The Slave's Diary

by Kenneth R. McClelland

The Slave's Diary is the story of a man named Kimbo who chronicled his life after being kidnapped as a boy from the jungles of Africa while on his first hunt with his father. Follow him as he's carried across the ocean on a slave ship through the trade triangle to the slave trade of 19th century Virginia, going from master to master due to a tragedy on that first plantation. Kimbo manages to make friends during his trials wherever he finds them, even developing a love interest that didn't quite work out. When one of his masters tries to pit him in a boxing match against a killer called Barnyard Willie, he decides to make a run for the Underground Railroad. While still on the run he rescues a lost white girl, is captured by the Pikes, is nearly beaten by a new master, gets rescued by a minister, meets a girl and gets married, and he even helps carry a wounded rebel soldier - at the request of a young rebel with a gun. After the Civil War ends, through the American Colonization Society, Kimbo returns to Africa as a missionary with his family, in the new country of Liberia... oh, did I mention that they were attacked by Pirates on the way? It's a good award winning read, and I'm sure that you'll enjoy it.

234 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2012

Reviews

[Carmon Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Amazement

I originally got this endearing, haunting, peaceful, book for my Granddaughter who is 10.
I decided to pre - read it for content. I have been taken to the rich South, and shown the owned side.
I've been whisked away to goodness, good honest people who had nothing, except their own sence of right and wrong. To Bad people of no morals, hatred, and greed. And hence been delivered upon a warm African coast, with peaceful wanderings of our minds, (the story's writer/ narrator's mind and mine ).
A Blazingly forward book of capture, endurance, wonder, confusion, self worth,and Hope. Promises made and kept.
A fantastic read for any age, took me 2 days and I read every chan e I got. Enjoy.
Carmon Modelski

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenneth R. McClelland writes a dramatic historical tale with The Slave's Diary

In The Slave's Diary, the reader is introduced to 19th Century America, and Kimbo, who is hunting with his father in Africa, is kidnapped, and sold into slavery. It's a very well-written story, that tugs at your heart, because you know things like this actually happened, and sometimes still happen now. Slavery is not a new concept, but it's a concept that should just disappear for good. Kimbo's journey is one of awe and amazement, and yet horrifying and terrorizing, as he is sold from master to master. He tries to escape and then keeps getting pulled back into a life that is torturous. It's a remarkable story and is unpredictable, as you pray for Kimbo's release and freedom, and also any companion that he meets. His story is one from fiction, but historical, yes, based on reality, of course. I really enjoyed reading this story, as it had so many layers, and the reader never knows what's going to happen next, and sometimes what does happen is gut-wrenching, and other times, triumphant. It's an emotionally charged story, and some parts are slower than others, but the pace is right for what is going on in the story. The Slave's Diary is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

[Tifiney Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down!

A must read! It gives a small view of the life my ancestors had to endure for years, or a lifetime.