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Washington Black
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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review
Donna1980
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

A brilliant book with a wonderful central character, Washington ‘Wash‘ Black. His emotional story is skilfully narrated throughout the novel and the character development from boy to man is superbly written. I defy anyone not to feel deeply for him. The ending seemed to bring him some peace and I was relieved that he was determined to be recognised for the brilliant mind he was in the end, rather than become a footnote to his own achievements.

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SarahBookInterrupted
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Check out my book recommendation on Book Interrupted‘s Manuscript Monday. https://www.bookinterrupted.com/post/manuscript-monday-washington-black

AmyG I loved this book! 6mo
36 likes2 comments
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S3V3N
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. It was so good I downloaded the audio so that I could listen to it while I cleaned my home. I didn‘t want to put it down.

49 likes3 stack adds
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Julsmarshall
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

So good! I loved this story of a young enslaved person who finds himself part of a scientific voyage that tests his limits and learn his strengths. Surrounded by some truly horrible people but also a few true friends, his life is interesting, uplifting, and one of a kind. The mixture of history, science, and gorgeous writing make for a special novel. Highly recommend and great on #audio #BookspinBingo @TheAromaofBooks

AmyG I loved this one, too. 1y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! 1y
52 likes2 comments
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S3V3N
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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I ran out the door without checking for the name of the person I need to thank for my package.🤦🏾‍♀️ I‘m in church right now so please charge it to my mind and not my heart.
I loved everything about my items. I can‘t wait to get home and put on the socks and curl ip with a good book. I was gifted 3 and will probably start Washington Black.
@Avanders @TheBookHippie
#Winterwonderlandswap

UPDATE: A special Thank You to @AmyG ‼️Thanks again ‼️

CBee Pretty sure that‘s @AmyG 😊 I recognize the lovely handwriting! 1y
S3V3N @CBee Thanks! I was going to check the card and post-it note when I got home. 1y
TheBookHippie @CBee ♥️ I think it is! 1y
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AmyG It was me!!!! I am happy you like everything. And enjoy Washington Black. I absolutely loved it so when I saw it on your TBR I was very excited to put it in your box. Happy New Year!!!! 1y
Avanders Happy New Year! 🎇❄️💙 1y
Avanders Also those socks are amaze!! 1y
CBee @BeaG I hope we didn‘t spoil it 🫣 1y
S3V3N @Avanders Happy New Year! Yes! The socks look so warm and comfy. 1y
S3V3N @CBee Thanks! You didn‘t spoil it, it truly slipped my mind. I knew as I was walking out the door. Got to church and was like darn it! If I hadn‘t posted now I would‘ve forgotten to post. 1y
S3V3N @AmyG Thank you so much! The socks are confirmation that I need to plan my trip to Colorado! I‘ve been wanting to go for a while. 1y
CBee @BeaG oh good 😅 1y
Chrissyreadit 🤍❄️🤍❄️🤍❄️ 1y
43 likes12 comments
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jhod
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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What do we think of the Booker Prize judging panel? I liked Washington Black, I have seen Anjoa Andoh act at the National and she was amazing but no idea what books she will like, and I'm a bit wary of Robert Webb... I've definitely heard of James Shapiro, I haven't heard of Mary Jean Chan. It begins! #bookerprize2023

BarbaraBB I only recognize Edugyan… but I am looking forward to the International Booker again! 1y
48 likes1 comment
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vivastory
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Library book haul

Hooked_on_books Nice haul! 1y
jlhammar Whoa, that is quite the stack! Convenience Store Woman and Black Leopard Red Wolf are great. I adored Ferrante's Neapolitan Novels, but still need to try her other books, probably starting with this one since I have it on my shelves 1y
vivastory @Hooked_on_books Thanks! I'm looking forward to all of them. A few of them were finds while browsing. 1y
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vivastory @jlhammar Preparing for extended weekend next week 📚📚 I'm really looking forward to both. Brief History of Seven Killings is a favorite of mine. I have always wanted to try Ferrante & I think her standalone novels will be a good entry point. 1y
Aimeesue Nice stack! 1y
vivastory @Aimeesue Thanks! I'm excited for all of them 😀 1y
Aimeesue @vivastory I would have to roll the dice on these, because I wouldn't be able to choose one to go first! 😂 1y
vivastory @Aimeesue That's kind of how I feel too! Lately it seems like I have had more success with shorter books. Due to work demands it's very difficult for me to make any headway with a sustained narrative during the week; most of my reading is now on the weekend. I have been favoring a lot of poetry, essay & short story collections lately. 1y
batsy Ooh, fun! 1y
Megabooks I had not heard of the tagged book. It sounds interesting. Have a wonderful time reading them! 1y
Branwen Gorgeous stack! 👍🏻💕📚 1y
71 likes11 comments
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jdiehr
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Two more stories down in the "A Point In Time" collection ??

