August Freedom

by Liz Carson Rosas

In 1848, with the waning glory days of the sugar plantations of the Danish West Indies, tensions are mounting. The government is losing touch with the Cruzan plantation aristocracy, and both underestimate the enormous slave population. The King has decreed all newborn negro babies will be born free and promised to free all slaves in twelve years. Plantation owners fear for their future, certain of economic ruin. But a much more imminent threat looms with the beating of tribal drums and suspicious behavior of slaves and free blacks alike. As the three worlds are about to collide on the tropical paradise of St. Croix, Seraphine Petersen finds it increasingly difficult to straddle the racial divide. Should she side with the family of her slave mother, or her Danish father, or the handsome Scottish planter who has captured her heart? When a secret from her past explodes into her already chaotic world, there is no telling what the outcome will be as it appears she may abandon them all.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2009

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a friend who spends a lot of time on the island of St. Croix. I am guessing that this might be a self-published book. Liz Rosas should be commended for writing a readable historical, albeit partly fictional, account of the island. Having not yet read the sequel, I am hoping she found a good editor before penning her book on young Freedom. I can only imagine what a daunting task it is to write a book having never tried to do so myself. I would need a lot of help and constructive criticism. While reading this book, I was distracted by the overuse of adjectives at times, spelling errors that occurred, redundancy, and outright mistakes that were made. For example, Augustus was searching for Seraphine in a crowd even though he had just dropped her off at a fort for safe keeping. I also question some of the language that was used. The author seemed to use expressions and phrases throughout the book that are more contemporary rather than what would have been used back in the 1840's. These were all things that could have been easily addressed if the book had been edited well. Despite the shortcomings, the book still gives the reader some insight into the culture of St. Croix, the refining of sugar cane, and the complicated race relations of the island.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and interesting read on an historical premise, the slave uprising in the Danish West Indies. I never learned anything about slavery outside of US history, so the history-based part was enlightening. The struggle of the oppressed burdened me, but the style of writing, emotional connections made with the characters, and the development of the story made this a very good read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved the most about this book was how it transports you to island life. If you want to relax and get away, but can't leave your house, then this is a great book. It is an easy read, does not drag at all and is just enjoyable.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too predictable tale of who marries who, but very interesting to hear the history of St. Croix and the way that the Danish ended slavery on the island. Very interesting.