What do you think?
Rate this book
Caleb
“You don’t want to buy me. I’ll kill the man who buys me.”
Despite that outrageous threat, plantation owner Boyd Jardine buys Caleb and puts him to work in the fields. But soon Jardine discovers that his new slave is both better educated and more widely traveled than himself. When Jardine’s pregnant wife dies and Caleb saves the unborn child, Jardine grows increasingly dependent on him not only as a servant but also as a companion—and so their relationship as master and slave begins to change.
As the Civil War looms and Caleb’s thirst for freedom grows, Jardine reluctantly agrees to let the slave buy his freedom. Caleb has no money, but Jardine comes up with a scheme: Caleb can earn the price of freedom by fighting—and winning—boxing matches. But—in an ever more turbulent political climate—even if Caleb makes enough to purchase his freedom, what then? Freedom papers don’t mean much in a state of war.
Set against a conflict that threatens to split a nation, Caleb’s story is both tragic and triumphant.
Revised edition: This edition of Caleb includes editorial revisions.
Despite that outrageous threat, plantation owner Boyd Jardine buys Caleb and puts him to work in the fields. But soon Jardine discovers that his new slave is both better educated and more widely traveled than himself. When Jardine’s pregnant wife dies and Caleb saves the unborn child, Jardine grows increasingly dependent on him not only as a servant but also as a companion—and so their relationship as master and slave begins to change.
As the Civil War looms and Caleb’s thirst for freedom grows, Jardine reluctantly agrees to let the slave buy his freedom. Caleb has no money, but Jardine comes up with a scheme: Caleb can earn the price of freedom by fighting—and winning—boxing matches. But—in an ever more turbulent political climate—even if Caleb makes enough to purchase his freedom, what then? Freedom papers don’t mean much in a state of war.
Set against a conflict that threatens to split a nation, Caleb’s story is both tragic and triumphant.
Revised edition: This edition of Caleb includes editorial revisions.
MP3 CD
First published May 6, 2013
58 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 8, 2021
***SPOILER ALERT***. The story started out good and had good pacing. The plot became unrealistic. Master has slave purchase his freedom then proceeds to teach him how to act like a white man by having dinner with him, showing him how to hunt and use a saber in battle etc... Sorry too much for me to believe.
March 16, 2018
Different kind of slavery book, easy to follow, amusing, satisfying story
October 11, 2021
This was an interesting book and for the most part I enjoyed reading it. I just had a difficult time buying into it. Boyd Jardine, the owner of Three Rivers plantation buys Caleb at a slave sale. He takes him home and puts him to work. As time goes along, Boyd finds out that Caleb is much more accomplished than he first thought. It turns out he had lived in Boston and was raised with the young master of the house. He knows how to read, write and figure numbers. Mr. Jardine moves Caleb into the house and has him handle all of his accounts as well as becoming his main house boy. Slowly but surely their relationship evolves and Caleb ends up buying his freedom, just as the Civil War is about to begin and change the face of our nation.
July 5, 2013
Wow!! I read this book in less than 24 hours! It was a very enjoyable book! I laughed, I cried I got mad too!! Thus was a good story set in a bad situation but very worth the time to read!! Caleb ROCKS!!!
April 2, 2014
I LOVED this book, but wish it would have ended differently. lol. I live through my reading and always feel the need to know "more". I fear that I will always wonder what happens to Caleb after the war. :(
July 20, 2013
I really enjoyed this book about a slave who's greatest dream is to become a free man. It really gave insight into what the slaves endured and how life was in those times
September 18, 2023
Knjiga o onim likovima koji su možda postojali i verovatno svi bi hteli da je istorija bila takva: bez robova, bez razlika zbog boje kože....
Knjiga o onim likovima koji sigurno su bili samo ideja piscima zato što sredinom XIX veka u osvit gradjanskog rata u USA bili pismeni, znali da računaju i da pišu...
