One of the most haunting yet beautifully written books I've come across is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. It doesn't just feature a slave pet character but explores the deep, painful bonds between humans and animals under slavery. Sethe's relationship with the dog, for instance, mirrors her own fractured sense of freedom. Morrison's prose is so visceral—you feel the weight of chains and the fleeting moments of tenderness.
Another lesser-known gem is 'The Known World' by Edward P. Jones, where the dynamics between enslaved people and animals are woven into the broader tapestry of ownership and power. The way Jones portrays the horse riders and their symbolic ties to control still gives me chills. Both books don’t shy away from brutality but offer profound insights into resilience.