The Sport of the Gods

In the quiet yard of a Southern plantation’s grand house, Berry Hamilton has built a modest but comfortable life with his wife Fannie and their two children, Joe and Kit. Once a slave, Berry now works as a butler for his former master’s family, and the small cottage they call home reflects the steady, hopeful rise of a newly‑freed community. Their garden, blooming vines, and the steady rhythm of daily chores paint a picture of perseverance and quiet pride.

The children grow up amid the gentle tensions of a changing world. Kit’s bright voice and cheerful spirit make her a favorite at church gatherings, while Joe, apprenticing as a barber, begins to absorb the manners of the town’s elite. As the family navigates the expectations of both black and white neighbors, their story offers a heartfelt glimpse into love, ambition, and the everyday drama of post‑war Southern life.