“A unique and unknown side-story of American history, researched brilliantly, told beautifully.” — Jim DeFilippi
“Guma has brought a troubled but touching slice of American history to life.” — Kirkus Reviews
A New Novel
Available November 26, 2025
Celia Mudd began life as a slave. But in 1902, Sam Lancaster — once her master — made her the main beneficiary of his will. Now she could own the Kentucky farm on which she has lived — as servant and employee — for more than 40 years.
But first she has to defend her inheritance. During a controversial trial, she faces Robert Lancaster, who claims the land is rightfully his and, before dying, his brother must have been incompetent, insane or seduced to make such a gift.
Based on a true story, using trial transcripts, letters and personal reflections, The Trials of Celia reveals how two families — one free and white, another enslaved and black — became intertwined after their arrival in America 200 years before. Against the backdrop of the 1903 trial, it focuses on four decades — from 1862 to the early 20th century — moving back and forth, exploring social dynamics during the Civil War, how emancipation created fresh challenges, conflicting courtroom testimony, and the complex relationships between Celia, Ann Lancaster — the white woman who educated her, and the brothers who struggled over control of the land they all loved.
The Trials of Celia is an engaging historical mystery and a moving family drama of struggle, deceit, faith, guilt and reconciliation.
“The relationship between Celia and Sam is well handled in all its contradictions. There are two people bound by their time and place but tentatively reaching out to each other. Racism rules that society like a despotic god, but for once basic decency—and something very much like love—wins out.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Zoom Video Interview: Blue Smoke and Black Ink with Jim DeFilippi
