Books matching: brutal realities of slavery
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- #1
Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson is a powerful and well-written novel that follows the story of Pheby Delores Brown, a mixed-race slave born to a plantation owner and a black slave. Promised freedom on her 18th birthday, Pheby's life takes a dark turn when she is sold to a slave trader and forced to become his mistress. Set in the brutal backdrop of Devil's Half Acre jail in Richmond, Virginia during the 1850s, the book vividly depicts Pheby's struggles, sacrifices, and determination to protect her children and find a sliver of safety amidst the inhuman conditions of slavery.
Mama believed that the full moon was the most fertile night of the month, and that everything she touched held God’s power. Each full moon, she dragged me out in the middle of the night with her to hu... - #2
'They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South' by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers is a meticulously researched scholarly work that sheds light on the significant role white Southern women played in the institution of slavery. The book challenges the traditional narrative by revealing how these women actively participated in the slave economy, often owning more property than their male counterparts. Through vivid historical evidence, the author showcases the economic motivations behind slave ownership and the brutal realities faced by enslaved individuals under the control of white mistresses. Jones-Rogers' writing style is academic and detailed, presenting a compelling narrative that weaves together interviews, court records, and archival sources to paint a vivid picture of the deep involvement of white women in the scourge of slavery in the American South.
Twice married and once widowed, Gibbs would not permit either of her husbands to interfere with her financial affairs, including the management of her slaves. Even though her second husband was a repu... - #3
'Island Beneath the Sea' by Isabel Allende is a historical novel set in Haiti and New Orleans during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The story follows the life of Zarite, also known as Tete, a slave born in Saint Domingue who becomes a house slave on a sugar plantation. The narrative explores the intertwined lives of slaves and plantation owners, the brutal realities of slavery, the impact of the Haitian Revolution, and the journey of the characters from Haiti to New Orleans. is praised for its vivid descriptions of historical events, well-rounded characters, and the integration of fiction with real historical figures.
The writing style in 'Island Beneath the Sea' is described as beautifully crafted, engaging, and captivating. Isabel Allende's storytelling is commended for its ability to evoke the settings of early Haiti and New Orleans with great historical detail. delves into themes of slavery, resilience, love, and the complexities of relationships, offering a compelling narrative that combines historical accuracy with fictional storytelling.
Violette Boisier was the daughter of a courtesan, a magnificent mulatta who died at twenty-nine, impaled on the sword of a French officer out of his head with jealousy; he was possibly the father of V... - #4
The Book of Night Women by Marlon James is a gripping and heart-wrenching tale set in Jamaica in the early 1800s during the slave uprising. The story follows the life of Lilith, a green-eyed house slave, and later, her daughter Lovey, as they navigate the horrid existence under their white masters and mistresses. The narrative masterfully weaves together the perspectives of the female characters, exploring themes of identity, race, and interrelationships through two distinct dialects - that of the slaves and that of the white people.
The novel delves deep into the brutal realities of slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation, portraying the intense power and resilience of the female characters amidst the atrocities of rape, violence, and oppression. Marlon James' writing style, though challenging with its use of dialect and graphic descriptions, immerses the readers into the harsh world of the characters, making it a compelling and unforgettable read that sheds light on the unimaginable perspectives of human beings towards each other during that era.
PEOPLE THINK BLOOD RED, BUT BLOOD Don’T GOT no colour. Not when blood wash the floor she lying on as she scream for that son of a bitch to come, the lone baby of 1785. Not when the baby wash in crimso... - #5
'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead is a novel that reimagines the historical underground network that helped slaves escape the South as a literal underground railroad. The story follows Cora, a young slave who embarks on a dangerous journey for freedom, while being pursued by a relentless slave catcher. The book blends elements of fantasy and harsh reality, highlighting the horrors of slavery and the resilience of those who fought against it. Whitehead's writing style weaves historical facts with fictional elements, creating a compelling narrative that delves into themes of freedom, humanity, and survival.
