Sharon Ewell Foster

Next release: The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part One: The Witnesses (August).

Publisher: Howard Books.

Who is the historical figure Nat Turner?

He was sort of the slave version of Nathan Hale. In 1831, he led a group of fellow slaves in Southampton County, Va., in a fight for freedom. In fact, Turner—who read, wrote and was called Prophet—is considered to have lead the largest and most successful slave rebellion in American history. His story—or at least what is supposed to have been his story—was published as The Confessions of Nat Turner as told to Thomas Gray.

Who are some of the other historic figures in this work?

The Resurrection of Nat Turner is set, primarily, between 1831 and 1856. Harriet Beecher Stowe has published Uncle Tom’s Cabin and is researching a possible book about Nat Turner. … Stowe figures prominently in the work—she’s sort of the tour guide for readers—as do the abolitionists [Frederick] Douglass and Stowe’s brother Henry Ward Beecher.

This is fiction, but how much truth is in it?

When I began this work, I accepted Nat Turner’s confession, as told to Thomas Gray, as the truth. It’s the primary source document for historians, really for anyone writing about Turner. Like novelist William Styron, I was going to follow Gray’s storyline. But after studying the actual trial records, I have very serious doubts. I took another path. Writing this book really became a search for truth. 

You did some significant research for this series. What motivated you?

I conducted interviews with descendants, read everything I could get my hands on and learned the surviving local lore. … In the beginning, I intended to follow the pre-existing storyline, to follow the storyline according to Thomas Gray’s Confession. … But once I saw something awry, the mystery grabbed me and it became a search for truth.

This book has 113 short chapters. Why did you take that approach?

I try to follow where the story leads me organically. The Resurrection is a complicated story and sometimes bite-sized chunks are best. I wanted to give readers what they could chew on. It’s a meaty story.

Who did you set out to reach?

There are elements in the story that my readers expect—conflict, controversy and even romance—but I always felt in my gut that men would be very drawn to this story. Whenever I mention Nat Turner’s name to men, no matter whether they consider him a villain or a hero, their eyes light up.

What can we expect in the second installment?

Part 2 is the continuation of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s journey; she searches for truth—truth that might end the conflict as the nation nudges closer to the brink of Civil War. … In Part 2: The Testimony, Nat Turner is free to tell his own story as only he could tell it. 

Any advice for Christian retailers as they hand-sell these books?

For readers who need a quick description, tell them it’s Roots meets The Da Vinci Code.

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