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Passing For White
It's 1848 in the Deep South of America. Rosa is a slave but her owner is also her father and her fair skin means she can 'pass for white'. With the help of her husband Benjamin, she disguises herself as a young southern gentleman - and Benjamin's master. In this guise, the couple flee the South, explaining away their lack of literacy, avoiding those they have encountered before and holding their nerve over a thousand miles to freedom.Inspired by the amazing true story of Ellen Craft who escaped a life of slavery through a daring disguise and won freedom for herself and her husband.Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+
112 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2017
3 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Tanya Landman
85 books91 followersCarnegie Medal winning Tanya Landman is the author of more than thirty books for children and young adults.
Born and brought up in Kent, Tanya had no intention of becoming a writer until the idea for Waking Merlin popped into her head. "It came from nowhere. It was completely out of the blue."
Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.
Tanya's first books were "adventure stories with a sprinkling of magic and spoonful of humour." But then Tanya turned to crime, writing Mondays are Murder (winner of a Red House Book Award) - the first in a series of ten "Agatha-Christie-for-kids" featuring child sleuth Poppy Fields and her friend Graham. Her new highly illustrated books for younger children feature Sam Swann, an accident-prone boy sleuth and his faithful canine sidekick Watson.
Although she writes across a broad age range, Tanya is probably best known for her historical novels for young adults. Apache - set in 19th century America - was shortlisted for several UK awards including the Teenage Book Trust and the Carnegie Medal (where it was voted the Shadowing Groups favourite). The US edition won a Borders Original Voices prize and a Spur award from the Western Writers of America. The Goldsmith's Daughter - set in the Aztec empire during the Spanish invasion - was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. Buffalo Soldier won the 2015 Carnegie Medal. Hell and High Water - a swashbuckling thriller set in 18th century Devon - was shortlisted for the 2016 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her latest book Beyond the Wall is set in Roman Britain. Passing for White comes out later this year.
Born and brought up in Kent, Tanya had no intention of becoming a writer until the idea for Waking Merlin popped into her head. "It came from nowhere. It was completely out of the blue."
Tanya now lives and works in Bideford and the nearby coastline was the inspiration for her Flotsam & Jetsam series.
Tanya's first books were "adventure stories with a sprinkling of magic and spoonful of humour." But then Tanya turned to crime, writing Mondays are Murder (winner of a Red House Book Award) - the first in a series of ten "Agatha-Christie-for-kids" featuring child sleuth Poppy Fields and her friend Graham. Her new highly illustrated books for younger children feature Sam Swann, an accident-prone boy sleuth and his faithful canine sidekick Watson.
Although she writes across a broad age range, Tanya is probably best known for her historical novels for young adults. Apache - set in 19th century America - was shortlisted for several UK awards including the Teenage Book Trust and the Carnegie Medal (where it was voted the Shadowing Groups favourite). The US edition won a Borders Original Voices prize and a Spur award from the Western Writers of America. The Goldsmith's Daughter - set in the Aztec empire during the Spanish invasion - was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction prize. Buffalo Soldier won the 2015 Carnegie Medal. Hell and High Water - a swashbuckling thriller set in 18th century Devon - was shortlisted for the 2016 Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and nominated for the Carnegie Medal. Her latest book Beyond the Wall is set in Roman Britain. Passing for White comes out later this year.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 23, 2021
Great book! I guess it is because I love reading the story of Ellen and William Craft when I'm small I'm particulary OBSESSED with this book. Or maybe, it's because I love historical fiction. Anyway, this book tell about Rosa and Benjamin Craft, two slaves who ran away from their masters. They are actually wife and husband actually. Well, Rosa looka like a white person because her father is a white man while her mother is black. To be clear, her father raped her mother. So, one day, Rosa found herself PREGNANT. Like, she didn't take a pregnant test. She just feel it. There's one problem, though. Actually, there's going to be TWO problems later on. Rosa didn't know if the baby is Benjamin's or is it her master's. You see, Rosa's master had been kinda been raping her. Just like her mother. Anyway, back to the story. Rosa and Benjamin decided to run away. They have 5 days since they have a christmas pass from their owners. A pass is like when someone lets you do something. I'm not a great explainer at words. Like, I know what it means but I just can't explain its meaning. So..... Rosa and Benjamin spent most of their savings on buying man clothes. Why? Because Rosa is going to disguise as a man while Benjamin is going to pretend to be her slave. They took trains and steamers way over to Philedelphia. There were times when they're nearly caught. Rosa wore a bandage on her right arm and pretended to have rheumatism and is going to a doctor there. When they reached Philedephia, Rosa found out that she had lost her baby. However, she called it "a blessing in disguise" because it could actually be her master's baby. Benjamin began working as a carpenter while Rosa began sewing. They connected with the abolitionists and people who helped them along the way and told them their whole journey. Rosa and Benjamin were invited to speak in meetings and soon becam every famous. But things won't stay like this forever.
