In American history class, the tales of escaped slaves aren’t mentioned until the 1800s with the lead up to the Civil War. The Missouri Compromise, the Fugitive Slave Act, tales of the Underground Railroad, and other notable milestones lead up to the Emancipation Proclamation and then finally the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution finally ending legalized slavery. At least that’s what is taught. But others made successful escapes much earlier. The Escapes of David George by Gregory E. O’Malley tells the true tale of one man’s quest for freedom during the American Revolution.
I wanted to read this book for many reasons. As a history nerd, I have a particular fascination for the birth of America. I was intrigued to read about David’s story, and I wondered how it would intersect with what I knew about that time period already. Yet while the author’s research was excellent, the storytelling was uneven and, at times, boring to me. The Escapes of David George is an excellent resource but doesn’t meet the boasts of some early reviewers who called it “novelistic.” Unfortunately, that’s what kept me from giving this my highest rating. Pick up this book if you want to know more about this time period and a little-known story of a man who refused the yoke of slavery in his life. Just don’t expect an engrossing narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