Ako vizualizirate na sebi kvalitetan način, pojaviće se kvalitetna mini serija puna drame. Puna dijaloga i jednostavnih rečenica - Kejleb (Caleb) je slatka knjiga koja se brzo čita sa tematikom koja je zilion puta do sada iskorišćena, ali i nepresušna.
Slatka.
(ako vas interesuje tema, preporuka da pogledate istinitu priču - Chevalier, drama, based on a true story (kao sve u zadnje vreme)).
Knjiga o onim likovima koji sigurno su bili samo ideja piscima zato što sredinom XIX veka u osvit gradjanskog rata u USA bili pismeni, znali da računaju i da pišu...
Ako vizualizirate na sebi kvalitetan način, pojaviće se kvalitetna mini serija puna drame. Puna dijaloga i jednostavnih rečenica - Kejleb (Caleb) je slatka knjiga koja se brzo čita sa tematikom koja je zilion puta do sada iskorišćena, ali i nepresušna.
Slatka.
(ako vas interesuje tema, preporuka da pogledate istinitu priču - Chevalier, drama, based on a true story (kao sve u zadnje vreme)).
March 3, 2017
Should be made into a movie!
December 24, 2017
crazy good! had me flinching and crying and cussing several times.
February 8, 2015
This book was a Goodreads Giveaway.
Mr. Alverson took on a new genre with his first historical fiction endeavor, and while the result for me was lackluster, I expect others may find this more enjoyable.
A young back man is sold into slavery in the south just as the rumblings of the Civil War begin to spread across the nation. This man, trained and educated as a free black in Boston, finds himself out of place in this new life and determined to win his freedom. The story grows with his relationship to his slave-master, and eventually turns into something of a military fiction.
The story arcs and plot points are strong, and the characterization is clear. The book ran aground for me on several points, though, which kept my enjoyment level low and required extraordinarily steadfast commitment to finish. The first big challenge for me was the narrative distance. For much of the early part of the book, the story progresses swiftly and in passing. Only in the rarest of occasions do we draw in close enough to experience a scene fully first-hand. This gave the overwhelming sensation of "telling, not showing". It became easy for me to be distant from the characters and not invest in their well-being.
The second issue was pacing. Mr. Alverson took a circuitous route to his final scene and filled the intervening pages with an assortment of plot points which often assembled themselves disjointedly. Major aspects of the story took place without a struggle or any real sense of tension, while others that held me in suspension were quite meaningless. If there were more opportunities taken to raise the stakes, I might call it a rollercoaster. As it was, the book felt like a car stuttering its way across a desert.
Finally, I have to say something about the character of Caleb himself. It is perhaps a statement about myself that I cannot abide a perfect character. I've called out this trait in many authors in the young-adult fiction genre as well. When an author falls in love with his or her character, the book becomes scene upon scene of excuses to show them doing the amazing, the impossible, or the unexpected. Without opportunity to struggle or fail, to overcome and grow, the character they want so much to stand tall is left lying flat. Caleb, unfortunately, falls firmly into this group. I should feel much more for a man in his situations than I did. I should cry for him and plead his case in my head as the pages turn. Instead, he never connected, either with me as a reader, or even with the other slaves suffering on his plantation. This is probably the biggest failure of the story overall.
As I said before, others may find more value and enjoyment here than I did. I marked this review as 2-stars, what Goodreads calls: "okay". I hope that with these criticisms in mind, others may read it more prepared and find it worth more stars.
Mr. Alverson took on a new genre with his first historical fiction endeavor, and while the result for me was lackluster, I expect others may find this more enjoyable.
A young back man is sold into slavery in the south just as the rumblings of the Civil War begin to spread across the nation. This man, trained and educated as a free black in Boston, finds himself out of place in this new life and determined to win his freedom. The story grows with his relationship to his slave-master, and eventually turns into something of a military fiction.
