The Dark Sun Rises

by Denise Williamson

As a slave, Joseph Whitsun's life is forever changed at Delora Plantation after it is discovered that he can read, but he endures the abuse and the threats on his life by finding comfort and understanding in the arms of a beautiful house slave named Rosa. Original.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical, African American

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Denise J. Williamson

Reviews

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I began this book I didn't think it was going to be all that great. Having finished it I've totally changed my mind! It gave me insight into the South's way of thinking about blacks before the Civil War, the hopelessness yet faith walk of slaves, and a deep appreciation for the stain on America that slavery is. Though it's out of print, as is the sequel, and I don't think the third of the trilogy was ever written, I'm planning on getting the second book in the series through Inter-library loan so I can learn about the North's attitudes toward free blacks, which as intimated in this book was also pretty poor, just disguised under freedom. Anyone interested in American history, the antebellum South, or attitudes towards slavery and civil rights would greatly appreciate this book. Anyone struggling with prejudice and racial hatred today needs to read this book.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my....where to begin.
As hard as this book was to read at times I cannot give it less than a 5. Too many good things happen within the lives of the slaves and some of the owners to give it a lower rating. And the writing is too wonderful.
The slavery issue was probably more accurate than any of us want to believe. Hard to read the brutality. I'm sure many people will criticize this book because of the sadness, but it is all so well done, and as you read you are looking forward to some relief just around the corner.
Such was the life of Joseph, a very bright self taught slave of a lovely Christian man, who treats him well. However, there are many who believe he needs to be put in his place, and thus the story takes many directions in the life of this honorable black man.
Yes, this may be hard to read, but it is very good.

[Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Predictable. Not particularly well-written. I am definitely not the target audience due to the (to me ) excessive religious references that dragged down the story.

[Lilaea Anadoris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ugh! I don't know where to start with this book.
I love it and hate it at the same time. It ripped out my heart, put it back together, then ripped it out again. There were so many parts I liked, especially the Christian view point, but most of the characters were annoying, at the least. The few that I did really like were Mayleda, Teacher Payne, and Mr. Gund, because they weren't indecisive about what was truly right. Gund was definitely my favorite character. He was really the only one of the white characters that I respected and loved Brant's personality is just constantly all over the place, going back and forth from good guy to bad guy and he was so aggravatingly incompetent. I was also really disappointed that we didn't get to see the conversations between him and Abram, when his father comes home and finds out his son caused disasters, on the same day he leaves the plantation, TWICE IN A ROW! And as far as we know, Brant never even apologizes to the people he hurts, despite having a change of heart at the end.

But I did love how the author easily worked in so many truly Christian values and viewpoints, and showed how, although slavery was/is obviously morally wrong, it takes some people a while to rid themselves of ideas and beliefs that have been drilled into them for so long.
I do think this is a really good book. I like the writing style and how it goes through so many different perspectives. I recommend giving it a read if you can handle reading about the brutality of those times. Thankfully, most of the violence isn't described in detail or even directly shown a lot of the time.
However, the ending was pretty disappointing to me, though I think I'll still try and get the other book.
Honestly, I would like to see this as a TV show, because too much happens to put into just a movie, and there is enough drama and excitement into pack many episodes.
I give this 4 stars because I liked most of it and it was a nice change from what I usually read, and I did not find the Christian elements cringy as I have with some novels, but there were also some things I really wish were done differently.
If you do decide to read the Dark Sun Rises, be prepared for an emotional, and sometimes traumatizing or angering ride of a story.

[Edie Asbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written, but at times I felt a need to set it aside for a few days due to the difficult content concerning the treatment of slaves on plantations. Nevertheless, the characters were well developed, finding their way in the midst of cultural challenges. Next I will see what the sequel holds; there's more to the story....

[Daisey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a hard read. It was well written but the subject is always hard. How can people ever see only the color of another’s skin? It was a good story of conflict yet of truth winning. I would recommend it.

[Nadia Jonesy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had some interesting factors to it but it was so slow. I had to put it down.

[Pam Plumridge]

I'm on chapter 10

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel about slavery in the South prior to the civil war is rich with faith, courage, family and loyalty. It depicts well the many evils and victims of hate, pride, and oppression. What the characters endure is heartbreaking. Their lives become a struggle to survive and maintain their hope and dignity amid the traps and betrayals that invariably result from their choices to fight for freedom and the desires of their heart. The author portrays superbly what one character so poignantly states, “Do what is necessary to save yourself and those you love. Pick what you will die for, then put your life into it.”

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

We just finished this for book club and had a good discussion. I enjoy historical fiction, and this one was about the South and slavery and the leading up to the Civil War. The beginning is a bit difficult to read (really bad treatment of the slaves men/women) but I enjoyed getting further into the book and the lives of the characters.
The Author really researched the area, people, and situations so I felt like I caught a little glimps of some of the mind set of people at the time, and the struggles they faced. Good book - it made me want to read some non-fiction on some of the characters she included in it.

[Shirley Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

An antebellum novel, Joseph and Rosa are the proverbial black lovers in very troubled times. I like this novel although the author dismays me with her language. She says things such as "he was contemplative,lost in deep thought." Does she think her readers do not know word meanngs, definitions? Williamson tells a good story though of the indomitable spirit of Africans in a harsh new world.

[Marguerite Harrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading this Historical Fiction book. It is very educational to understand what it is like to be a slave before the uprising of the Civil War. Also how the slave master handle their slave. I read this book as part of #vtReadingChallenge #a book with at least 400 pages I am also looking forward to read another book by her and it is the second one that is When Stars Begin to Fall.

[Deedee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable until Joseph moves to the city. Then the story "drags" at times and becomes very "wordy". I don't think this book was listed under "Religious", but one time the religious preaching seemed to go on and on and on........ but still a very good book.

[Stephkc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sobering look at slavery and how conflicted some slave owners were about the morality of owning another human being.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable. Everytime the owner leaves, his beloved slave gets hurt by his crazy neighbor. Stop leaving him home alone!

[Cheryl Pollan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was not emotionally ready for this book. I made it through four chapters before I couldn't take it anymore. I need to come back to it when I'm on a more even keel.

[Corky Bosch]

hard to read, so sad.