"We Are Bone and Earth" is about an enslaved girl.

"Alison's Conviction" is about a young woman with Tourette Syndrome fighting debt collectors.

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emmaturi
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

This was a fantastic book, definitely will be a favourite of this year. It's also a dark, brutal, but brilliant story. I absolutely adored the character Washington Black.

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BookMaven9
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Mehso-so

🌟🌟🌟the only reason for the 3 stars instead of less, is the incredible writing. Her writing is like music and I found it beautiful. However this book was a huge, boring slog as far as plotless and stories go. But if you love wonderful prose to savor, you may like it.

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AllDebooks
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Trying to squeeze the last 2 books in before the end of the month. This will give me 2 completed lines, #bookspin and #doublespin for April. Not too bad to say it's been a busy month.
@TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Good luck!!! 2y
AllDebooks @TheAromaofBooks thank you. 😊 2y
15 likes3 comments
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DaniJ
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
Pickpick

Excellent. Beautiful prose and a compelling and heart-wrenching story of loss, inequality and adventure. Ending was a bit lacklustre

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TheKidUpstairs
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Finished this one yesterday, just in time for Day One of the #CanadaReads debates!

A compulsively readable page turner following the life of George Washington Black, born a Slave, through his escape and his near-fantastical journeys propelled by science and a search for meaning. How does one define their life and their sense of self without knowledge of their roots?

A great book, and certainly a worthy read, but not the one to win CR, IMO.

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TheKidUpstairs
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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"One felt great age, and a silence like a held pause; it was as though everything that could happen here had already occurred, as though you were wading into an aftermath."

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Nebklvr
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Edugyan places the reader in full view of the brutality of a Caribbean plantation, Arctic village, and English hanging. There is no escaping. It is the slow wait of waiting and hopeless seeking as the claustrophobia slowly steals your breath. The characters are complex and the writing exquisite. This is a Canada Reads contender.

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SarahBookInterrupted
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

This is an excellent book. I think it‘s my choice for Canada Reads 2022. It was interesting in multilayered ways. It was heartbreaking, mysterious, informative, heartfelt and touching. It kept me engaged and the author brings you into Washington‘s world and experiences in a vivid way. You can hear, see, feel and smell each moment. She leaves you wanting more of Washington Black, but also satisfied in the ending. This book will stay with me.

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TheKidUpstairs
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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"The impossible occurs so infrequently in this world, even to those who would devote their lives to studying it."

71 likes1 stack add
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DivineDiana
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

The story of a young, black, boy slave -Washington Black (Wash), who escaped from Barbados with the white, English, younger brother of the plantation owner- Christopher Wilde. They leave in a fantastical flying machine, and their adventure begins. There is a cinematic feel to the book, and Hulu has picked it up for a 9 part series. Thrilling,passionate, well written. Yet, I felt somewhat unsettled by the ending.
#booked2022 #involvesanexploration

Cinfhen Ohhhh, I can‘t wait to see this on the small screen!!! It was one of my favorite books a few years ago. Even though many were disappointed with the ending, I enjoyed this book so much. GREAT PICK!!! 2y
69 likes1 comment
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DivineDiana
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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My other IRL BookClub book for the month.

Librarybelle Such a good book! 2y
DivineDiana @Librarybelle I am captivated at this point in my reading, but was disappointed that Litsy reviews were mixed. Glad that you liked it! (edited) 2y
AmyG I really enjoyed this, too. I was surprised more didn‘t like it. 2y
DivineDiana @AmyG Thank you for telling me! 👏🏻📚👍🏻 2y
59 likes1 stack add4 comments
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JacqMac
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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I‘m almost 100 pages in and I‘m so bored. I find myself wondering if it‘s worth it. It sounds like the kind of book I would love. I want to like it. But I just can‘t get into it. Maybe I‘ll take a break and come back to it later.