The story arcs and plot points are strong, and the characterization is clear. The book ran aground for me on several points, though, which kept my enjoyment level low and required extraordinarily steadfast commitment to finish. The first big challenge for me was the narrative distance. For much of the early part of the book, the story progresses swiftly and in passing. Only in the rarest of occasions do we draw in close enough to experience a scene fully first-hand. This gave the overwhelming sensation of "telling, not showing". It became easy for me to be distant from the characters and not invest in their well-being.
The second issue was pacing. Mr. Alverson took a circuitous route to his final scene and filled the intervening pages with an assortment of plot points which often assembled themselves disjointedly. Major aspects of the story took place without a struggle or any real sense of tension, while others that held me in suspension were quite meaningless. If there were more opportunities taken to raise the stakes, I might call it a rollercoaster. As it was, the book felt like a car stuttering its way across a desert.
Finally, I have to say something about the character of Caleb himself. It is perhaps a statement about myself that I cannot abide a perfect character. I've called out this trait in many authors in the young-adult fiction genre as well. When an author falls in love with his or her character, the book becomes scene upon scene of excuses to show them doing the amazing, the impossible, or the unexpected. Without opportunity to struggle or fail, to overcome and grow, the character they want so much to stand tall is left lying flat. Caleb, unfortunately, falls firmly into this group. I should feel much more for a man in his situations than I did. I should cry for him and plead his case in my head as the pages turn. Instead, he never connected, either with me as a reader, or even with the other slaves suffering on his plantation. This is probably the biggest failure of the story overall.
As I said before, others may find more value and enjoyment here than I did. I marked this review as 2-stars, what Goodreads calls: "okay". I hope that with these criticisms in mind, others may read it more prepared and find it worth more stars.
October 7, 2015
Caleb was an indentured servant in Boston in the 1800s, educated alongside his young master. Unfortunately, when the boy's father died, he sold Caleb down South, even though he wasn't even a slave to begin with! Boyd Jardine, a plantation owner in South Carolina, bought Caleb, despite a threat that Caleb would kill the man who bought him. However, the two men soon found some common ground, in spite of the precarious situation of their master and slave relationship. The educated Caleb saved Jardine's unborn son when his pregnant wife fell deathly ill, by performing an emergency cesarean section. Yet Caleb yearned for freedom, and would be satisfied with nothing less. The Civil War loomed on the horizon.
While several of the events in this work of historical fiction struck me as unlikely, the author has taken an interesting look at what life may have been like during the era of slavery in the Old South. The characters are interesting and help to showcase the many different points of view at play as slavery drew to its close. None of the characters is particularly painted as a hero, as the author is not shy about sharing their negative traits as well. They are regular, every day people, just like the readers who will pick up this novel. I actually enjoyed the character development a little more than I enjoyed the story content itself.
The book was published in November, 2014 through Lake Union Publishing. ISBN 13: 9781477826232. I enjoyed it and would probably read it again sometime. I received a copy of this book for free from Goodreads.com, in exchange for an honest review.
While several of the events in this work of historical fiction struck me as unlikely, the author has taken an interesting look at what life may have been like during the era of slavery in the Old South. The characters are interesting and help to showcase the many different points of view at play as slavery drew to its close. None of the characters is particularly painted as a hero, as the author is not shy about sharing their negative traits as well. They are regular, every day people, just like the readers who will pick up this novel. I actually enjoyed the character development a little more than I enjoyed the story content itself.
The book was published in November, 2014 through Lake Union Publishing. ISBN 13: 9781477826232. I enjoyed it and would probably read it again sometime. I received a copy of this book for free from Goodreads.com, in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2015
Bostonian indentured servant Caleb has been sold into slavery. Boyd Jardine buys Caleb on a whim, later discovering that Caleb is more than strong--he is educated and intelligent. Jardine grooms Caleb for tasks befitting his skills, and eventually Caleb is running the plantation. In the evenings he cozily reads the newspaper to his Master.
