"Mandingo" is a novel written by Kyle Onstott and published in 1957. Set in the antebellum South, it explores the lives of enslaved people on a plantation, focusing on the complex relationships between the enslaved and their owners. The story delves into themes of power, sexuality, and the brutal realities of slavery. The novel's title refers to the Mandingo people, an ethnic group from West Africa known for their strength and warrior culture. "Mandingo" gained notoriety for its graphic depictions of violence and sexual exploitation, sparking discussions about race and representation in literature.