Reviews

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

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pepford's review against another edition

2.0

I have to say the whole story seemed a bit pointless. It dragged on and I expected some kind of climax at multiple points in the story, but that never came. At various times I thought about putting the book down for good but kept telling myself there has to be something coming, how wrong I was.

There is definitely some good writing and I think the story had some potential, I just feel let down by it.

carolynmorgan's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

4.0

senior_young's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

todallyanika's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was a thrill. In a style that reminds me of [b:The Book of Negroes|23316548|The Book of Negroes|Lawrence Hill|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1417983381l/23316548._SY75_.jpg|860779], another Canadian saga, Edugyan takes the reader on a journey from a plantation in the Barbados, to the Arctic, Nova Scotia, England and to Africa as young enslaved boy Washington Black finds his life completely transformed by Titch, the brother of his enslaver, who borrows him from his brother to make a "cloud cutter," a flying machine. Parts of the book read more like YA, but as a teacher it didn't bother me. Be warned, the ending of this is not satisfying in a traditional sense, and may be downright infuriating for some people. This is a Canada Reads nominee for the 2022 CBC Books' Canada Reads.

zoebmmc's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

janada59's review against another edition

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4.0

I rather enjoyed it. A sad, but hopeful story about an enslaved boy who becomes free, and comes to understand what that means for himself. I can see why it's a Canada Reads finalist.