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Barracoon

Three-Sentence Summary

"Barracoon" is the story of Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of the last known slave ship to bring Africans to America, who shares his experiences in slavery and freedom.
It presents a vivid recounting of Cudjo's capture in Africa, the horrors of the Middle Passage, his five years in slavery, and his life following emancipation.
The book seeks to preserve African American cultural memory while also critiquing racism and highlighting the resilience and dignity of African people.

Extended Summary

"Barracoon: The Story of the Last 'Black Cargo'" by Zora Neale Hurston is a non-fiction work based on interviews conducted by Hurston with Cudjo Lewis, the last survivor of Clotilda, the final slave ship to arrive in America. Captured in Africa when he was 19 years old, Cudjo was enslaved for five years before being emancipated by Union soldiers. He went on to live for more than 70 years as a free man.

Hurston provides a detailed account of Cudjo's life story - from his early life in Africa, being captured and sold into slavery, enduring the Middle Passage's horrors, experiencing slavery in America, gaining freedom after the Civil War, establishing an all-black town (Africatown), marrying and having children.

The narrative structure is primarily chronological but frequently intersperses Lewis' own words with Hurston's observations and commentary. The use of vernacular dialogue captures Lewis' unique voice and tells an intimate tale about survival against all odds.

Through this story, Hurst explores themes like racial injustice, resilience amid adversity, cultural memory and human dignity. She critiques racist practices that allowed Lewis' enslavement while also highlighting the rich cultural heritage of African societies and the resilience and dignity of African people.

Key Points

A first-hand account of the transatlantic slave trade, providing valuable insights into the experiences of those enslaved.
The preservation of African American cultural memory through Cudjo Lewis' story.
A critique on racial injustice and a testament to human resilience and dignity.

Who Should Read

Anyone interested in African American history, the history of slavery in America, or personal narratives of resilience will find this book valuable. It is an essential read for those seeking to understand the effects of slavery on individuals and communities, as well as those interested in oral histories and ethnography.

About the Author

Zora Neale Hurston was an influential author of African-American literature and anthropologist, who portrayed racial struggles in the early 20th century American South and published research on Haitian voodoo. She is best known for her novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God".