Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts

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Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts
Wake Book.jpg
First edition
DateJune 21, 2022
Page count224 pages
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Creative team
WriterRebecca Hall
ArtistHugo Martínez
Original publication
LanguageEnglish
ISBN 9781982115203

Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts is a graphic novel written by Rebecca Hall and illustrated by Hugo Martínez. Wake was published by Simon & Schuster on June 21, 2022.

Synopsis

The book follows Rebecca Hall's experiences searching through municipal records and archives in an attempt to find evidence of the Atlantic slave trade and its effects on American society. [1] Hall includes autobiographical details about herself and her ancestors in relation to her search. [2]

Background

Tasha Lowe-Newsome suggests in The Comics Journal that the title's use of the word "wake" has multiple meanings. For instance, wake up to historical realities, wake up to current day reality, the wake of a slave ship, and the wake or remembrance of the African people who lost their lives. [3] The graphic novel was written by Rebecca Hall and illustrated by Hugo Martínez. [4]

Reception

The graphic novel received a starred review from Publishers Weekly calling it a "nuanced and affecting debut". [5] Kirkus Reviews called the book "An urgent, brilliant work of historical excavation." [6] Annie Bostrom wrote in Booklist that the novel is "A necessary corrective to violent erasure and a tribute to untold strength". [7] Jaime Herndon wrote in Book Riot that it is "a powerful book that shines a light on an often-ignored part of history." [8] Michael Cavna and David Betancourt of The Washington Post , included the book in their list of the best graphic novels of 2021 saying that the book is "a must-read achievement." [9] The book was a 2022 Finalist in the PEN America Literary Award in the category PEN Open Book Award. [10] The book was nominated for the Publishers Weekly 2021 Graphic Novel Critics Poll. [11] The novel was also nominated in the category Outstanding Literary Work by a Debut Author in the 53rd NAACP Image Awards. [12]

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References

  1. Stein, Jordan Alexander (September 17, 2021). "The Present Waver: On "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts"". Los Angeles Review of Books . Archived from the original on December 17, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  2. McNatt, Rosemary Bray (July 31, 2021). "Wake Review: A Must-Read Graphic History of Women-Led Slave Revolts—Rebecca Hall and Illustrator Hugo Martínez Uncover Hidden Stories, Vital Truths and Deep, Unhealed, Intergenerational Pain". The Guardian . Archived from the original on February 16, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  3. Lowe-Newsome, Tasha (August 30, 2022). "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts". The Comics Journal . Fantagraphics. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  4. Lehoczky, Etelka (May 30, 2021). "A Stunning Graphic Novel Uncovers the History of Enslaved Women Who Fought Back". NPR . Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
  5. "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall". Publishers Weekly . PWxyz LLC. April 22, 2021. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  6. "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts". Kirkus Reviews . Kirkus Media LLC. April 7, 2021. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  7. Bostrom, Annie. "Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts". Booklist . American Library Association. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  8. Herndon, Jaime (October 20, 2021). "Graphic Novels and Graphic Nonfiction About Stuff You Should Care About". Book Riot. Riot New Media Group. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  9. Cavna, Michael; Betancourt, David (November 18, 2021). "Best Graphic Novels of 2021: These Graphic Narratives Stayed With Us, Sparking Illumination Through Illustration". The Washington Post . Nash Holdings. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  10. Alquist, Pierce (January 26, 2022). "2022 PEN America Literary Awards Finalists Announced". Book Riot. Riot New Media Group. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  11. "Bechdel's 'Secret to Superhuman Strength' Wins Pw's 2021 Graphic Novel Critics Poll". Publishers Weekly . PWxyz LLC. December 15, 2021. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  12. Pierre, Mekishana (February 26, 2022). "53rd NAACP Image Awards: The Complete Winners List". Entertainment Tonight . Paramount Streaming. Archived from the original on March 10, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.