Slave Old Man
This novel begins: “In slavery times in the sugar isles,” which we later deduce to be Martinique. It’s an arresting story of an African slave who toils on his master’s sugar plantation. For many years he works hard, is well liked, and is the “most docile among the docile.” Yet one day, affected by intense energy but for no apparent reason (other than the obvious), the “slave old man” escapes into the lush green rainforest. He is soon pursued by the strict master and his vicious mastiff. The huge dog was raised on a special diet of “palpitating meat, hot peppers, snake fats,” and other ghastly items to make him adept at capturing and mutilating runaways. A thrilling chase results, in which the slave, using all his strength, tries to outrun not only the master and his mastiff but also other mythical demons teeming in the jungle.
Martinique-born Patrick Chamoiseau vividly presents the island’s flora, fauna and both the French and the Creole cultures. The novel is written in his characteristic lyrical prose, which has won him awards. While originally written in French and Creole, the translator has attempted, with some success, to replicate the voice in English. Some Creole words are kept, adding to its panache. The novel starts in the third-person viewpoint, but towards the end changes to the first to bring closure to the storyline. Although this change is rather abrupt, it does achieve its purpose. The novel might seem to be yet another on the theme of slavery and captives’ harsh treatment, yet it presents a different perspective, particularly in the Caribbean setting and the French and Creole interactions in the story. There are some complex undertones in the over-descriptive narrative that might require a reread to comprehend them fully.
