Swift Currents

by David Bruce Grim

Twenty-three year old Callie has lived in bondage at Oakheart Plantation since her birth. She has become a valuable asset to her cruel master, Daniel Bowen, but Callie, her two brothers, and her young daughter struggle to cope with the outrages of enslavement. Change occurs suddenly on November 7, 1861, when the Union Navy attacks Port Royal Sound in South Carolina. Slavery ends across the surrounding sea islands after the planters flee. Ten thousand newly freed people, like Callie and her family, begin life under the authority of the US government. A historical novel based on actual events from 1861 to 1863, Swift Currents describes the slaves? transition from bondage to freedom through the lens of Callie and her two brothers. As they and others pursue education, work for wages, fight for freedom, and become landowners, their lives intersect with civilian and military authorities. Callie?s story seeks to help the nation come to terms with its racial history and serves to provide a greater understanding of shared stories, thus lessening the inherited prejudice of generations.

Genres: Historical Fiction

316 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2014

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

The great strength of this novel is the way the author describes the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. At one point, he talks about "silken waterways", which is a particularly apt picture. Unfortunately, I didn't find the rest of the novel very compelling, despite the rich history he's working from.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book that is also a historically accurate account of the enslaved on the islands near Beaufort, South Carolina before and during the Civil War. Since I will be studying the Reconstruction era there this summer thanks to the NEH ( National Endowment for the Humanities) I especially enjoyed reading about this unique area.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A different fictional perspective on the US Civil War, not elegantly told, but very imaginatively. Excellent use of a Gullah translator for the dialogue, although the author often makes annoying selections of words and phrases to translate back into English, when the context makes the meanings perfectly clear. That's my only complaint. Otherwise, the story is carried by several interesting characters interacting in unusual circumstances, and it is not a whitewash in any way. An engaging and easy read.

[Corinne Banach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had difficulty understand the Gullah language as is was authentically written in the book. I didn't realize until halfway through that there was a glossary at the end. Good story and uplifting about the end of slavery but I believe that most of the slaves had a more difficult time as freeman than this particular story portrays

[Lisa Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superbly researched, well-written story of the Civil War in the South Carolina Sea Islands. (More Later)

[Mary Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thickly written novel and a well-researched historical setting. The sea islands of Beaufort county are beautiful and haunting, which is the same vibe as this story.

[Pattie aka Grand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love learning the history of the Low Country and the barrier islands, especially as it pertains to the Civil War period. I felt this was a solid 3.5 stars. Unfortunately, I found thee Gullah dialog more of a distraction than an asset. Every book about this era, starting with Gone With the Wind uses too many stereotypical overtones of the relationships between the white owners and the human bondage to try to make it less abhorrent. It doesn't work. This author tried to present a mire accurate picture if slavery in the Low Country.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book while spending a week in Beaufort and St. Helena. I was totally absorbed with this book from the moment I started. I love the characters. Especially Callie and Lucas, the characters are well-developed and I wanted to keep reading to stay connected with them and see what happens. Hopeful for a sequel actually -- the type of book where you want to keep going....

I loved the way that the characters lives interconnect. While their lives have been separated by slavery; and by north-south; white-black; their lives also interconnect in ways that surprise you.

I definitely recommend.

[bigbonton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insights to the real lives of Americans circa 1860's (the US Civil War).
Valuable perspectives into US citizens, citizens of the Confederate States of America, and enslaved people -- are are treated with respect as multidimensional characters.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book. Attacks a transitional time in history with care& made me want to learn more. Very thought provoking.

Read it when you have the time- because you won't want to put it down!

[Sue Cheatham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beaufort

Lucky me I live in Beaufort with these warm and lovely people . The tide still very important to life styles around here.