by M.T. Anderson
Set during the Revolution, the story revolves around a young African American boy named Octavian who is brought up in an organization titled the College of Lucidity (modeled after that day's Philosophical Society). Despite the fact that many African Americans at that time were still under the bondage of slavery, Octavian experienced an abnormal upbringing in the college, given a first-rate education, and being taught classic languages like Greek and Latin, the violin, history, and philosophy.
What Octavian comes to realize, however, is that though he is treated well and taught much, his existence is in the College of Lucidity is nothing more than an experiment. As he grows up and the college experiences hardship, Octavian is thrown into the stark reality of the world around and joins the cause of liberty.
This book is beautifully written and the audiobook is mesmerizing. I am looking forward to Volume 2, when Octavian finally escapes the college at the height of the conflict!
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