The theme of freedom continues to dominate the plot of this historical fiction novel. The chapter entitled New York, traces the life of Quash, an African slave who works for the "Boss", Dirk van Dyck, his Dutch master. Quash is treated as a member of the van Dyck family, helping his master through many challenges and tragedies as well as accompanying him on his voyages. Eventually, Quash meets Naomi, a slave girl who comes to work for the van Dycks. As time progresses, they fall in love, live together and have two children, a boy, Hudson and a girl, Martha. Both children are accepted into the family and things are good for everyone. Unfortunately, a terrible fever eventually takes the lives of Naomi and Martha, leaving Quash alone with his son.
At this time, many gentleman are beginning to write English wills and Dirk decides to have one secretly written that grants Quash and his son their freedom upon his death, something that Quash has always dreamed of. Unfortunately, the Master becomes ill suddenly and dies. His widow, will not accept the new will and burns it, promising to think about Quash's freedom. However, the next day she sells Quash to an evil farmer and his son, Hudson, to a sailor. The two are separated, not knowing if they will ever see each other again.
Quash's road to freedom is arduous but by the end of this long chapter, he and his son are reunited as free men once and for all. A great story within a story about the price of freedom topped with a happy ending!
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