3 Review(s)

The story follows Aaron, a strong and resourceful black man who has escaped from slavery and now lives in the wildwoods, a mysterious and dense forest that serves as a haven for him and other fugitives. Aaron is a complex character—courageous, clever, and deeply connected to the natural world around him. He has a special bond with the animals of the wildwoods, who are portrayed with anthropomorphic qualities, a hallmark of Harris’s storytelling style.The plot centers around Aaron's efforts to protect his freedom and the freedom of others who seek refuge in the wildwoods. As he navigates the dangers of the wilderness and the threats posed by those who wish to capture or harm him, Aaron becomes a symbol of resilience and the enduring struggle for justice and autonomy.Throughout the novel, Aaron's interactions with both the human and animal inhabitants of the wildwoods reveal Harris's deep understanding of Southern folklore and his ability to infuse his stories with moral lessons. The wildwoods themselves are depicted as a place of both peril and sanctuary, where the laws of nature often mirror the social and moral conflicts of the world outside.