One day, Benjamin returned home saying that a new law had been passed. Masters could now come to take their slaves. Benjamin suggested going to Canda but Rosa said that England would be better. In the end, though, they went to Canda as they can't go to England. That's problem number 2. Now, problem number 3. When they arrived in Canada, Rosa found that she had lost her 2nd baby. They already had a child. This 2nd baby is Benjamin's. Well, it's hard to explain so nevermind that. You can call it Rosa's 3rd baby AFTER the first one. You know, the one that they didn't whose father it was. After that they lived 'happily ever after'.
Read my full review here: https://sophiebloggingreadingandwriti...
One day, Benjamin returned home saying that a new law had been passed. Masters could now come to take their slaves. Benjamin suggested going to Canda but Rosa said that England would be better. In the end, though, they went to Canda as they can't go to England. That's problem number 2. Now, problem number 3. When they arrived in Canada, Rosa found that she had lost her 2nd baby. They already had a child. This 2nd baby is Benjamin's. Well, it's hard to explain so nevermind that. You can call it Rosa's 3rd baby AFTER the first one. You know, the one that they didn't whose father it was. After that they lived 'happily ever after'.
Read my full review here: https://sophiebloggingreadingandwriti...
January 14, 2023
«As soon as they were out of sight, the good Lord sent a miracle and I recoverd both my hearing and my powers of speech.»
June 17, 2017
I picked this little book up at work because I was curious, and was really impressed with the scope, style and maturity, considering the target audience is teen and the reading age, eight. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the plot is very engaging. I couldn't put it down.
This short book should, I believe, be included on all national curricula. The topics covered, from the obvious (slavery, race, human rights, sexual abuse), to the more subtle (miscarriage, identity) are artfully explored and presented in a way to promote discussion. Partially based on a true story set in the years before the abolition of slavery, this sensitive and non-judgemental approach is brilliant, and will inspire young people (and me) to read more about this brutal and yet pivotal period of history. However, whilst I appreciate the rational behind the author's use of racial slurs in dialogue (explained in the epilogue), I feel this may cause consternation among some readers/families, especially if this is provided by schools as recommended reading.
I hope Tanya Landman continues to write more books in this genre.
This short book should, I believe, be included on all national curricula. The topics covered, from the obvious (slavery, race, human rights, sexual abuse), to the more subtle (miscarriage, identity) are artfully explored and presented in a way to promote discussion. Partially based on a true story set in the years before the abolition of slavery, this sensitive and non-judgemental approach is brilliant, and will inspire young people (and me) to read more about this brutal and yet pivotal period of history. However, whilst I appreciate the rational behind the author's use of racial slurs in dialogue (explained in the epilogue), I feel this may cause consternation among some readers/families, especially if this is provided by schools as recommended reading.
I hope Tanya Landman continues to write more books in this genre.
February 21, 2018
I could not put this book down. Passing for White is compelling reading and is based on a true story of two slaves who made their escape to freedom. This book is told through the eyes of Rosa a slave who could pass for being white.
