The complexities and contrast between the story’s narrator George Washington “Wash” Black and his white master/companion/friend Christopher “Titch” Wilde were the most compelling part for me. Wash is born a slave on a plantation in Barbados, and cared for by Big Kit, an older woman who dreams of her former life before being stolen and enslaved. When Titch arrives at the plantation, Wash gives up his one human connection with her for a life-changing and fantastical adventure with Titch (though in reality he is not given a choice).

“I thought of my existence before Titch's arrival, the brutal hours in the field under the crushing sun, the screams, the casual finality edging every slave's life, as though each day could very easily be the last. And that, it seemed to me clearly, was the more obvious anguish- that life had never belonged to any of us, even when we'd sought to reclaim it by ending it. We had been estranged from the potential of our own bodies, from the revelation of everything our minds and bodies could accomplish.”

Race and privilege drive every behavior. Edugyan illustrates this real-world truth masterfully. The relationship between Titch and Wash is the most prominent example, but it shows up throughout the novel. Each character’s race and class dominate their unique reaction to Wash.

“You were more concerned that slavery should be a moral stain upon white men than by the actual damage it wreaks on black men.”

I didn’t get as “sucked in” as I usually do for adventure and character-driven stories like this, but that likely had to do with reading it during a stressful move. I’d still say this is still a great read that should be part of your list. I understand why many loved it, and I plan to re-read in the future when I can give it my full attention.

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