Soubhiville I finished it but was disappointed… 2y
JacqMac @Soubhiville It sounds like it might not be worth it. I don‘t think it‘s going to get any better. 2y
DivineDiana I just started on audio for my Book Club, and I am quite interested in what will happen to Washington. 2y
BookMaven9 Not worth it ! It doesn‘t get any better 2y
51 likes4 comments
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Blueberry
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Very well written but some unanswered questions and I didn't quite get the ending.

#CanadaReads2022

DivineDiana This collage captures the book beautifully! ❤️ 2y
Blueberry @DivineDiana Thank you 😊 2y
63 likes2 comments
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Blueberry
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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1. Washington Black by Esi Edugyan
2. The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
3. The Willows by Algernon Blackwood

@rachelsbrittain #WeekendReads
@NataliePatalie

49 likes1 stack add
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Blueberry
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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"I might have been ten, eleven years old - I cannot say for certain - when my first master died."

#FirstLineFridays @ShyBookOwl
#CanadaReads2022

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Blueberry
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Just added to my tbr list today. It is on the shortlist for #CanadaReads2022.

#Black #BeginsWith
@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Perfect 🖤🤍🖤 2y
64 likes1 stack add1 comment
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xicanti
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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The Canada Reads Longlist is out! WASHINGTON BLACK is the only one I‘ve read, but I now have all the others on hold. Here‘s hoping none of the ones with 100+ people ahead of me make the final cut.

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Soubhiville
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Mehso-so

I have mixed feelings on this one. On one hand, Wash had some real adventures, traveling from Barbados to the New World to the Arctic Circle and more. On the other, he was in hiding from slave hunters, wanted with a bounty on him.

I found the ending ambiguous and ultimately unsatisfying, even though it was fitting and felt true.

See above my cards from #LitsyLove, friends, family, and clients. Thank you to everyone who has sent one 😊❤️🎄.

Susanita Same here. I thought the beginning was strong, then it started unraveling as the story progressed. 2y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks ❤️💌💚 2y
Hooked_on_books I tried to read this one years ago and couldn‘t get into it at all. I haven‘t been inspired to try it again. 2y
60 likes3 comments
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SamAnne
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

A qualified pick. Beautiful writing and I loved the main character. Having reread Austen's novels and delving into other classics, I liked how the novel explored how the genteel manor life of England and the pursuits of “gentlemen scientists“ were often financially supported by riches made from horrific plantations and slavery. I liked how it explored the complexities of racism, among the abolitionists and in the close relationships.👇

SamAnne But aspects of the story were so unbelievable that the author should have fully embraced the magic realism device rather than skirt it. Other aspects of the story just did not seem believable. I found the ending very dissatisfying, rushed. 3y
Cathythoughts Nice review 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3y
77 likes2 comments
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SamAnne
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Halfway through and enjoying this read. Spent the weekend camping and fishing on the St. Joe river in north Idaho and stopped in a tiny “town” called Avery, which for the past few months has been dwarfed by a large firefighter camp battling a big blaze. Heavy rains came Friday thankfully. I stopped in at a new wood fired pizza place that was delicious. It is interesting to read this boom after being immersed in rereading Austen‘s novels. 👇

SamAnne There are Austen characters who are involved in the slave trade. This novel hits that issue directly—that genteel manor lifestyle was often supported by plantations and horrific slavery. I want to read more on Austen‘s views, but my understanding is that she was an abolitionist in her views, but not active in the cause. #pemberlittens (edited) 3y
Smrloomis Loved your post! I‘ve been meaning to read this… and that pizza looks delicious! 3y
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EvieBee Yes, a theme that I appreciated being touched on in the movie adaptation of Mansfield Park. 3y
rwmg Such a shame she didn't live long enough to get further with Sanditon so we could see what she did with a mixed race character from the West Indies 3y
SamAnne @rwmg agreed. 3y
Megabooks I‘m sorry. Too busy looking at the pizza to see the book! 😂🤤🤤🤤 3y
rabbitprincess That pizza looks AMAZING! 3y
SamAnne @megabooks @rabbitprincess it was delicious! I wasn't expecting a beautiful copper woodfire pizza oven in redneck little Avery, ID. The place was full of firefighters, flyfishermen like me and dirtbikers. 3y
76 likes1 stack add9 comments
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Susanita
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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We‘re nearing the end of #JulyJourneys already! Time flies!

