“Cane River” by Lalita Tademy came to mind amidst all the chaos happening around the world these days. This is particularly striking when we think about the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM) that gained attention two weeks ago. In reality, though, the BLM movement was founded back in 2013.
The book
Those who aren’t familiar with the book would ask what is the relevance of “Cane River” with today’s movement? You see, I read this book in August 2010. I struggled to sleep for two nights because I can’t put down the book. And so, in less than 48 hours, I finished reading Lalita Tademy’s Cane River.
The book is about four women slaves of different generation. These women were silenced by their time’s social mores but struggled to rise above the condition of their birth. They were black women and the color of their skin automatically puts them at the mercy of the whites. Their family roots come all the way to Louisiana.
I have read and watched about slavery and discrimination but this was the first time I was drawn into the hearts and minds of the “slaves”. I couldn’t imagine not owning my own person. The uncertainty of tomorrow defined their lives.
It will be my life’s nightmare to be separated from my children because my masters decided to do so. It would be heartbreaking to be informed that my husband was on his way to another place because my masters decided to do so. I couldn’t even describe how it would be not to own my body and to be available at the whim and the pleasure of my ‘masters”.
How degrading could it be to be lined up like hordes of animals for auction? Whoever bids the highest for you owns you from thereon until he pleases. Until then and off you will be up for sale again. All these emotions and more were endured by Elisabeth, Suzette, Philomene and Emily.
Strong, beautiful, black women
They were four strong women who dealt with their circumstances differently in different times. But they had to do their battle in the most circumspect way they can. Unfortunately, they had to use their beauty. It became an edge they knew how to make use of. And they had the edge because they were women. The black men had to struggle harder, oftentimes failing. But each of these four women died victorious, albeit only in the limited way they were allowed. They died knowing that they were able to win some of the battles they chose to matter.
But just like their story, their victories were limited. Not surprisingly, their story still echoes today. Rev. Al Sharpton during George Floyd’s memorial said it eloquently:
“Because ever since 401 years ago, the reason we could never be who we wanted and dreamed of being — because you kept your knee on our necks.”
Rev. Al Sharpton
We are all people made by god and no one should be discriminated, disrespected and killed just because of their skin color. There is so much injustice today in the world and I hope that in some way, things will just get better.
Very timely. It aches to witness the world crumbling down because of its people. Given today’s situation, it’s supposed to bind people together – thriving in this crisis. The line “But just like their story, their victories were limited” made me realized how people exert their effort to live everyday and just like that, rights have been taken away, races have been discriminated, and lives have been held.
I haven’t read a book about slavery yet but I’ve watched movies. Same po. I can’t even imagine how I would feel when I am forcibly separated from my family. It would probably break my entire being. Slavery is truly detestable. 😭
Reading this blog, it reminded me of the movie The Help. Do you know that too? It was a book. That book you read and The Help is about the same plot too. Very moving and again, so timely today.
Sadly this is the harsh reality. This kind of master-servant mindset has been part of history. Are we even going to permit it to exist today. Honestly, di ko kaya basahin mga books na ganito but it’s really important to discuss these issues. We really have to talk about these and thank you for having the courage to do so 🙂
This is indeed a relevant book today, since discrimination is still rampant in many forms, in all countries, in all races, in all society strata. I remember watching relevant themed movies, such as Hairspray.
You are right, the book reflects what is happening today. Racial discrimination on black people(black Americans) and gender equality for women, two are sensitive topics that seem to have no closure until the present time. I haven’t read this type of book yet but I’ll put it on my list.
I may not have read the book yet but reading your review gives me the idea that this book is packed with emotions. I am particularly enticed with the thought how the story revolves around slavery. What if that happens to us personally? How do we rise above it when we did not choose our own race and color?
As a woman who is empowered in her own way, I could not imagine having masters to dictate my relationships and job. I can’t blame you if you can’t put this book down easily. Thanks for this mind-opening review.
hindi ko po yan nabasa na book but anyway po,thanks for sharing ,good to know about the story of this book!!
Ugh, I can’t begin to imagine being put up for auction. It’s not just the debasing, but knowing you may never see your family again, that you will be forever be apart from them and serving some other family.
This is rampant and reality of life ! I’m moved and wanna try it to read the same book !
I strongly believe discrimination arise because of jealous. If only everyone isn’t jealous of others success, I think we will see others in a difference, but positive way.
Discrimination is a prominent pandemic issue that has not been resolved which is sad and disappointing. I borrowed Cane River from a friend but I was not able to finish it. Though I learned a lot about the micro-history of the times but I felt the story is kind of shallow or at least how the book interpreted it. So I’m a big disappointed with this book.
Interesting to read po very timely yung topic. Siguradong kakapulutan talaga ng aral base sa review mo Ms. Wendy.
Ang inrestiing nmn ng book na to ms. Wendy . Kse maraming lesson din tlga ang matutunan . Thanks for sharing honest review ❤️
Looks so interesting naman po ng book na ito and sure na it has deep meaning and worth it to read! 🥰