Many books have been written about the battles of the Civil War, but few have been written about the impact of the war on Black people who were enslaved on Southern plantations. Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by Col. David J. Mason (ret.) gives that perspective. As the book begins, Sykes is living with his family in Virginia. His life is slightly better than that of the average enslaved African-American, as he is a skilled carpenter and is sometimes “lent out” to work at the local railroad depot. Nonetheless, he yearns for freedom, especially when he hears travelers at the depot discussing human rights. Most importantly, he comes across a copy of Frederick Douglass’ antislavery newspaper, the North Star. As the war comes closer, he and his brothers run away and join an African-American regiment of the Union Army. But his fight isn’t over as he constantly encounters discrimination and racism, inside the Army and out.

In Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes, David J. Mason does a good job of bringing to life the era of the end of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction. As a character, Parson is the opposite of the stereotyped Southern plantation worker who gripes about the “white man boss” but who is resigned to his fate. (Think Old Man River.) He is determined and purposeful. For history buffs, the book reveals some little-known details about the period – for example, that when Black troops were first organized, they were assigned only menial duties before President Lincoln and his generals were finally persuaded to let them fight. All in all, Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes makes readers realize that the fight for freedom is never over.

Jacob owned hundreds of acres of land in Virginia. He ensured the farm was self-sustaining by using slave labor. Parson was raised on Jacob’s farm as a slave, but he always believed one day he would see freedom. Parson was also literate and often read abolitionist material, which influenced him. Additionally, he was exposed to information from the railroad company, where he was occasionally sent by his overseer. One day, Parson is caught reading abolitionist material, and to avoid the harsh consequences, he formulates a plan to head north with his brothers. Their escape is successful, and they eventually join the Union army in their efforts liberate other Black people who are still in bondage. How will things unfold in Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by David J. Mason as Parson finds out more about what it means to serve in the army as a Black man?

Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by David J. Mason is an interesting read that covers many historical events. It expertly paints a picture of what it meant to be Black during the Civil War. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about the discrimination that Black people faced even after the war had ended. Other themes, such as courage and the importance of remaining hopeful, will resonate with many readers. The plot flowed seamlessly, and the reader will also appreciate the excellent narration, which added to the overall beauty of the work. I also loved the accuracy of the historical facts, which prompted me to read more about some of the events. This is a good book, and I look forward to reading something else by David J. Mason.

The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by David J Mason begins in late 1864 in Southampton County, Virginia, where Parson is held in slavery at Cross Keys while the Confederacy still controls the roads and patrols still hunt fugitives. When his reading and quiet preparation are discovered, he cannot wait for a safer moment. He flees from the plantation and follows the railroad east under assumed names, knowing capture means punishment that will reach his family. His flight forces a violent confrontation that changes everything, yet it also opens a narrow path into Union protection. From there, the plot tracks Parson as he is absorbed into the Union war machine and then sent back into a home county being rewritten by federal policy, former enslavers, and the promises of citizenship that are still being tested day by day.

David J. Mason’s Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes is a deeply moving historical story, rooted in documented practice and lived conditions, during the final phase of the Civil War and early Reconstruction. The period details are brilliant. Parson's regiment’s transport to Texas aboard the Whildin is besieged by armed officers, enforcing a reorganization that so clearly depicted how emancipation collided with how the military operated. Parson is an excellent protagonist, strongest in his postwar return, as he moves through the Freedmen’s Bureau offices and asserts veteran status as a basis for civic standing. The settings and landscapes are textured with standouts that include refugee settlements repaired by soldier labor, and City Point as a logistical crossroads of hospitals, depots, and patrols. Overall, this is a well-written novella that packs a huge punch despite its moderate size. Very highly recommended.

Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by David J. Mason is a historical novella that chronicles the transformative journey of an enslaved man from Southampton County, Virginia, through the American Civil War and Reconstruction. Parson may have been a slave on Jacob Williams’ farm in Cross Keys, but his heart was set on being a free man. He plotted his escape, and when he got an opportunity, he ran with his slave brothers Henry and Joseph. They enlisted in the military, and even though they were serving their country, they still experienced segregation and mistreatment and did not get recognized or celebrated. In the aftermath of the war, they began to rebuild, but their hopes were further shattered by Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Parson returned to his hometown just in time for the Freedmen’s Bureau to navigate labor contracts and property issues for African Americans. He fought against inequality and left a legacy of education, freedom, and hope.

Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes is an inspiring story rooted in archival research and family oral histories. It reminds readers about the struggle for freedom and the harsh treatment that Black slaves in America faced. It is a vital read for our current generation because it encourages us to keep fighting for justice and equality despite hardships and unimaginable odds. The author highlights the bravery and strategic efforts of historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Abraham Lincoln, and groups that played crucial roles in the fight against slavery and the pursuit of emancipation. This is a tale of strength, endurance, and sacrifice. I like that this story is not presented like a history lesson. David J. Mason wrote it in the first person, placing the reader in Parson's shoes and allowing them to feel his pain and his desperate need to be free and to belong. This also makes his struggles more meaningful. This is a great tale, and I recommend it to anyone interested in American history, especially the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, as well as stories of resilience and the struggle for freedom.