It is aimed at a teenage audience and is dyslexia friendly. Historical fiction that will open students' eyes to the brutality that slaves endured (without going into too much detail Tanya Landman does cover the rape and subsequent miscarriage that Rosa suffered). It is beautifully written to highlight their courage and daring to escape when they knew that they could be hunted down for doing so and the consequences would be severe.
It is aimed at a teenage audience and is dyslexia friendly. Historical fiction that will open students' eyes to the brutality that slaves endured (without going into too much detail Tanya Landman does cover the rape and subsequent miscarriage that Rosa suffered). It is beautifully written to highlight their courage and daring to escape when they knew that they could be hunted down for doing so and the consequences would be severe.
August 22, 2017
A gentle story about a terrible part of history. You really feel for Rosa and Benjamin. In passing herself off as a white gentleman, Rosa gives us a stark view of the attitudes to slavery and what they meant personally to those enslaved. Not always violently hurt but etilesnseen as household pets and kept aggressively in their place, not seen as fully human despite being equally deserving of rights and respect. Told in a clear, simple and concise way that should not not hide from children what it must have been like, but also shouldn't overly frighten them if they are younger.
September 9, 2018
Short yet wonderful book about slavery and a black couple's endless quest for freedom — something that we take for granted every day while others are oppressed and have to fight tirelessly for it. And how even when they think they might have found it, they never truly feel safe.
The story is compelling and sucks you right in. Despite its length, the author effectively discusses crucial themes such as racism, oppression and identity. The characters were realistic and you can feel their constant fear and trepidation through the pages of the book.
Excellent read.
The story is compelling and sucks you right in. Despite its length, the author effectively discusses crucial themes such as racism, oppression and identity. The characters were realistic and you can feel their constant fear and trepidation through the pages of the book.
Excellent read.
May 7, 2017
So… I just looked a blank page for ages because I did not know how to start this review. How do you review a book that shows the very best of human resilience and bravery while at the same time showing the very worst of what we are? With fiction, especially dystopia and fantasy there is an element of detachment. Historical Fiction doesn’t give readers the allowance of shifting what inspired the story.
I love this book for Rosa’s story. Her narration is amazing, all her emotions feed into the reader and in a short space of time you learn a lot. I appreciate that Tanya Landman did not censor the language; I feel that this is important.
Passing For White is special and inspiring. I’m not even sure that really covers it. It’s also draining and important. I would love this book to be in schools and also in book clubs because I think there is so much for discussion.
I love this book for Rosa’s story. Her narration is amazing, all her emotions feed into the reader and in a short space of time you learn a lot. I appreciate that Tanya Landman did not censor the language; I feel that this is important.
Passing For White is special and inspiring. I’m not even sure that really covers it. It’s also draining and important. I would love this book to be in schools and also in book clubs because I think there is so much for discussion.
October 10, 2019
I am a sucker for a story based on an historical event. This one is inspired by William and Ellen Craft who I'd never heard of before. I knew of the Underground Railroad, so it was interesting to read about their use of the steamers. Their six-year ordeal is motivated by a need for safety: "My baby was livestock. Goods the master might sell any time he wanted." The story encapsulates the thoughts of the time ("I was on my own in a room with a white woman. One word of hers could kill me") as well as the laws ("We can't let your boy ride that train unless you can prove he belongs to you") including the Fugitive Slave Act. It is a page turner given our interest in their survival which began from a single clever idea: "Maybe, just maybe, the thing that had got me given away might save the both of us. I could pass for white. Suppose I did? Right out in the open?"
The characters they meet along the way help develop the theme of injustice. A Southern 'gentlemen' said this of his slave: "When I speak he darts like a streak of lightning to do my bidding.” A well-to-do white woman was blatantly insincere, but going through the notions: "I watched her try to squeeze some tears out, but that handkerchief stayed dry." It also deals with courage and hope. They decide that it's their duty to share their life story for the greater good: “... this isn't about us. it's about all those others. the ones who can't speak out, the ones who can't escape... It's something we can do for them.”
