Paulsen, Gary. 1993. Nightjohn. Narrated by Michele-Denise Woods. Recorded Books. Cassette.
Nightjohn is a great novel by Gary Paulsen. It tells the story of Sarny and other slaves on the Waller plantation. It is told from Sarny's point of view. Paulsen creates a very vivid picture of life on a plantation�from the slave's point of view. There is no sugar-coating here. The reader sees just how cruel slavery was. How intense the beatings could be. Waller uses fear and intimidation to keep his slaves in control. Nightjohn is a new slave on the plantation. He is different from the other slaves. There is something that sets him apart. Sarny learns that Nightjohn can read and write. He is willing to trade his knowledge for tobacco. Sarny's lessons begin. As she slowly learns her letters, she is empowered and encouraged. In one vivid scene she finds such joy in being able to read her first word. The word was bag. She knows that her learning to read is putting herself in danger�because it is forbidden�but she feels that the knowledge is worth it. One day, Sarny is caught writing letters in the sand. Her friend Mammy is punished because of Sarny's lessons. Nightjohn confesses that he is the guilty one that taught others how to read and write. As punishment two of his toes are cut off. Sarny learns that Nightjohn once was free. He had runaway to the North. After learning to read, he chose to return to the South so he could teach others how to read. He sacrificed his happiness to give power and knowledge to his fellow slaves. Nightjohn escapes a few days later. He promises to return so that Sarny can finish learning to read and write. That promise is kept. Nightjohn came and went during the dark of night to slaves across several plantations and began teaching a group of slaves to read and write. The story is wonderfully and vividly told.
Nightjohn creates a very realistic picture of daily life as a slave. It is one of the best historical novels that I have ever read. The characters are well developed. The characters become people that you care about�that you cheer for. It is very well-written.