"Sold Down the River" in the Benjamin January series by Barbara Hambly follows the protagonist, Benjamin January, as he reluctantly returns to a sugar plantation where he had once been a slave. Asked by his former owner to investigate a possible slave revolt, January goes undercover as a slave to uncover the truth behind the mysterious happenings on the plantation. As he delves deeper into the investigation, January navigates the complexities of relationships between the master and slaves, while also facing danger and the possibility of being sold down the river. The vivid descriptions of the plantation life, historical accuracy, and intricate plot make this book a compelling read for those interested in American history pre-Civil War era.

Characters:

Characters are well-developed, reflecting the nuances of plantation life and the struggles of both slaves and owners.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style effectively combines historical detail with emotional depth, maintaining suspense throughout.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around January's undercover investigation into sabotage and murder on his former plantation, emphasizing the dire consequences for enslaved people.

Setting:

The setting richly captures the realities of plantation life in early 19th-century Louisiana, grounding the story in its time.

Pacing:

The story's pacing balances between rapid suspense and reflective moments, enhancing the overall tension.

Fourchet turned from the long French door that looked out onto Rue Burgundy, and January saw that he was, in fact, just slightly under six feet tall: more than three inches shorter than his own toweri...

Notes:

This is the fourth book in the Benjamin January series by Barbara Hambly.

Benjamin January is a doctor and piano player in 1830s New Orleans.

He is a Free Man of Color, which adds complexity to his character and the story.

The novel has serious themes, including murder and potential slave revolts.

January is hired by his former master Simon Fourchet to investigate sabotage on a sugar plantation.

Fourchet's plantation is troubled by poisoned food, a murdered butler, and a fire.

January goes undercover as a slave to uncover the truth while risking his safety.

The story explores the harsh realities of life on a sugar plantation.

January reconnects with his past, having previously been a slave on the same plantation.

The narrative highlights complicated relationships between masters and slaves.

Voodoo marks and threats of violence permeate the atmosphere of the plantation.

Historical details provide rich context about life in pre-Civil War Louisiana.

The novel avoids straightforward 'who-done-it' narratives, instead focusing on cultural complexities.

January's character faces physical hardships while working in the fields, contrasting his musical talent.

Themes of loyalty and family are woven throughout the story, as are the challenges faced by enslaved individuals.

The author portrays both the beauty of the landscape and the darkness of human nature.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains high triggers/content warnings including depictions of violence, murder, slavery, and the harsh realities of plantation life.

From The Publisher:

Penetrating the murkiest corners of glittering New Orleans society, Benjamin January brought murderers to justice in A Free Man of Color, Fever Season, and Graveyard Dust. Now, in Barbara Hambly's haunting new novel, he risks his life in a violent plantation world darker than anything in the city….

When slave owner Simon Fourchet asks Benjamin January to investigate sabotage, arson, and murder on his plantation, January is reluctant to do any favors for the savage man who owned him until he was seven. But he knows too well that plantation justice means that if the true culprit is not found, every slave on Mon Triomphe will suffer.

Abandoning his Parisian French for the African patois of a field hand, cutting cane until his bones ache and his musician's hands bleed, Benjamin must use all his intelligence and cunning to find the killer … or find himself sold down the river.

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About the Author:

Barbara Hambly is the author of Patriot Hearts and The Emancipator's Wife, a finalist for the Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction. She is also the author of Fever Season, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, and the acclaimed historical Benjamin January series, including…

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Sold Down the River

Barbara Hambly

Book 4 in the series:Benjamin January