Landman's writing would make for a good unit of study on sentence variety, not to mention original imagery like "It was like spitting cut glass from my throat", "The chances of us getting out alive were so thin they could have slipped like a coin down a crack in the floorboards", "It was the baby coming loose inside of me, like a little boat coming adrift from its moorings" and "We were twitchy as a pair of mice who can smell a cat on the prowl."
The characters they meet along the way help develop the theme of injustice. A Southern 'gentlemen' said this of his slave: "When I speak he darts like a streak of lightning to do my bidding.” A well-to-do white woman was blatantly insincere, but going through the notions: "I watched her try to squeeze some tears out, but that handkerchief stayed dry." It also deals with courage and hope. They decide that it's their duty to share their life story for the greater good: “... this isn't about us. it's about all those others. the ones who can't speak out, the ones who can't escape... It's something we can do for them.”
Landman's writing would make for a good unit of study on sentence variety, not to mention original imagery like "It was like spitting cut glass from my throat", "The chances of us getting out alive were so thin they could have slipped like a coin down a crack in the floorboards", "It was the baby coming loose inside of me, like a little boat coming adrift from its moorings" and "We were twitchy as a pair of mice who can smell a cat on the prowl."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2018
Another blinder from Tanya Landman I genuinely have not read anything by her that doesn't leave me thinking and processing after reading it. I love that her stories are based on real ones with her own twists. This one follows two star-crossed lovers who are slaves in 1840's America. They own nothing, least of all each other or any children they may go on to have. They realise that the only way they can be safe together is to flee to Canada where Slavery has been abolished and they can live freely.
They take advantage of a few days that they are both given over Christmas to run away together, risking everything if they get caught. They use the fact that Rosa has pale skin (due to her white master father) and disguise her as an old man with Ben being her slave. They can then legitimately travel across the country without inviting too many questions.
Will they make it across the boarder? Will people spot the fraud? Can their dreams become a reality?
This novel is only short, but packs a punch. It's published as a dyslexic friendly print, and delivers a great YA story. Not suitable for very young readers due to themes referenced in the book. Rape is very much a central part of Rosa's motivation and it is discussed it is never explicitly portrayed. It may be enough to make some readers uncomfortable though. Very sensitively handled as an issue though and well worth a read and a recommendation.
They take advantage of a few days that they are both given over Christmas to run away together, risking everything if they get caught. They use the fact that Rosa has pale skin (due to her white master father) and disguise her as an old man with Ben being her slave. They can then legitimately travel across the country without inviting too many questions.
Will they make it across the boarder? Will people spot the fraud? Can their dreams become a reality?
This novel is only short, but packs a punch. It's published as a dyslexic friendly print, and delivers a great YA story. Not suitable for very young readers due to themes referenced in the book. Rape is very much a central part of Rosa's motivation and it is discussed it is never explicitly portrayed. It may be enough to make some readers uncomfortable though. Very sensitively handled as an issue though and well worth a read and a recommendation.
November 29, 2017
Based on some what true events this book is a great read. Its fast paced, suspenseful and emotional. The vision Tanya paints feels so real which makes you reflect on how the characters must have felt in that time. The story is quick and throws you straight into the action.
Its full of suspense as you never know if they will get caught or not throughout. There are so many moments when you think they will get discovered its nail bitingly good.
The book is about 2 slaves travelling from one end of America to the other so they can be free people. You shout for them to succeed all the way. Tanya makes you feel safe near the end but up heaves everything as the owners nearly catch them. It was a horrible moment when I thought they wouldn't get a way but thankfully they escaped. YAY.
A great book for those to read who want to know more about this topic, like historical fiction or want something easy to read.
Only qualm is that due to the nature of the plot there is a lot of travelling involved which can feel tiresome and slightly boring after a while, as its much of the same. Additionally, in the beginning there were several chapters from Benjamin's perspective but this didn't reoccur which was a shame. I would have liked to know more about how is journey went in comparison to Rosa's.
Its full of suspense as you never know if they will get caught or not throughout. There are so many moments when you think they will get discovered its nail bitingly good.
