The novel by Robert Penn Warren (1905–1989) begins in the turbulent times on the eve of the American Civil War. Torn from the luxury and comfort of her father's plantation, where she was destined to become the mistress, young Amantha Starr is unexpectedly sold into the slave market. And only after going through many difficult trials does she gain freedom. American critics noted the similarity of this novel with Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, and compared its heroine to the magnificent Scarlett O'Hara.