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bentheoverlordsbooks's review against another edition
This was a very interesting story, and one thats hard to rate, because its mostly a recount of a mans life from his POV. I did like the forward that gave the writing of this novel in its historical context, and Kossula "Cudjo Lewis" story is a great one, especially with him recounting his life back in Africa. I think Id like this bound up in future with more essays from ZNH as my only issue is that its quite short, due to it being an interview, and thus I feel if paired with essays it might expand the context.
That being said I am very glad I read this, and ZNH is fast becoming an all time fav author.
Its rare that someone can write Nonfic and fic as good as this so Im very excited to see what's next in my ZNH journey.
That being said I am very glad I read this, and ZNH is fast becoming an all time fav author.
Its rare that someone can write Nonfic and fic as good as this so Im very excited to see what's next in my ZNH journey.
aposternak's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
staplerscissors's review against another edition
4.0
This time, I tried the audiobook. Just as good as reading it.
ibadella's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
i read a few chapters of Barracoon during my anthropology degree, and have found the revisit incredibly enriching
the combination of Kossola’s brilliant storytelling and Hurston’s compassionate approach to interviewing makes this brief read so very rich. Hurston’s ethnographic approach is thoughtful, innovative, and personal, contrasting to the salvage anthropology practiced by her contemporaries through her consideration for Kossola’s and the residents of Africatown’s wellbeing and privacy. She situates herself within the tale as an active but nonjudgemental participant, transparently admitting her personal interests, questions, and impressions. the whole book is heartily framed by essay additions which contextualize and offer discussion of the layers of understanding presented in this single story
the combination of Kossola’s brilliant storytelling and Hurston’s compassionate approach to interviewing makes this brief read so very rich. Hurston’s ethnographic approach is thoughtful, innovative, and personal, contrasting to the salvage anthropology practiced by her contemporaries through her consideration for Kossola’s and the residents of Africatown’s wellbeing and privacy. She situates herself within the tale as an active but nonjudgemental participant, transparently admitting her personal interests, questions, and impressions. the whole book is heartily framed by essay additions which contextualize and offer discussion of the layers of understanding presented in this single story
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Slavery
jess_mango's review
4.0
Hurston interviewed one of the last living former slaves from the last "black cargo" ship to arrive in the US. Cudjo Lewis was in his 80s when Hurston interviewed him in the late 1920s. Barracoon is Cudjo's biography. He recalls life in Africa, his capture, the sea voyage, his time as a slave, his freedom...
Powerful. It is important that we have these accounts of the actual experiences of slaves.
Powerful. It is important that we have these accounts of the actual experiences of slaves.