Summary

In “Barbados, August 1834,” Chapter 1, Rachel ran through the night. She had escaped Providence plantation. Feeling alone and tired, she wondered if this was freedom.

The day prior, the master had gathered “all the slaves of Providence” and announced their freedom (6). Rachel wanted to be hopeful, but had doubts. The master then said they “would work for six years” as his apprentices (7). Freedom was no different than bondage. That night, Rachel dreamed of her mother (7). When she awoke, she started running.

The question of what came next plagued Rachel. Fleeing Providence “had been pure survival” (10). Now she had no sense of the future. However, she continued to hope.

In Chapter 2, Rachel remembered Atlas. He had tried to flee Providence, but was caught and killed.

Rachel encountered a man and a woman. When they learned she was a runaway, they invited her into their...