In August 1831, Nat Turner leads a group of escaped slaves in a rebellion that rocks the South. The revolt comes to a quick and violent end. In November, Nat is publicly hanged, and as his body swings, a false sense of peace washes over Jerusalem, Virginia.
Unbeknownst to the world, on the day Nat Turner dies, his son, Nat Hope Turner, is born. Reared by Big Mama on the Turner plantation, young Nat's identity is kept secret to keep him safe. As Nat grows to manhood, he leads his own uprising against slavery and is forever after known as Black.
Fate-by way of Big Mama-leads Black to rescue a young female slave, Sunday, before the plantation owner can sell her. Black has lived for liberty until the day he comes face to face with the alluring Sunday. As the two embark on a sexually charged ride toward love and freedom, they set off a chain of events that forces Black to risk his own liberty for hers.
"Black" shares the appealing tale of a passionate love between a man and a woman bound together to change their destiny.
Wonderful read. I highly recommend this book to all those who love historical fiction in the african american genre. Joan does an amazing job at developing each character especially the protagonist Black.
"I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery" 🗣️ AND DID!!!
As a direct descendant of Nat Turner, Nat Hope Turner aka Black is every bit of his daddy’s son! Ok so picture this! It’s the mid 1800’s. 1831 to be exact and Nat Turner aka The Revolution will not be televised leads slaves to rebellion and it rocks the south to its core! You know white folks wasn’t having that so he was hanged and that would be the end of that rebellious lineage…. Or so they thought! They had no idea that the love of his life was in the crowd carrying his legacy and oh what a legacy he was!
Black grew up to be his father’s wildest dreams when he continued to carry the torch of getting his people to freedom by any means and I do mean BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!! This man was not fkn around and I swear I felt like I was reliving episodes of “The Underground”!! You did not want to be on Blacks bad side!
During the rescue of his mama, he also rescued Sunday minutes or probably even seconds before she was about to be sold off to be a bed mate to the plantation owners son. When Black first laid eyes on Sunday the man knew it was love at first sight and if we know anything about Joan’s MMCs one thing they gone do is tell you, not ask, but TELL YOU you’re his!! It was the dominance for me!!! Give me a man ready and willing to fight for me any day!! Many of wars have been started behind the love of a woman and a few fkd around and found out that Black was not the one nor the two behind Sunday!
These two had a beautiful love story! The courage and patience that Sunday had to deal with Black was everything and the skills he taught her on how to be a bad b!tch even in his absence set them up for success! I was locked in!!! What a time to be alive!! The way Joan gave us history that felt fresh, hopeful and exciting was done so well!
I loved all of the supporting characters as well… Elbert, James, mama, even the doc!! Baby if this is how the series is kicking off, then I KNOW I’m in for a treat!!!!
When Black was selected as our bookclub's book of the month I was not excited. I was prepared to read the same ole slave narrative. I can say with pride that nothing could be farther from the truth. The story centered around a runaway slave, Nat Hope Turner aka Black. I would consider him an abolitionist. He risked his life and freedom to free as many slaves from captivity as possible. Black was a rugged and handsome man who didn't really let people get too close. The author captures the many sides of Black as a son, a hero and a lover. Amidst the fighting and killing there was a sexy love story. I was drawn into the story almost immediately and didn't want to put it down. I laughed, got angry and even cried during Black's journey. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I look forward to reading the next book in the series "Elbert " EyeCU Reading approved and recommended
Joan is a wonderful story teller. This book is so well written and descriptive I felt as if I was watching a movie. The characters come to life through raw written emotion. Black is amazing as is Sunday and everyone else. Black being Nat Turners son was an amazing concept and it was put together very well. Triumphs and losses, love and hurt, resilience and strength. Can't wait to read more from this author.
Joan Vassar's 'Black' was an education. With just about every book set in the antebellum period, I know to gird my loins and prepare to be wounded. And often, there is no salve to the wounds. Slavery was what it was, and even moments of joy experienced by the protagonists are necessarily fleeting. There is rarely a lasting peace, and even more rare are times when the protagonists exercise any agency. And if they do, the penalty is often disfigurement or death. That, at least to me, is what narratives about the enslaved are all too often like-dehumanization, suffering, and inevitably, death. But not this novel.