I found this to be an odd book but interesting. Part of the story takes place in the #PolarRegion of North America, but to say more would be a spoiler. 😎

Eggs ❤️📚📖👏🏻 3y
32 likes1 comment
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bell7
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

George Washington Black grows up in slavery on Barbados, but his life takes a turn when his master's brother Christopher "Titch" Wilde has Wash assist his scientific endeavors. Covering multiple years and continents, this coming-of-age tale explores the nature of relationships and how theirs could never be a true, equal friendship. Wash's adventures in the world fascinated me from beginning to end.

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GatheringBooks
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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#CuriousCovers Day 20: #Trees on this cover. :)

Readergrrl Loved this book!!! 3y
mcctrish Your cover is awesome 3y
Eggs 🌴💚🌴 Brilliant! 3y
48 likes3 comments
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tricours
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Now, this was what I thought I was getting when I started Vassar‘s “Black”.

And this was simply perfect.

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Lucy_Anywhere
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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#TBRPile 📚 Washington Black, an 11-year-old slave, becomes the personal servant to the eccentric ‘Titch‘ Wilde whose single-minded pursuit of the perfect aerial machine puts both of them in mortal danger. When Titch disappears, Washington must make his way alone, following the promise of freedom further than he ever dreamed possible...

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Tineke
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

This was a good book, although the ending was a bit abrupt, short and unsatistisfying. Nevertheless I enjoyed the story.
TBR since March 2nd 2021; 417 pages.

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Centique
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

A really good work of historical fiction - quite fast paced for this genre with lots of events. It packs a lot in! I think for my tastes, it could have been longer. Some of Edugyan‘s quieter scenes were so thoughtful. Fascinating characters and a brutal life - although I‘ve read a lot of books set within slavery, this is one of the stand outs for depicting brutality and the impact on the human spirit. I‘ll be interested to see what she does next.

Readergrrl I really loved this book!!! 3y
Ruthiella I wanted this to be a lot longer than it was. I felt a lot of detail was missing for my personal tastes. 3y
Centique @Ruthiella yes! There were some scenes where she wrote with more detail and I thought they were great and we needed more of those. I hope she does that in her next novel. 3y
See All 10 Comments
readordierachel Oh wonderful, I have a copy of this waiting to be read. Glad to hear you liked it! 3y
Cathythoughts I have this one waiting too 👍🏻❤️ Paula , my granddaughter & myself, we love the book you sent ! Thanks so much. I‘m popping something in the post for you today ... I hope it won‘t take forever to get there. 😘 3y
Centique @Cathythoughts you are so sweet Cathy. I‘m glad you and your granddaughter like the book. It gave me memories of grandmother/granddaughter because my grandma would visit that special bookstore when travelling in Aus and bring me back a Coles book. 😍 You really didn‘t need to send me anything but it is lovely of you 💕 3y
Cathythoughts It‘s a real beauty of a book. 💕 I know I don‘t need to send you something, but I really want to 😘 3y
Rissreads Awwwww, I was with you when you bought this! 3y
Centique @Rissreads you were! What a great memory. That was a lovely day 💕 3y
Rissreads It sure was a lovely day! 😘 3y
98 likes2 stack adds10 comments
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deliasson
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book! It had some very interesting plot twists that kept me wondering but the ending...I‘m not entirely sure about. There‘s multiple ways of looking at it and to be honest; I was left a little bit confused.

11 likes1 stack add
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Helen19
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Just finished this for my IRL book club which has been postponed because every member just felt this week was too much! We have all enjoyed the book though! Some awful plantation scenes which were hard to read. Still can‘t decide if I‘m left feeling vaguely hopeful or desperately sad for the main character.

23 likes1 stack add
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Auntynanny
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

I really enjoyed this book. I read “Half Blood Blues“ a few years ago. I liked it a lot as well, and I hope to read more from Esi Edugyan.

