Member Review
Review by
Dimitri C, Reviewer
Thank you to NetGalley, Clay Cane, and Kensington Publishing for a free copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Content Warnings: Slavery, Racism, Sexism, Body Shaming, Abuse, Torture, Murder, Death, Fire, Fire Injury, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse/Rape, Gaslighting, Blood, and Gore.
“Burn Down Master’s House” is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve stopped reading. While it is historical fiction, each of the stories within its pages are based on true events; author Clay Cane lays out each story’s origins in the afterward. It is a powerful novel, especially during today’s political climate. Many of us feel as though we are trapped, unable to do anything to help ourselves, yet “Burn Down Master’s House” reminds us of how revolution only takes a single spark.
During the time of slavery, two men find each other. Luke, a house slave, and Henri, a man who had originally been born in Africa, discover one another while both enslaved at the Magnolia Row plantation in Virgina. The Civil War is on the horizon, but it is still painfully far away for the people forced into slavery. Luke and Henri fall in love, deciding to run away together in an attempt to find freedom in the north. The two are quickly captured once again. What follows sets off a flame throughout generations of souls, both enslaved and free, burning brightly with hope, love, and defiance.
Stories like those within the pages of “Burn Down Master’s House” are being erased from our history in America. Many current day politicians are embarrassed by their families’ histories. Instead of owning up to the horrors wrought against innocent people, instead of moving forward and helping those who need help, they instead decide to ban books, to tear down monuments celebrating the brave slaves who fought for their freedom. That’s why I feel like books like “Burn Down Master’s House” are extremely important. Books like this remind people of how horrible slavery really was. Books like this keep us humble, keep us honest when it comes to how people of color were treated then and how they are treated now.
These are the books that need to be read, and these are the books that need to be written.
On technical notes, the tone could be a little underwhelming at times, more informational than emotional. My copy was also an ARC, so it is possible that the few grammar mistakes and typos I found will not be in the finished, printed version.
I highly recommend Clay Cane’s “Burn Down Master’s House.”
Content Warnings: Slavery, Racism, Sexism, Body Shaming, Abuse, Torture, Murder, Death, Fire, Fire Injury, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse/Rape, Gaslighting, Blood, and Gore.
“Burn Down Master’s House” is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve stopped reading. While it is historical fiction, each of the stories within its pages are based on true events; author Clay Cane lays out each story’s origins in the afterward. It is a powerful novel, especially during today’s political climate. Many of us feel as though we are trapped, unable to do anything to help ourselves, yet “Burn Down Master’s House” reminds us of how revolution only takes a single spark.
During the time of slavery, two men find each other. Luke, a house slave, and Henri, a man who had originally been born in Africa, discover one another while both enslaved at the Magnolia Row plantation in Virgina. The Civil War is on the horizon, but it is still painfully far away for the people forced into slavery. Luke and Henri fall in love, deciding to run away together in an attempt to find freedom in the north. The two are quickly captured once again. What follows sets off a flame throughout generations of souls, both enslaved and free, burning brightly with hope, love, and defiance.
Stories like those within the pages of “Burn Down Master’s House” are being erased from our history in America. Many current day politicians are embarrassed by their families’ histories. Instead of owning up to the horrors wrought against innocent people, instead of moving forward and helping those who need help, they instead decide to ban books, to tear down monuments celebrating the brave slaves who fought for their freedom. That’s why I feel like books like “Burn Down Master’s House” are extremely important. Books like this remind people of how horrible slavery really was. Books like this keep us humble, keep us honest when it comes to how people of color were treated then and how they are treated now.
These are the books that need to be read, and these are the books that need to be written.
On technical notes, the tone could be a little underwhelming at times, more informational than emotional. My copy was also an ARC, so it is possible that the few grammar mistakes and typos I found will not be in the finished, printed version.
I highly recommend Clay Cane’s “Burn Down Master’s House.”
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