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[CCBC-Net] Astonishing Octavian
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From: Smithhemb at aol.com <Smithhemb>
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:06:43 EST
Lynn's post really helped me think this through. Yes, I can agree that this a book that might be written by an 18th century British satirist whose knowledge of 18th century African-Americans came primarily from the works of the post 1980s scholarship on race and sexuality in early America.
What I'd hoped for was that a book that seemed more informed by familiarity with the lives and thoughts of actual African Americans who found themselves in the surreal environment that must have been revolutionary America. I'm thinking of people like Phillis Wheatley, Olaudah Equiano, John Marrant, Richard
Allen as well as a host of other (e.g. Lemuel Haynes, Mumbet, Belinda, Crispus Attucks) whom we know from an even more fragmentary record.
Obviously, Octavian isn't supposed to be a representative figure, and I'm not asking for a work of realistic fiction. But the reason satire works is that we catch a glimpse of truth in it, despite the exaggeration. False notes detract from its effectiveness and that's why I couldn't get into this book, much as I wanted to love it.
My issues no doubt are not issue for the target audience -- who don't have enough exposure to the period to recognize false notes. (The story behind Bono's name was another -- while, today, "pro bono" law work is done for free,
"pro bono" is contemporary shorthand for "pro bono publico" which an 18th century boy who could read Latin would know meant "for the public good.")
These no doubt sound like quibbles when what's being praised is complex and challenging text for teens. But I found it hard to willingly suspend disbelief in this case. And I missed what I love best about history -- the challenge of learning to see a world through a subjectivity radically different from ones own.
Sue Hemberger
**************One site has it all. Your email accounts, your social networks, and the things you love. Try the new AOL.com today!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212962939x1200825291/aol?redir=http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp
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Received on Fri 21 Nov 2008 03:06:43 PM CST
Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:06:43 EST
Lynn's post really helped me think this through. Yes, I can agree that this a book that might be written by an 18th century British satirist whose knowledge of 18th century African-Americans came primarily from the works of the post 1980s scholarship on race and sexuality in early America.
What I'd hoped for was that a book that seemed more informed by familiarity with the lives and thoughts of actual African Americans who found themselves in the surreal environment that must have been revolutionary America. I'm thinking of people like Phillis Wheatley, Olaudah Equiano, John Marrant, Richard
Allen as well as a host of other (e.g. Lemuel Haynes, Mumbet, Belinda, Crispus Attucks) whom we know from an even more fragmentary record.
Obviously, Octavian isn't supposed to be a representative figure, and I'm not asking for a work of realistic fiction. But the reason satire works is that we catch a glimpse of truth in it, despite the exaggeration. False notes detract from its effectiveness and that's why I couldn't get into this book, much as I wanted to love it.
My issues no doubt are not issue for the target audience -- who don't have enough exposure to the period to recognize false notes. (The story behind Bono's name was another -- while, today, "pro bono" law work is done for free,
"pro bono" is contemporary shorthand for "pro bono publico" which an 18th century boy who could read Latin would know meant "for the public good.")
These no doubt sound like quibbles when what's being praised is complex and challenging text for teens. But I found it hard to willingly suspend disbelief in this case. And I missed what I love best about history -- the challenge of learning to see a world through a subjectivity radically different from ones own.
Sue Hemberger
**************One site has it all. Your email accounts, your social networks, and the things you love. Try the new AOL.com today!(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100000075x1212962939x1200825291/aol?redir=http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-dp
%26icid=aolcom40vanity%26ncid=emlcntaolcom00000001)
Received on Fri 21 Nov 2008 03:06:43 PM CST