'Black' is not a 'slave narrative' per se, but a resistance narrative. From the very first paragraph, it portrays the enslaved as fighting back, beginning with a reminder of the rebellion led by Nat Turner, and going on to recount the birth of his (fictional) son, Nat Hope Turner. Later called 'Black', Nat Hope Turner lives with the legacy of his father's resistance, though for much of his life that legacy must remain a secret so that he will not be killed by vengeful slaveholders. As he grows, however, Black begins to assert himself until he, too, rebels. He does this by running from the plantation where he was born and raised, and returning time and again to help others to freedom in Upper Canada where, at Fort Independence, the free Black community he founded thrives.
But this isn't only a resistance story, it's a love story as well. On one of his trips, Black takes the woman who raised him, and her young charge, an enslaved young woman named Sunday, who is on the cusp of becoming the "body slave" of the master's son. Upon seeing her, Black claims her in his heart as his own and thenceforward, his battle is not only against slavery, but against the difficulty of accepting the freedom (and the bondage) that love brings, even while executing his mission. His mission is, of course to help the enslaved escape to freedom, but more specifically, to protect Sunday from the master's son, who is determined to retrieve her, and fulfill his original intention, to have her as his concubine.
The relationship between Black and Sunday grows over time as she begins to see him first as her protector, and then much more. The way that Joan Vassar portrays this bond between Black and his woman is a beautiful representation of the bond that Black men and women fight to forge even today. Sunday learns to lean on Black without being weak, to stand up to him without emasculating him, and to stand next to him when he needs to lean on her. Black learns how manly it is to give and receive tenderness despite a life that most consistently doles out brutality; and that only by embracing the joys of living and loving can he find true freedom. The other love story at the center of this book, and the series, is that between and among the men, all of them willing to fight and die for each other, and not in a toxically masculine, chest-thumping way, but based on deep mutual understanding among them, that they value the same things, and are fighting the same war that they can only win if they fight together.
The style of writing is by turns sparse and matter-of-fact, and then lush with details of the era. I found that where I wanted and needed detail, it was given. Where I didn't need it, there was little or none. I read this book very quickly almost two years ago, and then again recently, much quicker.
I also recommend the audiobook if that's your preferred way of 'reading'. Jakobi Diem is an exceptional voice actor. He reads the entire book, doing equal justice to the women's dialogue as he did to that of the men. It was apparent in his performance that he enjoyed the book. I feel certain that you will too. Highly recommended.
This story is a historical period piece....taking place around 1858-1860...Nat "Black" Hope Turner was the son of Nat Turner and young Black actually grew up picking up where his father left off....In fact, Black helped slaves run away to Pennsylvania and parts of Canada. This story shows off Black's quiet strength....the story also introduced Black to Sunday who really taught him how to open up and love. This story had a lot of different things going on keeping in mind this is a period piece so the use of the N word was used....don't be discouraged ... This audiobook narrated by The Jakobi Diem had me totally captivated.
Black didn't play about his mama, Sunday, or freeing his people; I loved it. This is the first historical romance that I've read that takes place in the 1800s and Joan Vassar really did an amazing job. I can't wait to read the remainder of the series.
UPDATE: I finished it! My original review still stands. If you like romance, I think this is a great choice. I just don't like the genre.
Original Review I didn’t really know what I was getting into when I decided to read this book. I attempted to get a sample of it from amazon to preview, but evidently, I pressed buy rather than sample. Since one of my groups had chosen to read it this month, I decide not to fight amazon, but to just read it.
Black falls firmly in the romance category. Generally, I find the genre unrealistic and uninteresting. Moreover, they tend toward soft core. I don’t think that it really fair for me to go on and on about what I don’t like about this particular book, because it really comes down to a matter a taste. Actually, I think that Black would be a good choice for a fan of the genre. Vassar adds some nice historical details which definitely made the book more appealing.
