Staff Book Reviews
Syma C. reviews INDIGO by Beverly Jenkins (iUniverse, 2000)
After reading Indigo, I had to take a deep breath. I learned so much from this book; lessons I will remember for the rest of my life.
Of course, after slaves were given legal papers proving themselves to be free, there were still people who used them for sport. They were called “slave catchers.” There were ex-slaves, such as Hester, whose role in the safety and well-being of runaways who found themselves in need, proved to be vital. Her help was especially vital when she encounters an injured man known as “Black Daniel.” African-Americans had little but accomplished much; they even devised methods of communication without mumbling a word. No one can verbally express a warning to readers what Galen and Hester were about to embark upon in this pre-Civil War America.
Knowing the law can not only make trouble for you but also the ones whom you love and care for, blacks learned when to express themselves and when to hold on to emotions. Throughout this book, readers learn not only do all the characters possess a certain strength to protect one another in the present, but also to guard and cherish tragic and beautiful events from the past.
Black Daniel, who was born Galen, is by no stretch of the imagination a dim witted man, passive person, or a slave to cower. Instead, he is a person of morals, trust, affection, dedication, and above all, he has real love for Hester, whom he named, “La Indigo.”
This historical romance explores the truth about love and passion between a man and a woman.
Super awesome book!
Syma C., Staff