The Placeholder is the story of a strong-willed young woman whose ideas were ahead of her time. She was born in Alabama in the 1800's when women were treated like possessions. They were sometimes victims of abuse without recourse. They had no say, could not vote, own property, nor work outside their homes without the permission from a man. They were subjected to the rule of fathers, husbands, brothers, and male employers, if they were fortunate enough to gain employment. The main character, Evinaida Corbitt, fought to change these conditions. She joined a group called the Suffragettes. Their aim was to gain suffrage for women. In addition to being a part of the female equality struggle, she was also born a mulatto which brought on another type of discrimination. ABOUT THE AUTHORAnne James writes to encourage, uplift, and inspire a continuing belief in the living God.