56 pages • 1 hour read
Washington Black
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • 1830s
2018
Adult
18+ years
830L
Super Short Summary
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan chronicles the journey of Washington "Wash" Black, an enslaved boy from a Barbados plantation, who becomes the assistant to eccentric scientist Titch. As they embark on adventures involving science and escape efforts, Wash navigates the intricacies of race, freedom, identity, and relationships, while ultimately seeking to find his place in a challenging world. The book contains scenes involving slavery and violence.
Adventurous
Emotional
Mysterious
Challenging
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
77,659 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Esi Edugyan's Washington Black has garnered praise for its vivid storytelling, complex characters, and rich historical context, though some critics note a meandering plot and uneven pacing. The novel's exploration of themes like freedom and identity is compelling, with Edugyan's prose celebrated for its elegance and depth, despite occasional narrative digressions.
Who Should Read Washington Black?
Readers who enjoyed The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead or Life of Pi by Yann Martel will appreciate Washington Black by Esi Edugyan. This novel appeals to those interested in historical fiction, adventure, and themes of freedom and identity, offering a complex, character-driven narrative with rich, poetic prose.
77,659 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • 1830s
2018
Adult
18+ years
830L
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