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felinity's review
4.0
4.5 stars
Set in Elizabethan times, [b:Nobody's Slave|15831741|Nobody's Slave|Tim Vicary|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345141717s/15831741.jpg|21567120] explores the slave trade from two viewpoints: Madu, an African youth, and Tom, an English sailor boy sailing with the infamous John Hawkins and the more famous Francis Drake.
This would be a great book for class reading, with so much opportunity for discussion of the ethics surrounding slavery and racism, and the variations in beliefs between regions and different historical eras. It also shows the misapprehensions seen on both sides, and the typical "we are individuals but they are all the same" semi-xenophobic thinking common to close-knit social groups. Great details, and very cleverly done.
Set in Elizabethan times, [b:Nobody's Slave|15831741|Nobody's Slave|Tim Vicary|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345141717s/15831741.jpg|21567120] explores the slave trade from two viewpoints: Madu, an African youth, and Tom, an English sailor boy sailing with the infamous John Hawkins and the more famous Francis Drake.
Spoiler
The boys are brought together in a semi slave-master relationship, but then the dynamics and the power balance begin to change as each is exposed to new and very different cultural expectations and traditions. Slowly, Tom's denials become more superficial and a slow realization of his hypocrisy begins to dawn.This would be a great book for class reading, with so much opportunity for discussion of the ethics surrounding slavery and racism, and the variations in beliefs between regions and different historical eras. It also shows the misapprehensions seen on both sides, and the typical "we are individuals but they are all the same" semi-xenophobic thinking common to close-knit social groups. Great details, and very cleverly done.
maeclair's review against another edition
4.0
History, much of it painful, is brought to life in this tale. At heart, it is the story of the relationship between two boys, one free, one bound into slavery, and how their relationship progresses from enemies to friends. The characters are well developed and appealing, and the story moves a fast clip. Nicely done.
bexcapades's review against another edition
4.0
This is based on real events & people
It is a good introduction to the slave trade for younger pupils (from 12+) as it is not as violent as most stories.
Overall Madu was very likeable and he educated his white friend on what it means to be taken from your home in a brutal way & forced to become a slave.
I did wish it was a little bit longer though.
It is a good introduction to the slave trade for younger pupils (from 12+) as it is not as violent as most stories.
Overall Madu was very likeable and he educated his white friend on what it means to be taken from your home in a brutal way & forced to become a slave.
I did wish it was a little bit longer though.
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