Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates is a riveting and thought-provoking novel that explores the depths of slavery and the power of memory. The book follows the life of Hiram Walker, a young slave who possesses a mysterious power that allows him to transport himself and others through space and time. This power is not something Hiram can control or understand, but it is a gift that sets him apart from other slaves and gives him a unique perspective on the world around him.

The story begins on the Lockless plantation in Virginia, where Hiram grows up as a slave. His mother was sold when he was young, and he has no memory of her. Hiram's father, Howell Walker, is the plantation owner's white son, but he acknowledges Hiram as his son and teaches him to read and write. Hiram has a close relationship with his father, but one day, when they are driving home from a tavern, they get in a carriage accident, and Hiram wakes up in a cell. He is told that his father died in the accident, but he has no memory of what happened.

Years later, Hiram is working as a slave driver on the plantation when he is tasked with driving his half-brother Maynard and his fiancé, Sofia, to the train station. Maynard is a cruel slave owner, and Hiram dislikes him intensely. On the way to the station, the carriage is attacked by slave catchers, and Hiram discovers that he has the power to transport himself and Sofia to safety. However, Maynard is left behind, and Hiram is haunted by guilt for not being able to save him.

This event changes Hiram's life forever, and he decides to escape from the plantation and join the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists who help slaves escape to freedom. He meets Harriet Tubman, who is a conductor on the railroad, and they work together to rescue slaves. Hiram realizes that his power is connected to his memories, and he begins to explore his past in order to understand his abilities.

As Hiram delves deeper into his past, he discovers that his mother was a member of the Tasked, a group of slaves who were trained to be spies and rebels. She had entrusted him with a secret message, which he must decode in order to fulfill his destiny. Hiram travels to Philadelphia and learns that the message is connected to the Conduction, a mystical power that allows him to transport slaves to freedom. He also discovers that his father was murdered by the plantation owner, who was jealous of their relationship.

In the final part of the book, Hiram returns to the Lockless plantation and confronts the plantation owner. He uses his power to transport himself and the other slaves to freedom, but he is wounded in the process. Hiram wakes up in a hospital, where he is reunited with Sofia, and he realizes that his power has been amplified. He is now able to transport himself and others to different times and places, and he decides to use his power to fight for the freedom of all slaves.

Throughout the novel, Coates weaves a powerful narrative that explores the legacy of slavery and the human capacity for resistance and resilience. Through Hiram's journey, he invites us to reflect on the importance of memory, community, and solidarity in the face of oppression. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and a call to action for a more just and equitable future.

In addition to its powerful themes, The Water Dancer is also a beautifully written novel. Coates' prose is poetic and evocative, and his descriptions of the landscape and characters of Virginia are vivid and immersive. The novel is also notable for its nuanced portrayals of complex characters, such as Hiram's conflicted feelings towards his father and his half-brother, and the complex relationships between slaves and slave owners.

Overall, The Water Dancer is an extraordinary novel that is both a compelling work of fiction and an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about race and social justice in America. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading, and it is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the history and legacy of slavery in America.