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hawley's review against another edition
Can’t tell if I’ve read it before or just read something very similar. Too many books too little time.
nickknackers's review against another edition
4.0
The story was riveting throughout. Edugyan writes beautiful and complex characters. I struggled with the ending, it felt somehow unsatisfying but also appropriate given the tropes of the story.
bookiewithacookie's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kaelathea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
amjammi's review against another edition
4.0
I think this book can be read a few different ways, but I'm choosing to read it like this: Wash's life starts as a slave narrative (like you've maybe read before, but with some truly incandescent prose) and then it takes a dramatic turn where he lives an incredible life of global adventures, scientific discovery, and improbable coincidences. And it's fun to read (even if pervasive racism is still present). And not quite like anything you've read before. But even Wash can't reconcile the contradictory aspects of his identity and the final portion of the book reflects his attempts to find his own space in a world of well-meaning white people who too often fail to understand his humanity.
jesslenc's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
new_ditty's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
kaylielovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars.
The descriptions were lovely, and the storyline was a very interesting path into how the world worked in the early 1900s. Slavery in particular was a key aspect, but more importantly, how the people on both sides overcame its horrid trail of hate. Washington's obsession with Titch near the end was heartbreaking and yet, lured you into his perspective.
Overall, an extremely well thought out book, equiped with historical events everyone can learn from.
As well as an extrordinary main character.
The descriptions were lovely, and the storyline was a very interesting path into how the world worked in the early 1900s. Slavery in particular was a key aspect, but more importantly, how the people on both sides overcame its horrid trail of hate. Washington's obsession with Titch near the end was heartbreaking and yet, lured you into his perspective.
Overall, an extremely well thought out book, equiped with historical events everyone can learn from.
As well as an extrordinary main character.
lburton's review against another edition
4.75
I don't know why this took me so long to read (actually I do know why, because I paused this book and read two entire books before coming back to it) because it's pretty fast paced and as enjoyable as a book about a slave could ever be. Washington Black is born into slavery on a Barbados plantation and is taken in as an assistant by his master's eccentric brother Titch, an inventor/explorer/abolitionist. The two escape and travel the world, etc.
I thought it was an interesting choice for this book to focus so much on Titch, since he essentially serves as a white savior in this narrative, and the book is written by a black woman. But because I couldn't think of another way to tell this story (he wouldn't get very far in the 1830s without a white person helping him) I let that slide for a good chunk of the book, even though it kind of nagged at me. I won't give spoilers but this issue is addressed toward the end, and handled in a brilliant way. It really pushed the book into five star territory for me.
I thought it was an interesting choice for this book to focus so much on Titch, since he essentially serves as a white savior in this narrative, and the book is written by a black woman. But because I couldn't think of another way to tell this story (he wouldn't get very far in the 1830s without a white person helping him) I let that slide for a good chunk of the book, even though it kind of nagged at me. I won't give spoilers but this issue is addressed toward the end, and handled in a brilliant way. It really pushed the book into five star territory for me.
yaizaps's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes