The cover used in copies printed for academic purposes.
Recording the Haitian Revolution of the early 1800s through a series of letters, Mary Hassal provides a glimpse into a turbulent period in colonial history.
Most of the letters are addressed to either her uncle, US Vice-President Aaron Burr, or to her sister Clara. The book recounts the initial slave revolts that rocked Haiti, as well as the backup force sent by Napoleon to retain control of the colony. Interspersed throughout are Hassal's lamentations about the subjugation of women at the time and their dependence on men.
Tropes Present In This Work:
- Based on a True Story: Given that it is a historical account it IS a true story (assuming that Hassal has accurately recorded the facts).
- Bread and Circuses: For a story set during a brutal revolution, there is a shocking number of balls, parties, and other celebrations.
- Persecution Flip: The Haitian Revolution is an example of an oppressed racial group overthrowing the privileged colonial class, particularly violently in this case.
- Scary Black Man: As they lose the war, the French grow fearful of the revolting slaves, especially the prim and proper French ladies.
- Slave Liberation: A unique example in that the slaves liberate themselves, without relying on outside forces to do it for them.
- War Refugees: Mary and Clara escape from Haiti to Cuba and Jamaica. Many of the other French settlers are not so lucky.
- Women Are Delicate: The French hold this view, with many of the male soldiers taking up arms in the defense of the island's women.