I’m about 50% done, but I’m posting the review, because I want to take a break from it and read something else. I’m pretty sure that I will finish it, eventually, unless I can scope out a spoiler. When I finish it, I will post an update.
I don't even know where to start with this book! This is my first historical listen and Joan Vassar created a masterpiece. With slavery as a background she was able to showcase love, growth, hardship, perseverance, strength and all other feels. Black and Sunday's love is pure and genuine (took some time to get there, but they got there)! This book was just simply beautifully written.
This entire book is narrated by Jakobi Diem and I must say, this is his best work yet! The talent this man possesses is incredible. The versatility in his voice and the acting he did to portray SO MANY characters is unbelievable. He can do the alpha-male Black, to the pure innocent Sunday, to a Southern white man to Big Mama! I mean, the man must have portrayed 20 chatacters in this book and I can tell who is who! The sex scenes were hot and I didn't miss a female voice at all! This is completely different from all other books I've listened to, this is an EXPERIENCE that everyone should have! I loved it and highly recommend!
Just wow. I had no intentions on reading this in one sitting but once I started it was a wrap! I even HATED the narration and still couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages. This went from 3% to 97% too quick!
I think I started this book on a Friday and finished it on a Monday –– only because I had to do this little thing called 'sleep' in between. This was an enjoyable, beautifully written, informed, and engaging read. Fans of Beverly Jenkins, like myself, will be a happy bunch. While this author has her own style of writing, it is in part a love story set in the past, and an adventure with the richness of real-life characters, multi-dementional fictional ones, and a combination of fictional and factual events. Well-paced, and just...lovely.
PS: Looks like there will be a continuation in this series. Very thrilled about that!
This book started off a little slow for me, I'm guessing because it's historical fiction, but once it got going it was really good. Even though the book takes place during slavery, the people in it are runaway slaves, the book isn't centered around actual slaves, that was a plus in my book. This wasn't a boring read and held my attention. I absolutely loved Black. I was ready to shed my platoons so he could deflower me. Definitely moving forward with the next installment of this book!
“Black” was a piece of black excellence. “Black” is a story that I recommend all to experience. I am usually not a huge fan of black historical fiction because I hate watching and reading about our people depicted as slaves and get angry at the abuse black people were subjected to by white people. “Black” was so much more than the depiction of slavery. It embodies the strength of black people and the importance of community, trust, and support that I feel like the African American community lack today. Black, the male lead, was the son of the late Nat Turner. Black had a vision for freeing all blacks that were enslaved. He was a free man but selflessly he could not enjoy freedom knowing that there were countless blacks still enslaved including the woman that raised him. Black returned to the Turner plantation, the same plantation he sought freedom from to save his mother and a young lady Sunday. He was immediately smitten with Sunday. Once he brought them to Canada, we were introduced to a community that Black built that exuded black excellence. The black men of the community took on the role of the protector and strength. Their priority was ensuring the safety and well-being of the women and children of the community. There was trust and camaraderie amongst the men. Sunday initially was afraid, confused, and unsure of her newfound freedom but felt safe and secure with Black. As Black and Sunday’s relationship progressed, you see each of them progress in their own way. Sunday initially was afraid and timid but you see how Black’s influence on her gave her confidence and strength. Even in his absence, Sunday maintained control and order. You are able to see Sunday’s influence on Black because he began to allow love into his life and realize that there is so much more to live for than his mission of bringing those enslaved to freedom. I recommend you all listen to Audible of “Black”. Jakobi Diem did an exceptional job of narrating both male and female characters. He gave a distinctive voice to all of them. You guys won’t be disappointed with this story. Excellent storyline! Excellence character development! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Deserves more than 5 stars! I couldn't stop listening/reading this one! I didn't know what to expect when I initially started it, especially because it was historical fiction about slavery, but it definitely exceeded by expectations. This story is very very well written, the character development, the growth into who he becomes, especially knowing who his dad was and what he did-the son of Nat Turner and why his name was hidden, his determination to fill those shoes. His love for Sunday and how they were each other strengths. This story captivates you from the very beginning. It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next for sure Jakobi Diem narrated-enough said! Can't get any better than that!
