland has released her debut novel, "Never Pleasing to the World: A Man and His Slaves," a fictionalized biography of wealthy and highly influential plantation owner and politician Robert Carter III. Following him through early childhood to late adulthood, the book gives a voice to this forgotten hero who made his mark on history by freeing nearly five hundred slaves 74 years before the Emancipation Proclamation would take effect.

In "Never Pleasing to the World," Garland draws from real events to provide a better understanding of Carter III's contentious beliefs and enigmatic persona. Following the subsequent deaths of his father and grandfather, the imperious Robert "King" Carter I, he was rejected and denied a formal education by his stepfather, pushing him to rely on his uncles for support and slaves for companionship. Throughout the book, Carter III is seen to have close relationships with numerous slaves, seeking to treat them justly and hesitating to use physical punishment.

Despite the circumstances, Carter III became a successful businessman, manufacturer, planter, scholar, judge and politician. He was also a philosopher and religious freethinker who openly questioned the morality of slavery throughout his life and called for legislation that would emancipate slaves in Virginia, taking matters into his own hands when it failed to pass.

"First and foremost, I wrote this book because I wanted to give credit to Robert Carter III who deserves to be recognized for rebelling against the social norm and using his privilege and power to help slaves gain their freedom," the author said. "I also sought to increase the understanding of the complex relationships between slaves and their masters and give insight into the abilities and family lives of slaves."

A fascinating look at a lesser-known American patriot, "Never Pleasing to the World" brings attention to the incredible achievements of Robert Carter III and pays tribute to the rich history of the Northern Neck of Virginia.

"Never Pleasing to the World: A Man and His Slaves"
By Peggy Patterson Garland
ISBN: 9781480875203 (softcover); 9781480875197 (electronic)
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Archway Publishing

About the author
Peggy Patterson Garland lives in Westmoreland County, Virginia, serving the area as an attorney for 30 years including two terms as Commonwealth's Attorney. She is a former high school teacher who has been involved in numerous organizations and is a charter member of the Westmoreland Housing Coalition, Westmoreland Weavers of the Word and the Northern Neck Historical Society.

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