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The Book of Tula
From the 17th century and on thru the 18th century, Curacao, an insignificant spec of an island, served a significant purpose as a world market place, her primary trade; men, women and children of African descent; slaves. Then in 1795, after Holland lost its’ war with France, the French abolished slavery in all Dutch territories. In compliance, the Curacao slave market was closed and no new slaves were sold. However in defiance, Curacao’s governing body deemed slave labor too vital to part with and thus none of the existing slaves were freed. One slave dared to take issue with this, declaring… “I’m not setting not another toe in them damned fields ‘til somebody tell me how we still slaves when by law we s’pose to be free.” Tula was the slave’s name and it was his declaration that ignited the revolt, which forever altered the course of Curacao’s history.
314 pages, Paperback
Published April 15, 2016
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September 12, 2019
interesting history of the slave revolt in 1795 in Curacao.
The book begins with Old Mama Pretu, the local voodoo slave woman, and her death chants encouraging the spirit of Tula, the revolutionary hero, at his death to begin his Bishita di spiritu which is when his spirit visits loved ones. He is looking over the scenes of his past and the story that is now being told. Tula is a slave born on the Knip Plantation in Curacao. He, and all the island slaves, long for freedom. They here about the slave revolt in Haiti and how all the slaves all freed by French decree. But their island is Dutch, not French, so they remain slaves.
During this time The Netherlands is in a war with France so trade to the island is almost at a standstill. With no trade, there is no revenue for the plantation and no food. The slaves could go an entire week without any food. Somehow there is plenty of food for the Plantation owners. Life on the Knip Plantation is brutal. The Master´s grown son loves to punish the slaves with the whip. They don't obey the laws concerning the treatment of slaves such as demanding the slaves work on Sunday among others. Conditions are ripe for a slave revolt.
Then, the slaves hear that the Dutch lost the war with the French. If so, that would mean under French laws they are free. One day, Tula asks the Master´s son about this. The reply was to talk to Governor De Veer. However, the Master´s son tells the Governor and council that the slaves are revolting. Slaves from other plantations join Tula´s cause. The Dutch army is called upon to stop the revolt. There are battles but the Dutch army wins. Tula and a few others of the leaders are found guilty and executed.
This novel is based on the true story of Tula and his revolt in 1795. The slaves of Curacao were not freed until 1863 (I had to look this up in Wikipedia). I enjoyed this book but there were parts that were not well described and that I had to research else. Besides the date of emancipation, I had no idea what a mondi is. Apparently, it's the wilderness part of the island with original vegetation of agave, dividivi tree, and aloe.
Interesting history.
The book begins with Old Mama Pretu, the local voodoo slave woman, and her death chants encouraging the spirit of Tula, the revolutionary hero, at his death to begin his Bishita di spiritu which is when his spirit visits loved ones. He is looking over the scenes of his past and the story that is now being told. Tula is a slave born on the Knip Plantation in Curacao. He, and all the island slaves, long for freedom. They here about the slave revolt in Haiti and how all the slaves all freed by French decree. But their island is Dutch, not French, so they remain slaves.
During this time The Netherlands is in a war with France so trade to the island is almost at a standstill. With no trade, there is no revenue for the plantation and no food. The slaves could go an entire week without any food. Somehow there is plenty of food for the Plantation owners. Life on the Knip Plantation is brutal. The Master´s grown son loves to punish the slaves with the whip. They don't obey the laws concerning the treatment of slaves such as demanding the slaves work on Sunday among others. Conditions are ripe for a slave revolt.
Then, the slaves hear that the Dutch lost the war with the French. If so, that would mean under French laws they are free. One day, Tula asks the Master´s son about this. The reply was to talk to Governor De Veer. However, the Master´s son tells the Governor and council that the slaves are revolting. Slaves from other plantations join Tula´s cause. The Dutch army is called upon to stop the revolt. There are battles but the Dutch army wins. Tula and a few others of the leaders are found guilty and executed.
This novel is based on the true story of Tula and his revolt in 1795. The slaves of Curacao were not freed until 1863 (I had to look this up in Wikipedia). I enjoyed this book but there were parts that were not well described and that I had to research else. Besides the date of emancipation, I had no idea what a mondi is. Apparently, it's the wilderness part of the island with original vegetation of agave, dividivi tree, and aloe.
Interesting history.
Displaying 1 of 1 review