The Known World, a first novel by Edward P. Jones, is set in antebellum Virginia, though toward the end of this impressive novel a letter arrives dated April 12, 1861. The date is significant - it's the day General Pierre Beauregard fired on Fort Sumter. Five days later, Virginia would secede from the Union.

It's Virginia where Jones sets his story, in a place called Manchester County, where "In 1855 . . . there were thirty-four free black families . . .(and) eight of those free families owned slaves . . ."

If the initial, shocking premise is what draws a reader in, it's Jones' superior storytelling that keeps one engaged.

Henry Townsend is one of the former slaves who now owns slaves himself. At 31, Henry has what seems to be a promising life ahead: He's free, happily married to an accomplished and educated young woman, and owns more than 50 acres of land. He has come a long way from the days he stood for hours in the early morning, awaiting the return of his white master, whenever that might be.

But as the book begins, Henry is unwell and, within pages, dies quietly in the home which he and his first slave, Moses, had built together years before.

Moses is now Henry's overseer. Unlike his counterparts, Moses works among his charges rather than simply supervising them, and he runs a tight operation. But with Henry's unexpected death, the fabric of the plantation begins to unravel, first because of the grief of Henry's widow, Caldonia, and second because of circumstance.

Unable to overcome her grief enough to concentrate on business, Caldonia relies heavily on Moses. She calls him in each evening to report on the day's progress, but their talks soon devolve into storytelling sessions, during which Moses creates a flattering history of his former master in an effort to soothe her. Moses has his own dreams, of course; after business turns into romance, he expects to be freed.

But his growing intimacy with Caldonia causes Moses to make poor decisions.

He insists that other slaves (including his wife and son) make a break for it, believing their absence will strengthen his chances with Caldonia. But slaves have recently escaped from other plantations, and the news of multiple escapes from the Townsend's sends tensions skyrocketing in Manchester County.

The perception in Manchester County is that Caldonia cannot effectively manage what her husband built, that she's letting things fall apart. But things are falling apart everywhere: Formerly trusted slaves become suspect; free men are sold back into slavery; family turns on family.

Later, a land dispute arises that pits neighbors and old friends against one another. Manchester County is literally torn apart by the conflict, its territory divided up among other counties.

The Known World is much more than a story of the Townsends, though, or even Manchester County. Jones' characters are vividly and fully drawn, and by writing in omniscient point of view he offers readers a layered, complex portrait of America on the cusp of the Civil War. The Known World is thought-provoking, substantial, ambitious and powerfully told. This is a superior debut.

Caitlin Hamilton has worked in book publicity with large and small publishers. She lives in Denver.