“outstanding! i did have a hard time starting it, so i opened it up to some dialogue about 40 pages into the book, got hooked, and started over. ”
“kwami - I don't agree that slavery as we have been taught is a result of a black slave master.”
“I found the book to be very good, yet disturbing. I have to be in the mood to read the slavery stuff sometimes and this one was really chilling. I really hate the parts when slaves who had to actually buy their freedom, could be so simply thrown back into slavery by having their 'papers' taken from them. And who could be surprised that some black folks living in the madness, acquired slaves themselves.... while trying to 'fit in' with what was ironically a societal norm.Sickening. But still, a really good read. ”
“what is the special of this book”
“tedious read for me. the story kept flipping back and forth. got really bored with it. ”
“Prior to reading this book, I never realized that Blacks also owned slaves - albeit on a much smaller scale than Whites. However, it doesn't make the institution of slavery any less humane and wrong. In understanding Henry Townsend's decision to own slaves, an examination of his life and relationships with his parents and former owner, Bill Robbins, are quite useful. When Henry's parents were freed, Bill Robbins acted as and was his father, with Bill even going so far as to punish Henry's parents when his real father hit him. It is Bill's values that most influenced Henry. Henry revered Bill Robbins, and even saw him as a father figure. Henry admired his former owner's business acumen, financial stability and position within his community. He sought Bill's approval of his actions. Bill Robbins was Henry's first image of what "making it" and being successful really meant. To a certain extent, Robbins took Henry under his wing, even arranging for his education and admonishing him not to get too close or familiar with his slaves. As Henry's father once told him, no one should have had to tell Henry that owning slaves was wrong. But, his own experiences - in the absence of his parents - informed his choices. It is this struggle between Henry and his father that reminds us of the contradiction of Black slave owners. ”
“I haven't finished this yet - couldn't get past the first couple chapters, will have to come back to it”
“I know what you mean about being so disturbed by the story. Yet, I feel it explained even more how something so ugly as slavery, was made a societal norm to the point where even some black folks had such a desire to 'fit in', that they would own slaves too. What a horror.”
“I really enjoyed this book, however I am a little confused about what was going on with Counsel on his journey. The dimensions of the house 20x15 outside, 75x50 inside and the strange people living there. The dogs, strange people, horses, wagons etc. in the middle of the forest? Was he dreaming? Hallucinating? Any ideas?”