This was her grandmother talking. Cora’s grandmother had never seen the ocean before that bright afternoon in the port of Ouidah and the water dazzled after her time in the fort’s dungeon. The dungeon... - #6
'Oroonoko' by Aphra Behn is a 17th-century novella that tells the tragic story of an African prince named Oroonoko and his beloved Imoinda who are sold into slavery and reunited on a plantation in Surinam. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, enslavement, and rebellion through the lens of a compelling and gripping storytelling style. The book is written in a 17th-century prose style that may be challenging for modern readers, but it offers a unique perspective on the dehumanizing atrocities of slavery and the complexities of race relations during that time period.
The book is structured in an unusual narrative format, with about half of the story told from the title character's point of view and the rest from the author's perspective. 'Oroonoko' is considered one of the earliest novels and is hailed for its historical significance in portraying the sensitive treatment of its black characters, particularly Oroonoko, who is depicted as noble, loving, honest, and brave in contrast to the duplicitous and cruel white characters. Despite its age, the story remains relevant and thought-provoking, shedding light on the European fetishization of Africa, the horrors of slavery, and the complexities of social class and gender dynamics.
- #7
In "A Mercy" by Toni Morrison, the story is set in the 1680s around the slave trade, focusing on the lives of marginalized people, primarily women, each narrating their perspective. The novel delves into themes of slavery, indentured servitude, abandonment, and the struggles of individuals in the early American colonies. Through multiple characters and varying points of view, Morrison skillfully weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of ownership, love, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in colonial America.
Morrison's writing style in "A Mercy" is described as poetic, lyrical, and rich with historical details. The novel features a stream of consciousness narrative, with multiple voices sharing their stories, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. Despite the initial challenges in following the different voices and narratives, readers find the prose to be captivating, thought-provoking, and deeply moving as it delves into the themes of slavery, motherhood, identity, and the human experience.
You probably don't know anything at all about what your back looks like whatever the sky holds: sunlight, moonrise. I rest there. My hand, my eyes, my mouth. The first time I see it you are shaping fi... - #8
In his travels around the world, as a valued slave and then a freedman, Equiano observes the shocking abuses experienced by less fortunate slaves, who are tortured, raped and murdered at will by their masters. This is a first hand account of life in 1700's from pastoral village life in Africa to capture, enslavement, purchased freedom, life in Europe, adventure on the high seas and eventually salvation in Christ Jesus. Equiano's life story is astonishing, inspiring, often charming and he tells it well, detailing his journey from being kidnapped as a child to becoming an accomplished entrepreneur who eventually buys his own freedom.
for with a most dreadful sound it hissed close by me, and struck a rock at a little distance, which it shattered to pieces. When I saw what perilous circumstances I was in, I attempted to return the n... - #9
The Long Song by Andrea Levy is a gripping novel that delves into the harrowing realities of slavery in Jamaica, particularly focusing on the period around the Baptist War of Jamaica in 1831-1832. The narrative is centered around the life of July, a former slave who recounts her experiences from being born into servitude on a sugar cane plantation to witnessing the abolition of slavery and navigating life post-freedom. The book expertly weaves together themes of abuse, cruelty, hope, and resilience, offering a poignant and cinematic portrayal of the inhumanity and barbarism of the era.
Kitty, July’s mama, gave birth to her in her dwelling hut. For eight long hours Kitty did pace about that hut—first five steps in one direction, then a further five in the other. All the while with he... - #10
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan is a historical fiction novel that follows the journey of a young slave boy named Washington Black on a sugar plantation in Barbados. The story revolves around his escape from slavery, his adventures across various continents, and his exploration of themes such as freedom, human relationships, and the impact of slavery. The narrative blends elements of magical realism and fantastical adventures, taking readers on a journey from Barbados to Virginia, Nova Scotia, London, Africa, and Morocco. The book delves into the complexities of societal structures, the brutality of slavery, and the quest for identity and agency in a world filled with challenges.
The novel is praised for its intricate storytelling, vivid descriptions, and the exploration of significant themes such as the nature of relationships, human resilience, and the pursuit of freedom. Through the character of Washington Black, the author delves into the emotional and psychological struggles faced by individuals living in a world marked by slavery and oppression. The book offers a unique perspective on historical events, blending realism with elements of fantasy to create a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the complexities of human experiences and societal structures.
No one grieved him; in the fields we hung our heads, keening, grieving for ourselves and the estate sale that must follow. He died very old. I saw him only at a distance: stooped, thin, asleep in a sh...