Washington Black highlights the connections between cruelty and empathy.

A recent New York Times blog reviews Esi Edugyan's unique story Washington Black and the Bonds of Cruelty and Compassion. The story follows the journey of a freed Barbadian slave kid who takes a trip from Barbados to the Americas and to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The story mesmerizes me for many factors, consisting of the connection between Barbados and Halifax, two locations I understand well and currently call home. Barbados and Nova Scotia share an abundant trade history; Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, was called after Barbados' capital, reflecting when the islands exchanged rum for salt cod and building materials. The story resonates deeply, depicting strong enslaved characters who, despite the brutal cruelty of colonial masters, are not broken.

The Impact of Slavery on Barbados

As I work on Rogues in Paradise, I am reminded of  the extreme relationships among Skave owners and slaves, and circumstances of both ruthlessness and minutes of real generosity within the enslaved community and in some cases even from their masters. A significant example is Big Kit, a strong slave woman who fiercely protects Wash and shields him from damage. The plantation's brutality is illustrated through both physical and emotional violence, such as a servant being silenced or penalized unjustly. The book looks into the complex themes of ruthlessness and compassion, highlighting the detailed balance in between these conflicting forces.

Rogues' explores the historical injuries of slavery and their profound, lasting impacts. It reflects how this trauma forms a community's cultural identity and pride. The story scrutinizes the stiff social hierarchies born from such histories, questioning the power characteristics and their impact on personal flexibility and identity. It offers a unique perspective on liberty-- not just physical or political liberation, however as a psychological, and spiritual state that emerges from transcending the terrible and compassionate bonds society enforces. These bonds, whether manifest as overbearing systems, social expectations, or perhaps well-intentioned acts of kindness, can restrict an individual's real sense of self and ability to define their identity.

Real Liberty

Rogues in Paradise checks out the concept that genuine freedom can be found by succeeding and thriving. Condesending attitudes and sense of supremacy are commonly linked to the supposedly remarkable "master race" or prevailing social factions. The book emphasizes the value of taking back one's sense of self and ability to act in the context of institutional injustice and societal norms. By prevailing over these barriers, individuals can produce a special journey formed by their personal encounters, abilities, and viewpoints, rather than being limited by external restrictions.