Serah Olekanma’s Green Eyes spotlights slavery, motherhood and freedom

Historical fiction author Serah Olekanma’s Green Eyes has drawn attention for its Civil War-era story of an enslaved mother protecting her daughter in Virginia. The novel aims to center Black women’s resilience, family bonds and the fight for freedom, with a wider audience finding new interest in stories of overlooked history.

Why it matters: - Green Eyes taps into sustained reader demand for historical fiction centered on strong female protagonists, Black history and emotionally immersive storytelling. - The novel frames slavery and the Civil War through an intimate family story, which can make the era feel more immediate and personal. - The book positions motherhood, resilience and freedom as the core of a post-Civil War-era narrative with broader cultural relevance.

What happened: - Serah Olekanma’s historical fiction novel Green Eyes was published on February 27, 2026. - The story is set in Virginia during the American Civil War and slavery. - The novel follows Esther, an enslaved young woman determined to protect her daughter, Ada. - The book has continued to reach readers since publication with a focus on courage, sacrifice and hope.

The details: - Green Eyes explores the bond between a mother and daughter as Esther tries to secure a future of freedom, knowledge and opportunity for Ada. - The novel emphasizes the everyday realities of enslaved families, not just the war’s political events. - The book presents quiet resistance as a form of survival and dignity. - Green Eyes is described as blending rich historical detail with emotionally layered storytelling. - The novel includes themes of courage, identity, belonging, compassion, perseverance, healing, family legacy and generational strength. - Education is presented as a pathway to liberation. - The book is available in paperback, hardcover and eBook formats. - Green Eyes is written in English. - The book is sold on Amazon.

Between the lines: - Olekanma is using historical fiction to recover stories that are often left out of standard Civil War narratives. - The framing suggests the novel is meant to work as both literary fiction and an inspirational family saga. - The focus on women’s endurance and intergenerational hope reflects a broader market for emotionally accessible historical fiction. - “Esther’s journey represents the courage of countless women who endured unimaginable hardship while refusing to surrender hope for the next generation,” Serah Olekanma said.

What’s next: - Fortune Publishers is handling media contact for the book. - Readers can find more information through the publisher’s site at Fortune Publishers. - The publisher’s social accounts include LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - Green Eyes is pitched as a Civil War-era novel that uses one mother’s fight for her daughter to explore freedom, trauma and hope.