Barracoon is a nonfiction book written by African-American author Zora Neale Hurston. It tells the story of Cudjo Lewis, who was one of the last known survivors of the Middle Passage, and his experiences as a slave in America. The book provides an eyewitness account of slavery in America from someone who experienced it firsthand.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of America and its impact on people of color. It provides a unique perspective on slavery that is seldom heard, and it sheds light on an important chapter in American history that is often overlooked.
Pros :
- The author provides an eyewitness account of slavery in America from someone who experienced it firsthand.
- The book is well written and easy to read.
- It tells the story of Cudjo Lewis, who was one of the last known survivors of the Middle Passage.
Cons :
- The book may be too dense or difficult for some readers.
- It is a nonfiction book, which means that it might not be as engaging as a work of fiction.
- Some readers may find the topic to be depressing or uncomfortable.
Learn more about the author
Zora Neale Hurston was born in 1891 in Notasulga, Alabama. She is best known for her novel Their Eyes Were Watching God, which tells the story of a black woman’s journey from rural Florida to Harlem.Hurston died in 1960 at the age of 68.
Reader Reviews
“Barracoon is an astounding work of historical recovery and storytelling. Zora Neale Hurston has written an essential book about a significant, if often overlooked, figure in American history.”
“Barracoon is a testimony to the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit. Zora Neale Hurston has gifted us with an irreplaceable piece of history, documentation so powerful that it radiates off these pages like heat.”
“This is the sort of book that needs to be read aloud in order for its magic to truly take hold. Hurston’s writing style is unlike any other, and herstorytelling ability will entrance you.”
“Barracoon is an amazing and powerful read. It provides a unique window into the life of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last living survivors of the slave trade, and allows us to understand the legacy of slavery in America through his stories. Zora Neale Hurston was able to capture snippets of history that would have otherwise been lost, and her writing is both beautiful and poignant. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or African-American studies.”
