73 pages • 2 hours read
Charles R. JohnsonMiddle Passage
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1990A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Middle Passage by Charles R. Johnson, published in 1990 and winner of the National Book Award for fiction, follows Rutherford Calhoun, an ex-slave from Illinois who stows away on the New Orleans-based slave ship Republic to escape debts and an unwanted marriage. Onboard, he discovers the ship is transporting the magical Allmuseri people and a mysterious god-like artifact. Amidst mutiny and supernatural events, Rutherford navigates complex relationships and moral dilemmas, ultimately leading to the ship's destruction and a resolution involving the blackmail of an underworld boss and a marriage arrangement. The book includes themes of slavery and mental illness.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Charles R. Johnson's Middle Passage is praised for its richly layered narrative and historical depth, effectively blending adventure with profound philosophical questions about freedom and identity. Critics acknowledge its intricate character development and evocative language. Some, however, believe the complexity of its themes may challenge less attentive readers. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Middle Passage?
Readers who relish Middle Passage by Charles R. Johnson typically appreciate historical fiction intertwined with philosophical undertones and adventure. Fans of Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick and Toni Morrison’s Beloved will find its rich narrative and exploration of freedom, identity, and transformation particularly engaging.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
1150L