Inspired by a true story, we’re thrown into George Washington - Wash - Black’s life. An eleven year old boy who’s a field slave to a wealthy, abominable white man named Erasmus Wilde. He runs a sugar plantation in the sweltering heat of Barbados, whilst his eccentric brother, Titch, is busy building a bewildering contraption... After a barbaric event one evening, Washington is called upon by Wilde. Fear and apprehension overcomes him only to discover that he is to be a personal servant to one of the brothers. Titch. Wash was mystified and flabbergasted at Titch’s unusual behaviour and personality and dubious to his kind-natured ways. But was soon readily eager to help Titch with his unusual preference of science.

Washington and Titch were wonderfully written; each of their characters springing to life upon the pages.
In Part One it was indeed fantastical storytelling, riveting, harsh and moving. I was constantly drawn in to every page. Saturated with history, character, and a compelling but brutal tale. Edugyan’s writing is incredibly admirable and irresistibly obsessive. However Part Two took quite a turn and it lacked the vibrancy it had in the first half of the book. I also felt that the story did go on for far too long. Washington was still such an interesting character though and his growth and development was so absorbing. I loved the historical aspects of it, despite it being so hard to read in terms of the subject matter. Some parts were hard to stomach and hurt my heart whenever racism/discrimination reared its vile, ugly head.
The cover of my edition was also quite deceiving. Although it is a beautiful cover, it depicts something quite different to what actually goes on in the book so I found this to be quite disappointing in all honesty. I also wasn’t really keen on the ending, and the lead up to it felt a little too coincidental, too. Nevertheless it was a good read and glad I’ve read it.