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Troubled Times
Troubled Times
240 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2005
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June 13, 2015
I was very curious yet guarded about reading this story, “Troubled Times.” It is an historical story about free black people who migrate from a slave state to a free state so they can live truly free. Except, after settling in the free state, they soon realize that in pre-Civil War times (and even post-Civil War) there is no state where a black person (slave or free) can live totally free.
I was curious because I wanted to see how a white author handled the story of free, migrating blacks pre-Civil War. How would she represent the feelings and attitudes of the black characters? Would she objectively present all perspectives (slavers and sympathizers; slaves and free blacks; slave holders and abolitionists)? How would she depict the mood of the country and the tension that pervaded the times? I was also guarded because as a black person raised and living in America, I find slavery a very touchy, highly explosive subject. One that I am not keen on reading about either as fiction or non-fiction.
But I forged ahead and was glad I did. The author did a really good job of presenting the picture of the time. I felt the desperation of the free blacks, that which motivated their journey to a free state. I understood the greed of the whites (poor and rich) who took advantage of the free blacks. Turns out some of them, too, were desperate for survival and freedom. Others were just plain greedy. I understood the attitudes of the too few white sympathizers, and the tension of the pending war that tore the country apart was palpable. This is definitely an emotional tale and a very satisfying one.
The storyline follows a logical unfolding with a solid beginning, middle and end. The characters are well defined, having flaws, strengths and motivations. In addition, there was variety in the character palette—the good, the evil and those ranges in between. Black, white, rich and poor. Spiritual, earthly, strong and weak. Like I said, a great character mix.
I found the settlers’ journey to freedom marked with interesting obstacles that opened me to new experiences through the characters. The progression of their lives that fills the middle of the book was both heart-wrenching (when some of the families chose to part ways) and happy (when more families were added to the settlement, when generations were birthed, when growth in spirit and material needs was realized). I was proud of the free blacks’ spirit of community. Other emotions emerged during the reading of the tale; there were times when I was uncomfortable, angry, tense, sad and hopeful.
I could have been even more engaged in the story if the author had employed more showing of the story than narrative. There were some crucial scenes, tension-filled scenes that were adequately portrayed but could have been outstanding if more sensory writing had been included. But in all, I was happy that despite my reluctance I spent time with this story. I plan to look through this author’s library of writings and see what else I can find to enjoy.
I was curious because I wanted to see how a white author handled the story of free, migrating blacks pre-Civil War. How would she represent the feelings and attitudes of the black characters? Would she objectively present all perspectives (slavers and sympathizers; slaves and free blacks; slave holders and abolitionists)? How would she depict the mood of the country and the tension that pervaded the times? I was also guarded because as a black person raised and living in America, I find slavery a very touchy, highly explosive subject. One that I am not keen on reading about either as fiction or non-fiction.
But I forged ahead and was glad I did. The author did a really good job of presenting the picture of the time. I felt the desperation of the free blacks, that which motivated their journey to a free state. I understood the greed of the whites (poor and rich) who took advantage of the free blacks. Turns out some of them, too, were desperate for survival and freedom. Others were just plain greedy. I understood the attitudes of the too few white sympathizers, and the tension of the pending war that tore the country apart was palpable. This is definitely an emotional tale and a very satisfying one.
The storyline follows a logical unfolding with a solid beginning, middle and end. The characters are well defined, having flaws, strengths and motivations. In addition, there was variety in the character palette—the good, the evil and those ranges in between. Black, white, rich and poor. Spiritual, earthly, strong and weak. Like I said, a great character mix.
I found the settlers’ journey to freedom marked with interesting obstacles that opened me to new experiences through the characters. The progression of their lives that fills the middle of the book was both heart-wrenching (when some of the families chose to part ways) and happy (when more families were added to the settlement, when generations were birthed, when growth in spirit and material needs was realized). I was proud of the free blacks’ spirit of community. Other emotions emerged during the reading of the tale; there were times when I was uncomfortable, angry, tense, sad and hopeful.
I could have been even more engaged in the story if the author had employed more showing of the story than narrative. There were some crucial scenes, tension-filled scenes that were adequately portrayed but could have been outstanding if more sensory writing had been included. But in all, I was happy that despite my reluctance I spent time with this story. I plan to look through this author’s library of writings and see what else I can find to enjoy.
Displaying 1 of 1 review