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lukel's review
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.5
Graphic: Death and Slavery
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Child death
kassn's review
3.0
I’m not the biggest fan of the writing style, and I found it’s organization rather odd, but it nonetheless imparts valuable accounts of the long-hidden history of Canadian slavery.
jandi's review against another edition
4.0
This is a history book, not historical based fiction. It is not a biography either. The book centers on Marie Joseph Angelique, a black domestic slave who possibly initiated a fire that destroyed a large section of Montreal in 1734. The author brings Angelique's voice back to life through trial records and other legal documents available from the time, and while the tone is fairly academic, her voice comes through clear and strong. Did Angelique commit the crime she was punished for? We'll never know, although I personally was shocked at second hand hearsay being used as evidence in the trial against her.
Parallel to Angelique's story, the author also provides extensive detail on the history of slavery in Canada. Because it happened, and there is no excusing it. Through newspaper ads, bills of sale, court records, etc., the author provides a glimpse on the role and treatment of slaves in Canada. Some sections are fairly dry, but the author highlights key events and ideas to avoid getting lost in the details.
Parallel to Angelique's story, the author also provides extensive detail on the history of slavery in Canada. Because it happened, and there is no excusing it. Through newspaper ads, bills of sale, court records, etc., the author provides a glimpse on the role and treatment of slaves in Canada. Some sections are fairly dry, but the author highlights key events and ideas to avoid getting lost in the details.
lbelow's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It is filled with a wealth of information, giving flesh and voice to a condemned woman while also illuminating the buried history of slavery in Canada, and bringing old Montréal to life. I highly recommend it!
Graphic: Slavery, Torture, and Colonisation
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Confinement, Genocide, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, and Classism
yourstrulytay's review
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Graphic: Confinement, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Fire/Fire injury, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment