The Freedom Business
Including A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa
The Freedom Business (Wordsong, 978-1-932425-57-4) is a cross of forms encompassing an original narrative transcribed from a 1798 manuscript by the one-time slave Venture Smith, poems from Newberry Honor author Marilyn Nelson, and art by Deborah Dancy. Smith was born the son of West African royalty; once in bondage he was determined to work his way free. Through industry, thrift, sharp thinking, and good luck, Smith secured his own liberty, then his entire family’s. The next step was to pay off the masters of other slaves in hopes of gaining motivated labor for his burgeoning enterprises. Smith died with an impressive inventory of property, but dismayed at how few of those he freed showed meaningful loyalty.
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
