Washington Black A Novel
Washington Black A Novel by Esi Edugyan, published by Serpent’s Tail in 2018, is a historical fiction narrative that follows the life of an eleven-year-old field slave named Washington Black. Selected as a personal servant to Christopher ‘Titch’ Wilde, an eccentric Englishman with aspirations of inventing an aerial machine, Washington’s life takes a dramatic turn as he navigates the complexities of freedom and survival. The novel unfolds against a backdrop of diverse settings, including Barbados, Canada, London, and Morocco, highlighting the challenges and adventures faced by its protagonist.
Readers will find a richly woven tale that explores themes of identity and resilience through Washington’s journey from the oppressive cane fields to the vast unknown. The story is marked by high adventure and unexpected twists, as Washington grapples with his circumstances and the pursuit of freedom. This edition spans 419 pages and is presented in English, offering a deep dive into a narrative inspired by true events that reflect the historical experiences of African American and Black individuals.
Official synopsis Publisher
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2018 MAN BOOKER PRIZEWINNER OF THE GILLER PRIZE FINALIST FOR THE CARNEGIE MEDAL AND THE ROGERS WRITERS TRUST FICTION PRIZEFROM THE MAN BOOKER AND ORANGE PRIZE SHORTLISTED AUTHOR OF HALF BLOOD BLUESNew York Times Top Ten Book of the Year 2018’A masterpiece’ Attica Locke’High adventure fraught with cliffhanger twists mark this runaway-slave narrative, which leaps, sails, and soars … broadens inventive possibilities for the antebellum novel’ Kirkus starred review When two English brothers take the helm of a Barbados sugar plantation, Washington Black – an eleven year-old field slave – finds himself selected as personal servant to one of these men. The eccentric Christopher ‘Titch’ Wilde is a naturalist, explorer, scientist, inventor and abolitionist, whose single-minded pursuit of the perfect aerial machine mystifies all around him. Titch’s idealistic plans are soon shattered and Washington finds himself in mortal danger. They escape the island together, but then then Titch disappears and Washington must make his way alone, following the promise of freedom further than he ever dreamed possible. From the blistering cane fields of Barbados to the icy wastes of the Canadian Arctic, from the mud-drowned streets of London to the eerie deserts of Morocco, Washington Black teems with all the strangeness and mystery of life. Inspired by a true story, Washington Black is the extraordinary tale of a world destroyed and made whole again.
Author
Publisher
Topics
FAQ
What is “Washington Black A Novel” about?
Who is the author of “Washington Black A Novel”?
When was “Washington Black A Novel” published?
What is the ISBN for “Washington Black A Novel”?
What are the book details (language, pages, edition)?
