The novel begins with Moses writing his story. Moses feels compelled to document the cruel plan to take hundreds of African Americans from Annapolis, Maryland, to Isle a Vache, or "Cow Island," in the Republic of Haiti. Moses vividly tells readers about his life as a house slave. His personable and straightforward account begins on Christmas Eve of 1863, in St. Mary's of the Sea Church. Moses kneels beside Aunt Rebekah.

Together they pray, and Aunt Rebekah mutters, "our honorable Congress last year freed those slaves living in Washington, D.C."

Her disclosures give readers the background they require to understand this historical story.

The author uses dialect appropriate for slaves of the era. Moses uses the phrase "must needs" when he experiences an imperative need. Other colony members use slang: "When do we git to each," "But we've been here a week, boss," "We is better off slaves...