By an almost comical mixup involving overdrinking, a child is born to a slave and his owner's wife. Though the mother is repulsed and essentially goes mad, the master is fond of the boy and gives him the best education; though he is still considered a slave.
When he comes of age he sets out to earn enough to buy his own and his family's freedom. This is not as simple as it sounds.
That is only a literal summary of the story. What impresses me most about Johnson's writing is the sensory overload, philosophical musings, colorful characters and rich metaphors.
2 comments :
Yeah but what does he have to say in the way of puns?
Johnson's writing is thick with sensical overlords, philanthropical muses, tye-dyed caricatures, and poor fives (meta-fours).
Your paraphrase has the mark of brilliance. And, it's just as good a description of the book as mine. :)
I finished the book, btw, and it really is excellent all the way through.
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