The book is about 2 slaves travelling from one end of America to the other so they can be free people. You shout for them to succeed all the way. Tanya makes you feel safe near the end but up heaves everything as the owners nearly catch them. It was a horrible moment when I thought they wouldn't get a way but thankfully they escaped. YAY.
A great book for those to read who want to know more about this topic, like historical fiction or want something easy to read.
Only qualm is that due to the nature of the plot there is a lot of travelling involved which can feel tiresome and slightly boring after a while, as its much of the same. Additionally, in the beginning there were several chapters from Benjamin's perspective but this didn't reoccur which was a shame. I would have liked to know more about how is journey went in comparison to Rosa's.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2024
People are just horrible.
March 6, 2018
A really short but important book, Passing for White is a fictional tale lightly based on the real life escape from slavery of William and Ellen Craft.
This story begins in Georgia, 1847 when Benjamin meets Rosa, they’re both slaves (Rosa is light skinned which initially scares Benjamin as he thinks she is a white woman). The two bond, develop a relationship and soon enough marry. They plan on escaping and find the opportunity to do so when they both get given 5-day passes over christmas. They have no choice but for Rosa to disguise herself as a white man who has poor health and owns Benjamin. This isn’t an easy journey and is incredibly risky and throughout this book there’s a strong sense of dread.
The topic is a difficult one of course and not an easy read because of that, but I think the author went about it brilliantly. The racist language used made me wince but it wasn’t put in for the sake of it but rather to be as true to real life as possible.
This story begins in Georgia, 1847 when Benjamin meets Rosa, they’re both slaves (Rosa is light skinned which initially scares Benjamin as he thinks she is a white woman). The two bond, develop a relationship and soon enough marry. They plan on escaping and find the opportunity to do so when they both get given 5-day passes over christmas. They have no choice but for Rosa to disguise herself as a white man who has poor health and owns Benjamin. This isn’t an easy journey and is incredibly risky and throughout this book there’s a strong sense of dread.
The topic is a difficult one of course and not an easy read because of that, but I think the author went about it brilliantly. The racist language used made me wince but it wasn’t put in for the sake of it but rather to be as true to real life as possible.
June 7, 2018
In Passing For White, Tanya Landman delivers an exciting and poignant account of the courageous break for freedom by Rosa and Benjamin, two slaves from the American Deep South, to the free states of the north in 1848. While the novel is a work of fiction, the story is largely inspired by the real-life escape of William and Ellen Craft, who - just like Rosa and Benjamin - relied on their own wits and nerves of steel rather than white saviours to make their escape. Another book, Running A Thousand Miles To Freedom, recounts William and Ellen's adventures, but their story is told entirely from the point of view of William. In Passing For White, Rosa is given a voice and the female perspective of slavery, even in a diluted form suitable for young readers, adds extra poignancy to the tale.
Full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...
Full review on my blog : https://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspo...
December 16, 2019
Väldigt bra.
Boken berättar historien om Rosa och Benjamin, två slavar i amerikanska södern, och deras flykt till friheten i norr.
Rosa är barn till en slav och hennes husbonde vilket gör att hon har väldigt ljus hy och hon misstas ofta för vit. När hon träffar Benjamin första gången tror även han att hon är vit. Det missförståndet klaras fort upp och några år senare gifter sig Rosa och Benjamin. efter det bestämmer de sig för att fly mot de fria staterna i norr. Eftersom att Rosas hy är så ljus så klär hon ut sig till en vit "gentleman". För att dölja att hon är outbildad och varken kan läsa eller skriva så utger hon sig för att vara sjuk och med på resan behövs en personlig tjänare, Benjamin. På detta sättet flyr de de 150 milen från amerikanska södern till Philadelphia i norr där slavar inte finns och där de kan leva sina liv precis som de själva önskar.
Inspirerade mig till att även ge mig på att läsa den verkliga historien om William och Ellen Craft.
Boken berättar historien om Rosa och Benjamin, två slavar i amerikanska södern, och deras flykt till friheten i norr.