My, my, my! I didn’t think I would enjoy this book because I typically don’t read historical fiction or slavery themed books, at least not for leisure reading. I’m so glad I ventured to explore something new! Joan Vassar is a phenomenal writer! Whew!!!! This could have gone all the way left, but she did everything right! To write a romance novel about THEE Nat Turner’s son is bold and wildly ambitious! The suspense! The love! The devotion! And it’s so damn smart! Oh my! You gotta read it! I don’t give out 5s too often, but dammit if I could give it more, I would! Looking forward to reading more from Ms. Vassar!
I absolutely loved all the characters in this book. I was brought to tears on several occasions. In this book I saw true love between many folks. Some of the love should not have happened. Loving your master I could not imagine. Bravo
One of my favorite reads this year. Joan Vassasr's voice is strong, and her vision for her story and characters is even stronger. A great writer with a knack for storytelling and getting her message across clearly, with prose that's accessible, poignant and absorbent.
I wasn’t feeling the book at first, I was going to not finish but I thought maybe it was my mood so I gave it another chance and that was when the romance came into play. Then all that came before made sense.
Nat aka Black doesn’t a relationship because he doesn’t want children until he and his people are free. And I can completely understand that but Sunday comes into his life and he can’t ignore her thought he does try.
I liked that she was strong enough to be like no, if we can’t make this work I can’t have half of you.
This book sure isn’t for the faint of heart, that ending puts things into perspective that is for dang sure.
I loved the narration, I will be starting book 2 today.
♥️🌼BLACK🌼♥️ There are some books you just know you’re not going to be the same after reading...BLACK by Joan Vassar is one of those books...Good...no, it’s better than that...and, imo, it should be required reading in the year 2020...It’s about slavery and racism in the mid 1800’s, and, although, I NEVER read “historical” or “period” books, this book is the exception...It feels different...It’s dark and disturbing and, maybe, even educational, history-wise....and I was totally sucked into the world of Fort Independence before the prologue had even begun...and I would never be ready to leave this place or these characters...♥️🌼 There are few, if any, characters as smart and rich and complex and interesting and intense and...just...hot as Black and Sunday...(I also loved Elbert and Paul and Iris)...This couple is one of the best I’ve read...the love is so deep....and Ms. Vassar can write the h#ll out of chemistry....I can’t recommend this book hard enough...♥️🌼
I love a good historical fiction story and this one did not disappoint. Joan Vassar is easily in my top five of favorite authors now. She can really write a story! I love how Black expressed himself through his paintings. He was definitely a complex powerhouse but his voice of reasoning was Sunday. His gentle reminder of love and compassion. Really enjoyed this story but I’ll probably skip the series books following this one.
I can’t believe I finished this. This is one of those cases where I should have researched the book better before purchasing it (no worries though, it will be promptly returned to Audible). I thought it was a historical novel about slavery. It is not. It is a ridiculous alpha male romance masquerading as a historical novel. Someone wanted to write cringeworthy sex scenes and needed an alibi to do so. If you’re in it for the romance part, then sure, this book may be great. If you’re in it for the historic part, however... And don’t get me started on the symbolic artistry...! (It felt very Nora Robertsy)
The audiobook format was not ideal either. For a book with so much female moaning, please at least use a female narrator. >_<
What this book does have going for it is the ruthlessness of revenge however. None of that “rising above the brutality” nonsense. Where I was sure there’s be some mercy there was absolutely none.
Black is well written and it's a beautiful love story with historical facts that make the book really interesting. I am not into romance books but this book kept my attention because of the historical facts, the fight for love during a time that would make it difficult to love who you wanted, and the characters were interesting. Joan Vassar wrote a true love story that I think romance book fans will love. Good job Joan on putting together a wonderful book. I will also be posting on Amazon!
I loved the story of Black and Sunday. Even the love between Mama and Jacob intrigued me, but the historical details were off so I wish the author researched better