In his moving new work, Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County, award-winning author and publisher David J. Mason continues the extraordinary story of Parson Sykes, a man born into bondage who fights for his freedom, dignity, and humanity during one of the most turbulent chapters in American history.

Set against the backdrop of the Civil War and Reconstruction, Return to Southampton County traces Parson's journey from enslavement in Virginia to his enlistment in the Union Army and his return home to a world both liberated and broken. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Mason brings to life not just one man's pursuit of self-liberation, but the collective awakening of a people confronting the uneasy promise of freedom in a nation still wrestling with justice.

The novel draws on letters, government records, and oral histories to weave a narrative that feels as authentic as it is emotional. Critics have praised Mason's writing for its patience and depth, calling it“steady and careful, but burning with quiet passion.” His portrayal of Parson Sykes is both intimate and epic, illuminating the loneliness of a man freed by law yet bound by memory, and the enduring weight of America's unfinished struggle for equality.

A recent Literary Titan Book Award recipient, Return to Southampton County has earned critical acclaim for its historical precision and emotional resonance. The Literary Titan Review described the book as“heartfelt, grounded, and full of reverence for those who refused to give up on liberty,” noting that Mason's prose“breathes history rather than rushes through it.” The review commends Mason for his honesty and craft, remarking that the book“tells the truth and lets the weight of it land.”

Through Parson's eyes, Mason captures both the brutality and the beauty of a time when America was redefining its soul. His story invites readers to reflect on what freedom truly means, and what it costs to claim it. Return to Southampton County is a book for scholars, history lovers, and anyone who believes that remembering is a form of resistance.

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Experience the powerful story of courage, memory, and self-liberation that continues to inspire readers across generations. Pre-order your copy of Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County today on Kindle or in paperback at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

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About the Author

David J. Mason is the Owner and Founder of HMG ePublishing, LLC, an epublishing service provider and digital publishing consultancy. A veteran senior executive and lifelong storyteller, Mason is also the great-grandson of Parson Sykes, whose life inspired his acclaimed series. He has been a leading figure in online media since 1997 and holds a Master of Science degree from Hampton University, a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College.

A two-time winner of the International AAHGS Book Awards (IABA) and recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, Mason brings a unique blend of military discipline, historical scholarship, and personal heritage to his work. Through Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes: Return to Southampton County, he continues his mission to preserve the voices of those who fought not just for freedom, but for dignity, remembrance, and truth.

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