Rosa är barn till en slav och hennes husbonde vilket gör att hon har väldigt ljus hy och hon misstas ofta för vit. När hon träffar Benjamin första gången tror även han att hon är vit. Det missförståndet klaras fort upp och några år senare gifter sig Rosa och Benjamin. efter det bestämmer de sig för att fly mot de fria staterna i norr. Eftersom att Rosas hy är så ljus så klär hon ut sig till en vit "gentleman". För att dölja att hon är outbildad och varken kan läsa eller skriva så utger hon sig för att vara sjuk och med på resan behövs en personlig tjänare, Benjamin. På detta sättet flyr de de 150 milen från amerikanska södern till Philadelphia i norr där slavar inte finns och där de kan leva sina liv precis som de själva önskar.
Inspirerade mig till att även ge mig på att läsa den verkliga historien om William och Ellen Craft.
March 11, 2018
This true story is amazing. The book was easy and simple to read. I've given it four stars however because it seemed rushed at the end. I would have preferred to read some more of Rosa and Benjamin's lives as they settled into life in England. Overall this read is not for the faint-hearted as it contains some adult issues on race, relationships and rape. Would recommend to anyone interested in slavery as a good starting point as this book would serve very well as an introduction to the situations and conditions that slaves lived through, plus it's written with gut wrenching honesty by the author.
September 18, 2020
Disappointing. Quite a basic storyline with one dimensional characters when this could have been fantastic. No point in aiming for a dual narrative when every chapter apart from the first one was narrated by Rosa. Benjamin's chapter could have just been a preface. Watch the episode of Angel 'Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?' to see how this story could have been done in a more impactful way. Doesn't help in reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks at the same time and that story is incredible and in comparison this book really fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2022
I am writing a book review bassed from the book 'passing for white' its written by Tanga Landman.
This book is bassed off a true story of two people called William and Ellen Craft, who were slaves in Americas deep south in 1848. The story is bassed on Ellen prospect of things. Ellen Craft disguised her self as a white male slaveholder and her husband William Craft as her slave. I give this book a 5 start rating and it's one of those tip of books you can just sit down and read in a though days would definitely recommend to history lovers and would read again.
This book is bassed off a true story of two people called William and Ellen Craft, who were slaves in Americas deep south in 1848. The story is bassed on Ellen prospect of things. Ellen Craft disguised her self as a white male slaveholder and her husband William Craft as her slave. I give this book a 5 start rating and it's one of those tip of books you can just sit down and read in a though days would definitely recommend to history lovers and would read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Does a great job of telling the story using condensed and simpler storytelling. All of the emotion and anguish remains, even while it has been deliberately designed to have a have a more accessible vocabulary and writing style.
July 15, 2018
This is such a short book, but it's quite interesting. It's based on the escape by William and Ellen Craft. It's so interesting that it makes you want to learn more about the actual escape that it's based on.
It's also so heart-wrenching in a lot of ways and deals with subjects in manners that appear to be handled quite well.
It's also so heart-wrenching in a lot of ways and deals with subjects in manners that appear to be handled quite well.
April 23, 2024
Den va ju 100 sid, en barnbok men helt ok
May 18, 2018
This is a very enjoyable book. Tanya Landman is able to slip into the skin of a black woman convincingly. The context feels right and the tension in this short book is well controlled. I find it all the more interesting that it is based on a true story.
August 9, 2025
his is a 100 page short story slave narrative, set mainly in 1840s United States. Tells the story of a slave girl who has fair skin, and is therefore, able to "pass for white," to borrow the title. Also able to pose as a gentleman and travel with her husband (a slave), posing as his owner. It's based on the true story of Ellen and William Craft who were able to get out of the South, then after the Fugitive Slave Act was passed, made their way to England.
Per the rating, the book is...okay. If you're looking for a story of a grand escape, this isn't it - that isn't the flaw of the book itself, since it has to keep at least one foot in historical events, but, well, this isn't exactly Huckleberry Finn we're talking about. On the other hand, the book is at its best in its quieter moments, where Rosa has to hold her tongue as a slave when people around her are flipping their own tongues. Mostly, this is in southerners, whether it's outright racism (railing against abolitionists and Negroes), more subtle racism (the idea that slavery is good because blacks can't take care of themselves), or even stuff from abolitionists who help them - "microaggressions," if I absolutely have to use that term. Nothing here is out of left field for what you'd expect from the time period (and, regretfully, out of our own period in some areas), but it's the most effective material in the book.
