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Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Cotton Bondage by Dickie Erman is a compelling historical novel and the first book in The Road to Freedom series that vividly depicts the brutal experiences of slavery in the American South during the antebellum period. The story follows Eve, a young slave on Master Hannibal Holiday’s cotton plantation, who secretly dreams of freedom. Through her eyes, we witness the harrowing conditions endured by enslaved people—the violence, deception, and emotional abuses. Eve’s longing for liberation drives her to seek help from fellow slaves Ruth and Tyrus, who have escaped and become conductors on the Underground Railroad. When she finally takes the chance to escape, she is joined by Nate, who has struggled for years in the field, and a young boy called Clem. What lies before her is as terrifying as what she is running away from, including patrols, dangerous rivers, and the looming threat of being captured. What does it take for her to be finally free?
Dickie Erman surprised me with this tale and the portrayal of life as a slave on the plantations. Those who read and enjoyed Roots by Alex Hailey will be thrilled with this book, and the drama is particularly exciting. I enjoyed how the author captured the accents of the slaves and the way they pronounced and said things. The characters are compelling, and Eve’s fierce determination, Ruth and Tyrus’s courageous escape, and the treacherous figures of overseers and slave catchers make the story even more engrossing. The historical setting vividly transports readers to the cotton fields of Mississippi, the underground tunnels, and the clandestine stations of the Railroad, capturing the tension and danger of that era. Central themes include the indomitable spirit of those yearning for freedom, the moral issues of slavery, and the importance of community, faith, and hope. Cotton Bondage lifts the veil to reveal the horrors of slavery and the struggle for freedom; it is fast-paced, emotionally charged, and, at times, psychologically disturbing.
