In Washington Black, we meet George Washington Black when he's eleven years old, a slave on a sugar plantation in Barbados. Wash is quiet and timid, cowed by his cruel and unpredictable master. Then Titch, the master's brother, chooses him to be his manservant, and his entire world opens up. Soon, the two of them are working together on scientific pursuits and seeing the humanity in each other. But tragedy strikes not long after, and they are forced to flee to save Wash's life. What follows is partly an adventure tale through different locales, and partly the discovery of oneself through the harshest of conditions.
This book is unflinching in its portrayal of slavery, not just the senseless brutality and violence, but also how it robs someone of their agency and their sense of self. It's heartbreaking to see that being slaves hinders their ability to form even the most basic bonds of friendship and love. There were so many things Wash wanted to ask Big Kit, who was as close as a mother to him, but he often could not form his thoughts into the words he did not know.
When Wash breaks free from slavery with Titch's help, we feel joyous and hopeful for him, but redemption and true freedom do not come so fast. The book explores how someone who has been a slave all his life would adjust to the world outside. Wash still spends much of his time feeling afraid, constantly looking over his shoulder, waiting for his old master to come calling and collect his property. He slowly breaks out of that fear, but he never fully escapes the crippling horror of his younger years.
Wash proceeds to live in a series of locations, first to better his living conditions, then to aid his pursuit of science and drawing. After many years, he lets his guard down enough to open his heart to a few people that really matter to him. As he finds peace and success through his longtime interest in science, his curiosity of why Titch chose to save him all those years ago never leaves him, and he starts to seek out the answers to all his questions.
Edugyan is a beautiful writer. Her passages are brutal, but also magical and uplifting. Reading her words, I am filled with both horror for Wash's past and hope and longing for his future. I'm so glad I picked up this book. It is a must-read, and will stick in my mind long after I am done.
Readaroo Rating: 4 stars
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