Jardine treats him well, even providing a "wife". The likelihood of escape is small with bounty hunters combing the countryside for runaways. But Caleb wants freedom badly. Master Jardine proposes a win-win situation: Caleb will go into boxing and keep his winnings, while Master Jardine places bets to win more money--which he will split 50-50 with Caleb. This way Caleb can buy his freedom.
Life after freedom offers limited opportunities for an educated free black man. War has broken out, and Caleb finds himself in the Union army.
I read this book in two sittings. The writing keeps the reader's interest and the later half is action-packed. Reader reviews are generally positive.
Caleb feels like a mythic or legendary character, or a character from a Graphic Novel. As historical fiction this book has little realism. This slave world is just too comfortable. Master Jardine is a trusting and enabling master and Caleb is a veritable Frederick Douglas clone. This is a tidied up version of the "peculiar institution" that brought about the United State's most important crisis. There is no surprise to the ending.
The book a lot of action, and good characterization. The worst violence is in the boxing matches, and there is no graphic sex scenes. Overall, it was a good read, but not impressive literature.
Jardine treats him well, even providing a "wife". The likelihood of escape is small with bounty hunters combing the countryside for runaways. But Caleb wants freedom badly. Master Jardine proposes a win-win situation: Caleb will go into boxing and keep his winnings, while Master Jardine places bets to win more money--which he will split 50-50 with Caleb. This way Caleb can buy his freedom.
Life after freedom offers limited opportunities for an educated free black man. War has broken out, and Caleb finds himself in the Union army.
I read this book in two sittings. The writing keeps the reader's interest and the later half is action-packed. Reader reviews are generally positive.
Caleb feels like a mythic or legendary character, or a character from a Graphic Novel. As historical fiction this book has little realism. This slave world is just too comfortable. Master Jardine is a trusting and enabling master and Caleb is a veritable Frederick Douglas clone. This is a tidied up version of the "peculiar institution" that brought about the United State's most important crisis. There is no surprise to the ending.
The book a lot of action, and good characterization. The worst violence is in the boxing matches, and there is no graphic sex scenes. Overall, it was a good read, but not impressive literature.
January 23, 2016
Caleb, a novel wrote by Charles Alverson reached beyond expectations giving the reader excitement and a new insight on the life of a slave. Alverson 19s novel was very fluid and will keep you wanting to turn the page.
Caleb, a well educated, well traveled man was sold into slavery, bought by Boyd Jardine a plantation owner. Boyd 19s wife later passed during childbirth and Caleb saved Boyd 19s child creating a strong bound between the two. As Caleb and Boyd 19s bond grew, Caleb 19s want for freedom grew and and Boyd 19s want to help Caleb grew as well, resulting in Boyd teaching Caleb to box so that he could win enough money to buy his freedom.
This novel brought many emotions along with it. Anger, Fear, sadness and empathy, making this novel well written. While the plot may have been unrealistic in some ways it still created a well rounded, engaging story that any reader would love. While this novel is not the best book I have read, it still makes it onto my long list of good reads. I loved the characters and their relationships, but did wish the author took a more realistic take to it in some ways.
This is my first time reading a book by this author and for the most part as a reader I am impressed. This novel caused me to think deeper about the conditions slaves were put in back in the time of slavery, as well as what was required to earn freedom.
Charles Alverson novel was a fun read and I would definitely read more of his books.Overall Charles Alverson did a wonderful job creating a fluid and creative novel and I genuinely liked Caleb and would definitely recommend this to any reader looking for a thought and emotion provoking novel.
Caleb, a well educated, well traveled man was sold into slavery, bought by Boyd Jardine a plantation owner. Boyd 19s wife later passed during childbirth and Caleb saved Boyd 19s child creating a strong bound between the two. As Caleb and Boyd 19s bond grew, Caleb 19s want for freedom grew and and Boyd 19s want to help Caleb grew as well, resulting in Boyd teaching Caleb to box so that he could win enough money to buy his freedom.
