Free Men
For those who like a little adventure with their historical fiction, look no further than Free Men, a satisfying novel that addresses issues of slavery, justice, freedom, and the threads that bind people together.
Free Men is based on a little-known but true story of three outlaws. Bob, Istillicha, and Cat form an improbable trio – an escaped slave from a Florida plantation, a Creek Indian, and an enigmatic stranger who may or may not be wanted for murder. In 1788, the three of them happen to meet up while in the deep backwoods of Alabama. All have different reasons for being there. Chasing the threesome, convinced that they are on a murderous rampage, is slave catcher and tracker Le Clerc, who has his own backstory about why he is interested in pursuing the men.
Bob is the most vocal of the trio: he runs from his master, leaving behind a wife and children in his dream for a better life out West. Cat is an orphan, never having known parental love; his story is probably the most heartbreaking of all. And Istillicha was betrayed by the woman he loved. Women play an essential role in shaping these characters.
Each man narrates his own story, including surprisingly intriguing back stories about their lives. The author skillfully employs different voices for each man, not an easy literary feat. The novel is atmospheric; whether the author is describing the deep forests of Alabama or the orphanage where Cat found a temporary haven, the reader is transported to those places. At times, the narrative is a little protracted, getting caught up in overblown detail, but while I was wishing that the story would pick up the pace a bit, I was appreciating the alluring prose that showcases the author’s literary talents.
