73 pages • 2 hours read
Clotel
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1800s
1853
Adult
18+ years
1180L
Super Short Summary
Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter follows Clotel and her family as they endure the brutal separations and hardships imposed by slavery, beginning with their sale after President Thomas Jefferson's rumored affair with their mother, Sally Hemings. The narrative explores the devastating impacts of slavery, including family separation, sexual exploitation, and social and legal injustices, while critiquing the moral contradictions of a society that claims to value freedom and equality.
Dark
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
2,325 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Wells Brown's Clotel receives praise for its historical significance and exploration of race and identity, highlighting its pioneering role as the first novel published by an African American. However, some critique its melodramatic plot and uneven character development. Overall, it remains a vital read for its cultural and historical import.
Who Should Read Clotel?
A reader who enjoys Clotel by William Wells Brown would likely be interested in African American literature, historical fiction, and narratives that explore themes of slavery and racial injustice. Fans of Beloved by Toni Morrison or Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe will find this poignant and groundbreaking novel compelling.
2,325 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1800s
1853
Adult
18+ years
1180L
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