Harry V. Keefe Library, Boston Latin School: Wolfpack Reads!

The bright promise of freedom

Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson – 4.5/5 stars

Published: 2022, Little, Brown & Co

Genre: Historical Fiction

Reviewer: Kenneth C.B., class III

Historical fiction packed with action, suspense, and battles? All these elements come together in Freewater by Amina Luqman-Dawson. Her debut novel, which went on to become a New York Times bestseller and winning the prestigious John Newbery medal, is set in antebellum America during slavery. The story follows two siblings, Homer and Ada, who run away from a plantation with their mother while being chased by slave catchers. During the escape, they become separated and make their way through a swamp where they are rescued. Suleman, a former enslaved person, takes them to “Freewater” a maroon society where escaped slaves can find shelter and community. They quickly settle in, but they still miss their mother and are going to do anything to get her back. Back at the plantation, Nora, the child of the plantation master’s neglected daughter, becomes aware of a party and attempts to get ready to run away. All these alternate viewpoints and perspectives help convey the story of a revolution and the famous maroon societies. Dawson uses imagery and visualization to help the reader imagine this society as well as creating a level of mystery and suspense, leaving the reader wondering when all these different outlooks will come together in this twisted clash of adventure and intrigue. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s trying to learn more about the African American experience, especially during slavery. I think many people think that Black culture was paused during slavery but Freewater does an excellent job of showing that while it was impacted, it still continued to flourish and thrive.