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irenekelly's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
savaging's review against another edition
4.0
A beautiful book, a Victorian-style adventure-science romp that is also a soulful exploration of race and slavery.
The only thing that keeps me from an emphatic 5 stars is my frustration over how the women characters (few in quantity but exceptional in quality) are always sacrificing themselves for the protagonist. Doesn't pass the Bechdel test. But DOES have a really great octopus.
The only thing that keeps me from an emphatic 5 stars is my frustration over how the women characters (few in quantity but exceptional in quality) are always sacrificing themselves for the protagonist. Doesn't pass the Bechdel test. But DOES have a really great octopus.
en_en_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
camille_3012's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-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
3.5
kellyculpeppertowe's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dillybean's review against another edition
4.0
Thought it would have more adventure but still really loved it! The writing and the character of Wash kept me going. Ended up really enjoying his personal journey he went on
mooncow's review against another edition
dark
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
kateburstein31's review against another edition
4.0
This was a powerful piece of historical fiction, with interesting, rich characters and an overall engaging storyline.
nickedkins's review against another edition
2.0
I thought the setup for this story was promising: a young slave with a keen eye, a gentleman scientist who sees the potential in him, some kind of steampunky stuff (that I'm slightly embarrassing to like, but hey) and an Arctic exploration. With all of these elements you'd usually expect a bad historical novel, but this was shortlisted for the Man Booker, so I figured there must be exciting language and interesting subversions of plot and character.
There were not.
There were not.
passionyoungwrites's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
“There are several kinds of happiness Washington. Sometimes it is not for us to choose, or even understand, the one granted us.”
🦅
Named “George Washington Black” by his former slave master, Wash sees and lives the happenings on a Barbados Sugar Plantation. Watched over and protected by a woman that goes by “Big Kit”, who makes Wash to believe they the only way out of slavery is to die. She tells him that his death, or any slaves death, will allow their spirit to go back to their motherland. That belief is altered once the new Master sees that the slaves are committing suicide to make that happen.
🦅
Wash is then summoned to the new masters brother quarters, where he is told that he will work as an assistant - no more a field slave. His live basically changes and still he is fearful for a while.
Some time later, a white man is killed or I should say dies in his presence and Wash then has a bounty out on his head.
🦅
Wash is one of few slaves that gets to see a white man’s mercy. In this story we travel with Wash and see him navigate life as a free man. Making choices along the way that suites him. He carries his drawings and love for science with him throughout the years and leads a life mostly to his liking.
🦅
Named “George Washington Black” by his former slave master, Wash sees and lives the happenings on a Barbados Sugar Plantation. Watched over and protected by a woman that goes by “Big Kit”, who makes Wash to believe they the only way out of slavery is to die. She tells him that his death, or any slaves death, will allow their spirit to go back to their motherland. That belief is altered once the new Master sees that the slaves are committing suicide to make that happen.
🦅
Wash is then summoned to the new masters brother quarters, where he is told that he will work as an assistant - no more a field slave. His live basically changes and still he is fearful for a while.
Some time later, a white man is killed or I should say dies in his presence and Wash then has a bounty out on his head.
🦅
Wash is one of few slaves that gets to see a white man’s mercy. In this story we travel with Wash and see him navigate life as a free man. Making choices along the way that suites him. He carries his drawings and love for science with him throughout the years and leads a life mostly to his liking.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Suicide, Blood, and Slavery