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The Slave: A Historical Novel of the Federal Writer's Project, Memory and Love in the Great Depression
The latest release from the author of A Slave's Story, Return to the Slave Farm, and The Lilac Nurse!
“You have no idea who you’re dealin’ with here. He wasn’t just a slave for a few years; he was a slave most of his life. We don’t even know half his story.”
George Ambrose 'Sailor' Washington wasn't released from slavery on January 1, 1863, as were most other slaves in the United States. He spent many more years in involuntary servitude. The Slave is historical fiction about the Works Progress Administration's attempt to interview all remaining former slaves across the southern states. John Burrows is a young college graduate out to make a name for himself by interviewing Sailor, who is 110 years old. With persistent pressure from his two great-granddaughters, John and Sailor come to terms with Sailor's amazing life. Along the way, something happens between John and Julia, the beautiful great-granddaughter. Both learn about how the other half truly lives, and John's education and outlook on his dark-skinned counterparts is changed forever. A love grows between John and Julia that cannot be stopped by the anti-miscegenation laws of Depression-era Missouri. A must read.
“You have no idea who you’re dealin’ with here. He wasn’t just a slave for a few years; he was a slave most of his life. We don’t even know half his story.”
George Ambrose 'Sailor' Washington wasn't released from slavery on January 1, 1863, as were most other slaves in the United States. He spent many more years in involuntary servitude. The Slave is historical fiction about the Works Progress Administration's attempt to interview all remaining former slaves across the southern states. John Burrows is a young college graduate out to make a name for himself by interviewing Sailor, who is 110 years old. With persistent pressure from his two great-granddaughters, John and Sailor come to terms with Sailor's amazing life. Along the way, something happens between John and Julia, the beautiful great-granddaughter. Both learn about how the other half truly lives, and John's education and outlook on his dark-skinned counterparts is changed forever. A love grows between John and Julia that cannot be stopped by the anti-miscegenation laws of Depression-era Missouri. A must read.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 15, 2023
The history is amazing
This is extremely well written of American history. The people who endured such extreme conditions are the strongest most decent people I know of their faith has always been extremely strong. Yes this is a horrifying part of Americas history They dont need our pity they need our respect and perseverance we all need to learn from them
This is extremely well written of American history. The people who endured such extreme conditions are the strongest most decent people I know of their faith has always been extremely strong. Yes this is a horrifying part of Americas history They dont need our pity they need our respect and perseverance we all need to learn from them
May 15, 2024
The Best Memorial I Have Ever Read!!
So Heartbreaking and Heart Touching And A Beautiful Tribute To This Amazing Man!! He Loved His Family So Very Much!! A Truly Great Person And Read !
So Heartbreaking and Heart Touching And A Beautiful Tribute To This Amazing Man!! He Loved His Family So Very Much!! A Truly Great Person And Read !
August 30, 2025
a riveting story about the end of slavery
Sweet story of a young journalist during the Great Depression sent to interview a 110 year old slave.
The author delves into what caused the Tulsa Massacre.
A great read.
Sweet story of a young journalist during the Great Depression sent to interview a 110 year old slave.
The author delves into what caused the Tulsa Massacre.
A great read.
September 12, 2023
The Slave
I gave this book one star review because it was soo far fetched. Th story was poorly written. A bad read
I gave this book one star review because it was soo far fetched. Th story was poorly written. A bad read
May 15, 2024
Best Read
The most moving book I’ve read in my 81 years. Truly a love story for the ages and such a fine example of pure love that knows no boundaries especially color.
The most moving book I’ve read in my 81 years. Truly a love story for the ages and such a fine example of pure love that knows no boundaries especially color.
March 4, 2025
The Slave
Absolutely love this book. You feel like your right there with every character. Can't wait to read more if his books.🙂
Absolutely love this book. You feel like your right there with every character. Can't wait to read more if his books.🙂
September 19, 2025
We all have a choice.
History shows us how cruel and evil some people can be. Yet good over comes evil.
Beautiful book, touches your soul.
History shows us how cruel and evil some people can be. Yet good over comes evil.
Beautiful book, touches your soul.
May 23, 2025
✒️Slow going— somewhere. It was difficult to really get into. Kudos to the author for reading the WPA narratives.
જ⁀🟣 Kindle.
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જ⁀🟣 Kindle.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews