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Books matching: brutality of slavery

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  1. #1

    Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley
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    Roots: The Saga of an American Family by Alex Haley is a multigenerational novel following the life of Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka teenager kidnapped from Africa and enslaved in the United States. The story spans over 200 years, chronicling the hardships, struggles, and triumphs of Kunta Kinte's descendants, showcasing the brutality of slavery, the resilience of the human spirit, and the quest for liberation in America. The narrative weaves through different generations, portraying the impact of historical events on the family and highlighting the importance of connecting with one's roots and heritage.

    Roots is a powerful and compelling narrative that delves into the inhumanity of slavery, the strength of family bonds, and the perseverance of individuals facing unimaginable challenges. Through vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters, the book explores themes of brutality, genealogy, triumph, and the resilience of the human spirit, offering a poignant portrayal of American history and the enduring legacy of African American culture.

    Early in the spring of 1750, in the village of Juffure, four days upriver from the coast of The Gambia, West Africa, a man-child was born to Omoro and Binta Kinte. Forcing forth from Binta’s strong yo...

  2. #2

    Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
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    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...

  3. #3

    Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende
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    '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. #4

    Yellow Wife by Sadeqa Johnson
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    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...

  5. '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...

  6. #6

    Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
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    "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe is a powerful and emotional portrayal of the evil institution of slavery in the mid-19th century. The story follows the life of Uncle Tom, an honest and selfless slave who is sold from a loving home into the darkness and cruelty of the deep South. Through various characters and their experiences, the book sheds light on the brutality and callousness of some slave owners, while also exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the inhumanity of slavery.

    The writing style of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is described as engaging, emotional, and rich in Christian beliefs. The characters are depicted with loving attention to detail, and the author's ability to bring human faces to the issue of slavery further inflamed anti-slavery sentiments. The book is praised for its bravery in addressing the subject and for its historical significance in changing America forever.

    Late in the afternoon of a chilly day in February, two gentlemen were sitting alone over their wine, in a well-furnished dining parlor, in the town of P—, in Kentucky. There were no servants present, ...

  7. #7

    Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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    The novel "Voodoo Dreams: A Novel of Marie Laveau" by Jewell Parker Rhodes delves into the dark and mysterious life of Marie Laveau, an infamous New Orleans voodooienne. Set in the 1800s, the book portrays the brutality of slavery and the oppression in Louisiana, intertwined with the mysticism of voodoo rituals. The story revolves around Marie Laveau, a powerful Voodoo priestess, and her journey to uncover her past, navigate her destiny, and battle the forces of evil, particularly the manipulative John. The author's writing style captures the essence of old New Orleans, blending elements of voodoo, Christianity, faith, and hope against a historical backdrop, making the characters and settings come alive for the readers.


  8. #8

    The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
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    '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...

  9. #9

    The Book of Night Women by Marlon James
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    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...

  10. #10

    Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
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    Octavia Butler's 'Kindred' follows the story of Dana, a black woman living in 1976 who unexpectedly travels back in time to the 1800s. She finds herself on a plantation in the antebellum South, witnessing firsthand the inhumane treatment of slaves. The book explores themes of racism, slavery, and survival as Dana navigates between her present life in the 1970s and the harsh realities of the past. The writing style is described as engaging, emotionally intense, and expertly crafted, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of race relations and identity.

    'Kindred' is a time travel tale that delves into the psychology and sociology of slavery in America, challenging traditional narratives and exploring the effects of time travel on the characters. The protagonist, Dana, is portrayed as a complex and relatable character who grapples with the moral and ethical dilemmas of her time-traveling experiences. The novel deftly balances a swift narrative style with profound philosophical considerations, inviting readers to reflect on the themes of privilege, history, and relationships across power differentials.

    The trouble began long before June 9, 1976, when I became aware of it, but June 9 is the day I remember. It was my twenty-sixth birthday. It was also the day I met Rufus—the day he called me to him fo...

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