izwit's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Suicide attempt, Racial slurs, Slavery, Suicide, Injury/injury detail, Murder, and Racism
gwendolynaudrey_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
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
4.75
So close to a 5 star for me -- the ending was a little disheartening and honestly, confusing. The rest of the book is an amazing depiction of the realities of slavery, through the eyes of an "exceptional" young boy who escapes slavery and forges an uncertain life as an illustrator among academics and scientists. Adventurous and globe trotting. Fellow white people -- read this to understand how a "savior complex" does not rid you of the evils of the institution. Washington, the main character, is exceptionally loveable. The prose is beautiful and heart wrenching.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, Suicide attempt, Slavery, Racial slurs, Abandonment, and Child abuse
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