Washington Black shows the connections in between cruelty and empathy.
The article in The New York Times goes over Esi Edugyan's novel Washington Black and checks out the styles of cruelty and empathy. The book follows the journey of a young Barb who gains his liberty and takes a trip from Barbados to the Americas and ultimately to Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is especially interesting to me due to the connection in between these 2 locations, both of which I am with and presently reside in. Barbados and Nova Scotia have a shared trade history, with Bridgetown, Nova Scotia being called after Barbados' capital. This connection is translucented the exchange of rum for salt cod and building materials. The story resonates highly by portraying enslaved characters who, despite dealing with harsh treatment from their colonial masters, stay resilient. Barbados Legacy of Slavery As I work on Rogues in Paradise, I am reminded of the extreme relationships among master and the enslaved, and circumstances of both cruelty and moments of genuine compassion within th...