LitPick Review
A forceful historical fiction story, Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau chronicles the life of Gabriel, a black slave born in 1776. Gabriel is taught to read and write at an early age with his master's son and he works in the fields with his family. By his teenage years, he is already impressively strong and eloquent. His master sends Gabriel to become a blacksmith in Richmond, Virginia where whispers of revolution are heard from everyone. Toussaint, the general that emancipated the island of Saint Domingue, now Haiti, inspires Gabriel to start a revolution. Gabriel, only a young man, must take care of his family, form deep relationships and navigate the treacherous life that revolution brings.
Opinion:
I loved reading Come August, Come Freedom. The historical facts are seamlessly intertwined with rich prose that envelopes you into Gabriel's true inspiring tale. Usually, it takes me a while to get engrossed in historical fiction, but Gigi Amateau made it a pleasant reading experience: smooth yet impactful. I highly suggest this book for hesitant history fans; it is a great pathway to the genre of historical fiction.
