There can be snakes and there can be quicksand, but there should not be quicksand that has some new form of snake life able to live below ground and both constrict and bite. Unfortunately there are so many liberties taken with reality I lost the ability to believe or care. There they form and alliance with other children (some formerly enslaved and some free born) and come up with a plan to protect their community and rescue their mother and their friend.īased on the real maroon, free black, swamp communities, I was fully prepared for some fantasy, or wish fulfillment elements. When the family is separated and captured the two children must find their way and adapt to the entirely different world of liberty, self determination and initiative that the free community encourages. The premise of Freewater is terrific: An enslaved mother, son and daughter flee to a swampland haven of free blacks. This is one of the best historical fiction books that I have read in some time.

I learned so much from this novel and thoroughly recommend it. Luqman-Dawson has written a riveting tale about the maroon communities of free individuals who resisted oppression and made a difference in the world. Readers' interests will be maintained throughout the novel. The book is fast-paced with short chapters from multiple perspectives. The plot points were woven together into a vibrant tapestry. Even so, Luqman-Dawson illustrates the horrific predicaments the slaves endured as well as providing beautiful scenes of freedom and coexistance in the community of Freewater.Īll the characters had significant roles to play in the story, and I loved how there was not a false step in the narrative. The book explores the brutality of slavery without engaging in excessive violence or unnecessary descriptions of exploitation. AN example of this fact is one of the slaves, who is called Turner or Two Shoes. It was also good to find that none of the characters were flat. Her selective mutism and her longing to help the woman who raised her was so complex and beautiful. Nora, the daughter of the plantation owners was outstanding as well. HIs shyness but ultimate strength was so wonderfully portrayed. I loved the contrast between her and her sister Juna. SHe so longs to be a hero and to prove herself. My favorite character was Sanzi, the freeborn child of Mrs. I loved how the action took place both at the SOutherland plantation and in Freewater irself.

THe author illustrates resistance to oppression with the use of her young protagonists. Homer's 'invisibility,' and his growth as he learns about the maroon community and discovers his own worth is so well done. The characters are complex and fully realized. Freewater is historical fiction at its best.

Freewater amina