Lester, Julius. Day of tears; a novel in dialogue

LESTER, Julius. Day of tears; a novel in dialogue. Hyperion. 175p. bibliog, c2005.07868-0490-4. $15.99. JSA

Nearly 200 years ago it rained for two days, merging God's tears with those of over 400 slaves auctioned in Georgia, separated from loved ones forever. In 13 chapters and 14 interludes, Lester shares their stories, beginning with Emma, the central character, who is sold unexpectedly, though she later escapes and eventually finds freedom in Canada. Other characters reveal how the auction changed their lives as well. The ambitious slave-seller loses his voice during the auction, ruining his career. Jeffrey's master is unable to buy his lover Dorcas, but he remains faithful to her and is crushed after the Civil War when he learns she is married to someone else.

Emma shares the story of the day of tears with her granddaughter, who is doing a report on American slavery. She emphasizes the goodness of white abolitionists and others like her slave owner's daughter, for whom her own daughter was named. While it has become fashionable to tell slave stories from multiple perspectives, acknowledging that the institution devastated blacks and whites, leaving us all with a mixture of feelings, including guilt, this perspective seems contrived at times. The familiar types are all present: the loyal slave, the benevolent master/mistress, the devoted mammy figure, and the subversive slave. Yet, this book does what history texts are not designed to do: it humanizes the people involved as a Georgia plantation owner made history, having orchestrated the largest slave auction to ever take place.

The final note from the author is especially important as it shares bibliographical sources used to create this novel, which reads more like a play. Many of the characters are based on real people and both the plot and subplots are influenced by real events that will capture the attention of young readers. KaaVonia Hinton, Ph.D., Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

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