Day of Tears

This is an interesting and unusual book based on real historical events. The title refers to the day on which the largest slave auction in American history was held.

Julius Lester, the author of Day of Tears, describes the book as a "novel in dialogue" (in other words, a cross between a play and a novel). I personally think this makes it less satisfying to read than a novel but on the other hand it is easy to imagine the text in performance. By writing it in dialogue, the author is also able to present multiple perspectives of this event, including those of adult slaves, young slaves, the slave owner, his two young daughters, the auctioneer, etc. The author also includes "interludes" where some of these characters reflect upon the event years later and recount some of their experiences subsequent to the auction. Some of these "interludes" would make wonderful monologues to perform.

This book would make an excellent companion text for a study of slavery at intermediate/lower secondary level as it brings history to life in a powerful way. My twelve-year-old son read it through in one sitting and really liked it.