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amber_ray's review against another edition
4.0
I’m giving this 3 1/2 stars, rounded up to 4.
‘Washington Black’, shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, is a historical fiction novel which follows the life of a slave from a brutal sugar plantation in Barbados. Chosen as an apprentice for the master’s brother, “Titch,” Washington undertakes a whirlwind journey of escape and adventure that takes him all over the world - from America to the Arctic, and beyond.
Edugyan grapples with some important topics in the book, like the effects of slavery on perpetrators and questions of freedom, friendship, and identity. The first section of the novel, which takes place in Barbados, is the most hard-hitting and emotionally profound in my opinion. But despite the terrific writing, the latter portions lack the heft of other works dealing with similar themes (‘The Underground Railroad,’ for example).
Really, I’d say this reads more like a fantastical Victorian adventure than anything - interesting, engaging, accessible - amazing if you’re into that kind of thing. But for me it was just a little too far-fetched and a bit too optimistic (seriously, how do you travel to far flung continents with nothing but written correspondence and yet still manage to find who you’re looking for every. single. time?).
Despite falling a little flat, it’s still an incredibly well-written and imaginative work that I enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend, especially to anyone who likes a traditional narrator and timeline.
‘Washington Black’, shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize, is a historical fiction novel which follows the life of a slave from a brutal sugar plantation in Barbados. Chosen as an apprentice for the master’s brother, “Titch,” Washington undertakes a whirlwind journey of escape and adventure that takes him all over the world - from America to the Arctic, and beyond.
Edugyan grapples with some important topics in the book, like the effects of slavery on perpetrators and questions of freedom, friendship, and identity. The first section of the novel, which takes place in Barbados, is the most hard-hitting and emotionally profound in my opinion. But despite the terrific writing, the latter portions lack the heft of other works dealing with similar themes (‘The Underground Railroad,’ for example).
Really, I’d say this reads more like a fantastical Victorian adventure than anything - interesting, engaging, accessible - amazing if you’re into that kind of thing. But for me it was just a little too far-fetched and a bit too optimistic (seriously, how do you travel to far flung continents with nothing but written correspondence and yet still manage to find who you’re looking for every. single. time?).
Despite falling a little flat, it’s still an incredibly well-written and imaginative work that I enjoyed reading and would definitely recommend, especially to anyone who likes a traditional narrator and timeline.
hayleycollea's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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
3.75
yesiamabandkid06's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
rebekahstuive's review against another edition
challenging
dark
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? It's complicated
3.0
tonynick's review against another edition
I just couldn't get into it. I really tried, but I just found it boring.
bugmandan34's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
scienceworks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
dpprichett's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
sad
slow-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
lhirl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
veganheathen's review against another edition
5.0
I feel like this book takes us on a journey with Wash as he goes through life trying to discover himself and his purpose. We get to see him grow and change and feel so many things. I really loved this book. I felt frustrated for some of the choices Wash made sometimes and ecstatic for him at others. This is one of those books that has left me thinking about it for days after finishing.