8 likes1 stack add
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JLaurenceCohen
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan

Washington Black is a solid piece of historical fiction. Edugyan is as interested in early marine biology and hot air balloon mechanics as she is in plantation slavery.

20 likes1 stack add
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marleed
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

I‘m so glad George Washington Black took a cloud-cutter out of Barbados and I loved being a fly on the wall for his next 17 years of travel.

75 likes2 stack adds
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Traci1
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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#3books #IReadBasedSolelyOnTheirCovers

Loved Washington Black
Liked 100 Foot Journey
Didn't care for Essex Serpent

These are all books I read without even looking at the blurb. I actually do that more often than not. I'm totally at the mercy of a pretty cover.

@Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks
@OriginalCyn620

AlaMich Me too, about covers. Even for things like classics, where I know exactly what I‘m getting, I will go out of my way to get a nicer-looking edition from the library! 🤓 4y
OriginalCyn620 📚👍🏻📚 4y
Chelsea.Poole Same I love a nice cover 🤩 4y
See All 7 Comments
Ruthiella We are of the same mind re: The Essex Serpent. The cover is beautiful but I was disappointed with the content. 4y
Traci1 @Ruthiella I have had it for a while, but I decided to read it when I heard they were making a film version. I was so excited about it, but now I don't want to see the movie. I can't see how it would be anything but boring. 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick The Washington Black cover kept grabbing my attention sitting on the tables at B&N. I finally caved and bought it. I'm glad I did. 4y
Traci1 @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick I will almost always buy a book if it has an airship on it. Probably not a good practice, but I can't seem to stop myself. 4y
51 likes7 comments
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Amandajoy
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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No better time to start a new book than when you‘re getting a flat tire fixed. They said it could be 2-2 1/2 hours. Hope this is as good as everyone says it is!

UwannaPublishme That Discount Tire waiting room looks very familiar! 😁 4y
Darthdad Just started reading myself, I‘m really enjoying 4y
GinaKButler How is this one? I‘ve heard mixed reviews... 3y
Amandajoy @GinaKButler I loved it. I thought it was hopeful & fanciful while also addressing some tough issues & making you think. 3y
GinaKButler @Amandajoy thanks so much! Adding it to my list...the cover is gorgeous, too! 3y
49 likes4 stack adds5 comments
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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

This is a story about George Washington Black, a young slave boy whose luck changed when he was chosen to be the manservant to his owner's brother, Titch. This covers about 6 years of his life, from a sugar plantation in Barbados, to the Arctic, London, & Morocco. The first half was better than the second half, as the characters we meet early on seem larger than life and those later introduced are rather boring. A story of hope & found family.

Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @TheAromaofBooks This is my final #bookspinbingo square for August. I'll see how I ended up later. 4y
TheAromaofBooks Yay!!! 4y
37 likes2 comments
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Yahui07
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

This book is surprisingly good!!

10 likes1 stack add
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AmyG
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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- tagged book
- Edith WHARTON
- movie....When Harry Met Sally
- The War on Drugs, Waxahatchee, Wilco, Whiskeytown
- Water Wings - Superchunk

#ManicMonday #LetterW @JoScho

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Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Reading & puppy cuddles to start my Sunday. 💛💚

AmyG Sounds perfect! Great book. 4y
54 likes1 stack add1 comment
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megnews
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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I‘ve seen a lot of reviews for this and it‘s been on and off my tbr. On sale today so why not?

Librarybelle I really liked this one. I loved her writing style! 4y
Darthdad I bought this book when it was on sale as well. I just started reading on Monday and I‘m really enjoying. Great historical fiction/fantasy 4y
51 likes1 stack add2 comments
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ralexist
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

Wash's life changes forever when he becomes the manservant to Titch. He moves from harsh work of the fields of a Barbados sugar plantation to assisting Titch, scientist/explorer/inventor/abolitionist with his flying machine research.
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Spanning years, Wash's journey takes him from Barbados to an Arctic outpost to London and finally Morocco as he tries to both outrun his past and discover who he is along the way. Incredible incredible read!

25 likes1 stack add
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BookishTrish
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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I‘m still not sure where this is going but the writing is great.

48 likes1 stack add
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mjdowens
Washington Black | Esi Edugyan
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Pickpick

I love what this story is really saying. I had a bit of a hard time with some of the fantastical adventures though.