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verpissdich's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I like Cassy, but understand why she wasn't introduced earlier.
Tom's death was good for the plot Tom is a believable character, his piousness never seems completely unbelievable.
The examination of Christianity (or rather the church) as both a force for supporting and defeating slavery is remarkably nuanced. As is the distribution of the blame for slavery, which is placed on the north as well as the south. In fact, the north is at times criticized more heavily for it's role in slavery than the south, because it doesn't have the cultural and habitual excuse to fall back upon, and supports the trade through financial means while condemning it verbally.
Eva's death is very sad, and St Lawrence's death seems a bit forced/rushed but necessary for the plot. It seems there could have been a better way to kill him off
The subplot of George & Co's escape seems to get dropped after the first third of the book. In my opinion too much time at the start is spent on this subplot, compared to how much it gives at the end in return .
George's desire to move to Liberia and the discussion of nationalism at the end is very interesting
The only character that feels excessively unbalanced is Marie St Lawrence, who is entirely unlikeable without a single redeeming quality.
The end feels rushed and a little bit "happily ever after", but the purpose of the book has already been served so it's ok
The everpresent "life goes in tedium after events of tragedy and excitement" motif is very well done. After nearly every event, we are reminded of the tedium and toil of everyday life in a masterful way.
The examination of Christianity (or rather the church) as both a force for supporting and defeating slavery is remarkably nuanced. As is the distribution of the blame for slavery, which is placed on the north as well as the south. In fact, the north is at times criticized more heavily for it's role in slavery than the south, because it doesn't have the cultural and habitual excuse to fall back upon, and supports the trade through financial means while condemning it verbally.
The only character that feels excessively unbalanced is Marie St Lawrence, who is entirely unlikeable without a single redeeming quality.
The everpresent "life goes in tedium after events of tragedy and excitement" motif is very well done. After nearly every event, we are reminded of the tedium and toil of everyday life in a masterful way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
impla77's review against another edition
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
Yes this is melodramatic, overly sentimental and seeped in the prejudices of its kind, but its also deeply moving and compassionate. I cant speak to how influential this was in the historical record, but it still packs a powerful punch now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Death, Rape, Suicide, and Murder
trippalli's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.0
A realistic and challenging historic fiction about slavery based on real stories and real people, their suffering and the cruelty of slavery. The need for people to work together to overcome social wrongs like the horrible historic truth of slavery is evident. The uplifting effect of religion and reading for the slaves is throughout the story a continuous hopefulness for the people suffering in the stories herein
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
peachmoni's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
2.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Blood, Religious bigotry, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Suicidal thoughts