This novel brought many emotions along with it. Anger, Fear, sadness and empathy, making this novel well written. While the plot may have been unrealistic in some ways it still created a well rounded, engaging story that any reader would love. While this novel is not the best book I have read, it still makes it onto my long list of good reads. I loved the characters and their relationships, but did wish the author took a more realistic take to it in some ways.
This is my first time reading a book by this author and for the most part as a reader I am impressed. This novel caused me to think deeper about the conditions slaves were put in back in the time of slavery, as well as what was required to earn freedom.
Charles Alverson novel was a fun read and I would definitely read more of his books.Overall Charles Alverson did a wonderful job creating a fluid and creative novel and I genuinely liked Caleb and would definitely recommend this to any reader looking for a thought and emotion provoking novel.
December 3, 2014
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads. Thanks for the read!
Two stars is a generous rating... I think 1.5 is more accurate. The book was a fast read and that was the best part of it.
The first few chapters I saw potential. The book does not develop so much as just have sudden changes in the plot. IMO Caleb and Jardine both are inconsistent in personality in the different sections of the novel. Caleb also has natural talent above and beyond in everything he was face with than anyone else to a point that was unbelievable.
Also, if you read the description of the book your pretty much have the entire story.
After finishing the book I am left feeling like the message was education, obedience, forgiveness and hard work can overcome any situation... which I cannot agree with.
The book was just not for me.
Two stars is a generous rating... I think 1.5 is more accurate. The book was a fast read and that was the best part of it.
The first few chapters I saw potential. The book does not develop so much as just have sudden changes in the plot. IMO Caleb and Jardine both are inconsistent in personality in the different sections of the novel. Caleb also has natural talent above and beyond in everything he was face with than anyone else to a point that was unbelievable.
Also, if you read the description of the book your pretty much have the entire story.
After finishing the book I am left feeling like the message was education, obedience, forgiveness and hard work can overcome any situation... which I cannot agree with.
The book was just not for me.
February 13, 2015
Great Read- BRAB ONLINE BOOK CLUB
This is my first book by this author and is unlike anything I've ever read. This is a dramatic account of a free black man named Caleb, who grew up in Boston; but was later sold into slavery.
This novel takes the reader on an amazing journey and was very intriguing. Caleb grew up with Brent where he was taught to read and write. After Brent sold him to satisfy his gambling debt, he was purchased by Boyd Jardine to work at Three Rivers.
The relationship between him and Boyd progressed over the years and became friends by the time he was able to buy his freedom. Caleb's rise, especially after becoming free was heartwarming and I totally enjoyed it.
This is my first book by this author and is unlike anything I've ever read. This is a dramatic account of a free black man named Caleb, who grew up in Boston; but was later sold into slavery.
This novel takes the reader on an amazing journey and was very intriguing. Caleb grew up with Brent where he was taught to read and write. After Brent sold him to satisfy his gambling debt, he was purchased by Boyd Jardine to work at Three Rivers.
The relationship between him and Boyd progressed over the years and became friends by the time he was able to buy his freedom. Caleb's rise, especially after becoming free was heartwarming and I totally enjoyed it.
February 25, 2015
I enjoyed reading CALEB by Charles Averson. Caleb, a slave on southern plantation, gains respect from his owner ,Boyd Jardine, and proves he can run the plantation as well as the owner. Caleb want to be a free black man and return to the North to live. Mr Jardine allows Caleb to earn his freedom and then teaches Caleb how to act like a free black man. After Caleb moves back to New York he joins the Union army and Mr Jardine serves in the Confederate army. The two will meet again on the battlefield.
March 3, 2016
Pretty good read
A bit of a different look at slavery and it's role in the human condition. I'm not sure either Boyd Jardine or Caleb is all that likeable, but each has qualities that are redeeming.
