History Book Club thrives
This term, History Book Club have been reading, “To Liberty - The Adventures of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas” by Catherine Johnson. The group recently met to discuss the book, which is set in revolutionary France and tells the tale of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, who spent his early life enslaved in Haiti before going on to become General-in-Chief of the French Army. George (Year 7) penned his thoughts on the book - see below!
Book Review
To Liberty - The Adventures of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas by Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson, a British author of Jamaican and Welsh heritage, is renowned for her historical fiction that highlights minority voices. Her 2020 novel To Liberty follows Alex, a young boy sold into slavery, as he journeys to France in pursuit of freedom, only to face new challenges. The book is set during the time of the French Revolution, and the main character is the son of a French nobleman and an enslaved African woman. The reader follows his struggles with racial discrimination throughout the book.
The book is based on a real-life account of Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, who was sold into slavery, but later became the first person of colour in the French military to become brigadier general, divisional general, and general-in-chief. His rise to power signifies one of the first signs of equality, diversity and justice, and he has a massive influence and lasting legacy. He is represented as Alex in this story.
I really enjoyed the plot of the story, as Alex encountered many difficulties due to the colour of his skin, and he continuously fought for his liberty. Whilst he is presented with enormous wealth and fortune from his father (who sells Alex’s siblings and moves to France to achieve this), he is undeterred and continuously fights for equality amongst all, which was something unheard of during the time the story was set.
My favourite moment in the story was when Alex and his friends were in a restaurant. Alex is falsely accused due to the colour of his skin, and it takes his friends to persuade the policemen that Alex was not responsible. This immediately sparks Alex into outrage, as he believes everyone should be treated equally under the law.
With a war with France at the time, Alex decides to strip of his titles (much to his father’s anger) and decides to be a normal soldier fighting in the war. With much determination, strength and self-courage, he leads his army to victory, gradually rising to higher ranks, with the promise of freedom driving him forward.
Although the seemingly childish front-cover may discourage older readers from buying it, it does conveys the book's themes of slavery and racism.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in social equality in the past, as it is a great read and discusses many important topics.
Book Review written by George (7H)
The next novel for History Book Club will be the ‘Silk Roads’ by Peter Frankopan (Illustrated Version) - new members welcome, please seek out Mrs Berry if you wish to join!