Keeper of the House is the story of life in a South Carolina brothel called Hazelhedge, chronicled by Minyon Manigault, a young Black girl sent there in 1929 to work as a maid. Over the next 40  years, she becomes a pair of eyes and hands, watching and working almost invisibly in a world where men leave their public selves at the door and women lose themselves in their work. As she bears witness to the events unfolding around her, Minyon seeks to find her place in the world, and peace within herself.

Keeper of the House was excerpted in the Paris Review just prior to publication, at the request of George Plimpton, who served as a judge for the 1994 National Endowment for the Arts fellowship.

Rebecca T. Godwin is the author of two books, Keeper of the House and Private Parts. She received the South Carolina Arts Commission's 2023 Prose Fellowship for portions of a novel-in-progress.

"Beautifully rendered and flawlessly maintained Gullah speech that occasionally whispers of the easy lyricism of Zora Neale Hurston."

"A mesmerizing tale that will long be remembered. An absolute triumph."

“Minyon’s voice is beautiful music, a cello, a harp, a gospel moan.”

“A story that is sensitive and tender, yet surprisingly powerful. Minyon Manigault will stay with you long after the last page has been turned.”

“A wonderful, lyrical, and touching story. Highly recommended.”

“Keeper of the House is an exciting combination of sophisticated artistry and plain, down-home storytelling. Godwin’s women are a rainbow of realities.”

“Keeper of the House...is one of the most evocative and moving books I have ever read. Thank you for the gift of this novel and for the world you channeled.”