This book is a difficult one to read. It follows the life of Octavian, the son of a former African princess, who lives at a compound surrounded by philosophers and scientists. Octavian and his mother receive education and musical training, but their lives are not their own. Set at the time of the American Revolution, Octavian and his mother are often treated as test subjects. The scientists living at the compound study everything from their intellectual aptitude to their bodily functions in an attempt to see if people of African descent are equal to whites.
With tensions rising between colonists and the British, the owner of the compound becomes concerned. There are rumors of the British promising freedom to slaves of American patriots if they betray their owners. Wealthy American patriots become concerned, and a group of them get together and move to an isolated area in the country. There, the owner of the compound intentionally infects the group with small pox in an attempt to inoculate them against the disease. Many of the people infected die, including Octavian's mother.
The turning point in the story comes when Octavian walks in on the autopsy of his mother. It is then he finally realizes that he and his mother were nothing more than lab rats to those in charge. Octavian escapes the compound, and he eventually joins the colonial army. During his time with the army, he is promised freedom when America gains her independence. However, things do not turn out the way Octavian expects. The sequel to this book, The Kingdom on the Waves, continues Octavian's story.
There were many parts in this novel that made me sick to my stomach. Octavian and his mother at times are treated as animals, and Octavian's innocence and reactions to his treatment are heartbreaking. Although it was difficult to read at times, this novel is very powerful!
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