Per the rating, the book is...okay. If you're looking for a story of a grand escape, this isn't it - that isn't the flaw of the book itself, since it has to keep at least one foot in historical events, but, well, this isn't exactly Huckleberry Finn we're talking about. On the other hand, the book is at its best in its quieter moments, where Rosa has to hold her tongue as a slave when people around her are flipping their own tongues. Mostly, this is in southerners, whether it's outright racism (railing against abolitionists and Negroes), more subtle racism (the idea that slavery is good because blacks can't take care of themselves), or even stuff from abolitionists who help them - "microaggressions," if I absolutely have to use that term. Nothing here is out of left field for what you'd expect from the time period (and, regretfully, out of our own period in some areas), but it's the most effective material in the book.
March 31, 2018
A superb account of the escape of a married couple from slavery in America. Rosa and Benjamin show fortitude, bravery and ingenuity when they travel north, with Rosa disguised as a white gentleman. Based on a true story. A quick read that packs a punch. Recommended.
May 3, 2017
Passing for White is the first book from Tanya Landman I have read and I absolutely loved it. I know Tanya by reputation of the Carnegie Medal for Buffalo Soldier as well as her upcoming novel Beyond the Wall - which I can't wait to read.
Written in over 100 pages, Passing for White is an inspiring novel about how two slaves, who want freedom from their masters, have to runaway and 'pass for white' to do so. Rosa is a 'white' slave. Ben is a carpenters slave and the first time they met, he assumed that Rosa was the white master, the way she held herself and spoke, but she is far from that. Rosa has been a slave to this family for all her life, what she endures is quite simply awful and I hated to read what happened to her. But when she meets Ben it's like she can finally breath. As they embark on their journey to freedom we find ourselves experiences what life was like for a slave in the 1850s.
This is a beautifully raw novel and I was totally mesmerised by it. Rosa's character really struck a cord with me, I found that what she went through, the abuse of her master's husband every night that could impact on the life she could have with Ben was horrific. Both Rosa and Ben are the braviest characters I will ever know. I find myself not having read these types of books very often, awed and equally I guess educated in a way to recognise the depths that us humans had to go through in a time like that. A very dark and almost inhuman time unless you were literary, privileged and rich.
Tanya Landman's books are a force to be reckoned with and I can't wait to delve more into her prose. Next on my list has to be Beyond the Wall and then Buffalo Soldier.
Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Nina Douglas for sending me a proof copy in exchange for an honest review - which I think I just did.
Written in over 100 pages, Passing for White is an inspiring novel about how two slaves, who want freedom from their masters, have to runaway and 'pass for white' to do so. Rosa is a 'white' slave. Ben is a carpenters slave and the first time they met, he assumed that Rosa was the white master, the way she held herself and spoke, but she is far from that. Rosa has been a slave to this family for all her life, what she endures is quite simply awful and I hated to read what happened to her. But when she meets Ben it's like she can finally breath. As they embark on their journey to freedom we find ourselves experiences what life was like for a slave in the 1850s.
This is a beautifully raw novel and I was totally mesmerised by it. Rosa's character really struck a cord with me, I found that what she went through, the abuse of her master's husband every night that could impact on the life she could have with Ben was horrific. Both Rosa and Ben are the braviest characters I will ever know. I find myself not having read these types of books very often, awed and equally I guess educated in a way to recognise the depths that us humans had to go through in a time like that. A very dark and almost inhuman time unless you were literary, privileged and rich.
Tanya Landman's books are a force to be reckoned with and I can't wait to delve more into her prose. Next on my list has to be Beyond the Wall and then Buffalo Soldier.
Rating - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thank you to Barrington Stoke and Nina Douglas for sending me a proof copy in exchange for an honest review - which I think I just did.
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