Customer Reviews

THE KNOWN WORLD.

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I actually have not finished this book, but I believe I am going to give up. I've read about 150 pages, and really am not curious about what happens to any of the people. The characters don't have much depth. The author has them act like he makes them speak English--poorly and incompletely--a bit puzzling. As a historical novel set in the time of slavery, I think it may have some value, as the life of some slaves is probably depicted fairly accurately. But people come and go and you don't get to know them in depth at all. If I feel that I should revise this review in case curiosity wins out, I will. I really think there are many more engaging novels out there.

This book was intense and painfully realistic. What man can do to man is mind bending. I feel that the story flowed smoothly. It also lacked the pitiful whine that has made this kind of history less than literature. I would read it again if I had not let a friend "borrow" it. It deserved its award.

Jones reminds the reader of the horrors of slavery. For example, babies died because they were strapped to their mothers as they worked in the field and the ears of runaway slaves were chopped off to deter other captives from trying to escape. Also, The Known World helps you remember, some people would like to forget, that African Americans owned slaves. Yet, in slavery there has to be a master and slave- color is not part of this relationship. Finally, the book is interesting, but it is quite disjointed, hard to follow.

I unfortunately read Sweet Smoke by David Fuller first and so found this book seriously lacking. This book does carry the same affecting scene's from the plantation. The characters are well drawn and interesting but where is the plot? Okay African Americans owned slaves got it but beyond that ...this book is a book of insights into day to day life on a plantation. And yes, there were odd white plantation owners living in remote areas of Virginia. I'd say well written, yes, interesting, mildly. It is not exciting, not driving, its day to day. Yes there is human tragedy but its not essential to a central plot. Personally I could not recommend this book over David Fuller's novel which is well worth the read. This book is worth the read if you have not read any of the novels based on the new scholarship into slavery. I think if you enjoy a good story as well you'd be better served by Sweetsmoke.