The end of the story sets up for a stunning climax ala Liam O'Flaherty's "The Sniper," but redirects quickly and falls a bit flat.
Overall, enjoyable read that kept moving forward at a reasonable pace.
A bit of a different look at slavery and it's role in the human condition. I'm not sure either Boyd Jardine or Caleb is all that likeable, but each has qualities that are redeeming.
The end of the story sets up for a stunning climax ala Liam O'Flaherty's "The Sniper," but redirects quickly and falls a bit flat.
Overall, enjoyable read that kept moving forward at a reasonable pace.
January 12, 2015
I liked it, looked forward each time to coming back to it. Some suspension of disbelief must be exercised, as the formerly violent slaveowner has a rather abrupt change of heart that we didn't see coming and without explanation, but all in all, I did enjoy the read. Caleb's character is good, noble and consistent; Master's is all over the place on all counts.
August 6, 2015
I'd say more like 3.5 stars. I was very engaged in the first half of this book, but the more and more I read, the more unbelievable and fantastical it became. I just don't think it to be a very accurate portrayal of slavery in pre-Civil War era America. But if you read it as purely fictional with very little emphasis on "historical", then it's an entertaining story I suppose.
November 27, 2014
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. Thank you!
I really liked it. However, bits of it were unbelievable and not in any way that suggests that it couldn't happen just not from what I have learned of history.
I really liked it. However, bits of it were unbelievable and not in any way that suggests that it couldn't happen just not from what I have learned of history.
June 4, 2016
I really liked this book! I listened to it and the performance was great! I got hooked on Caleb's story! Heartbreaking, heartwarming and overall a good story! I'd give it a 4.4 and would definitely recommend it!
February 5, 2015
It took me a while to get into this book. The characters were flat. I did like the boxing scenes. It reminded me of Mandigo which is a book and a movie. I agree with other reviewers the plantation owner's character change was hard to believe and the ending was too pat.
May 2, 2015
You can tell this was written by a white man
The characters are interesting and the story is decent, but if you're looking for a story about the horrors a slavery, this is not the book you're looking for. I also would've like another chapter at the end to tie things up.
The characters are interesting and the story is decent, but if you're looking for a story about the horrors a slavery, this is not the book you're looking for. I also would've like another chapter at the end to tie things up.
August 16, 2015
Caleb
Best book I have read in a while. I do wish it could have gone on to say what became of some of the people on the plantation. It was somewhat sad at the end but a very long way from where Caleb started.
Best book I have read in a while. I do wish it could have gone on to say what became of some of the people on the plantation. It was somewhat sad at the end but a very long way from where Caleb started.
October 10, 2015
Exciting book
I like historical novels especially around the time of the civil war. Because this book is about a slave I thought it was an interesting slant on this time period. Caleb was a remarkable man. The book had one exciting episode after another.
I like historical novels especially around the time of the civil war. Because this book is about a slave I thought it was an interesting slant on this time period. Caleb was a remarkable man. The book had one exciting episode after another.
March 16, 2016
Historical novel!
There is nothing I didn't like about this book. It held my attention from beginning to end. I never thought much about the perspective of the civil war from a black point of view. This was great.
There is nothing I didn't like about this book. It held my attention from beginning to end. I never thought much about the perspective of the civil war from a black point of view. This was great.
June 1, 2016
It wasn't what I thought it would be. I was expecting a gritty story, about the hardship of being a slave. I loved this story. I laughed,I wanted to cry at some parts. A beautiful story of a friendship that you would never expect. Really glad I decided to read it.
October 1, 2016
This was a slow mover. Kind of choppy writing too. I got to the 50% mark and had to make a choice to either keep trudging through it or just be done with it. I chose the latter. The premise of the story was interesting, but just not exciting.
Read
May 9, 2014good civil war story
September 2, 2014
Nope. went to another book instead. horrible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews