The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by David Mason is a gripping historical novel that vividly brings to life the journey of Parson Sykes, a former slave from Southampton County, Virginia. Sykes, after enlisting in the Union Army, trained at Camp Hamilton, where he was transformed from “contraband of war” to a soldier fighting for freedom. As part of the Union’s contingent of soldiers of color, Sykes’ personal stakes in the war were unmatched, the outcome could mean his own liberation. Mason, a descendant of Sykes, uses his ancestral connection to craft an intimate portrayal of this pivotal moment in history
Freedom is a tangible but still distant dream for Sykes, though the tide was turning against slavery. Parson and the UCST fight bravely despite inadequate training or supplies, earning the respect of their Union Army, but as Mason demonstrates continually, his fight began long before the war itself—Sykes must fight to simply enlist in the army as a Black man and “contraband of war,” a term for escaped slaves who sought refuge at military camps but were often relegated to menial tasks.
As it follows the battle against the Confederates—from Fort Monroe to Richmond, from contraband to serving in the cavalry, from ghastly diseases to bloody battles—Mason’s novel often emphasizes the historical record over fictionalized scenes or sensational drama, though moments of doubt and fear have power. That works, though, despite some repetitive passages—the history is more exciting than fiction. Often, Mason, a descendant of Sykes’s, reports what the real Sykes wrote to others, capturing epochal events and the everyday textures of life. The result is a powerful reminder of the crucial, often overlooked, role Black soldiers played in the Civil War. Thorough introductory material provides essential context.
Takeaway: Fascinating “documentary” novel of a formerly enslaved man seizing freedom in the Union Army.
Comparable Titles: Joyce Hansen’s Which Way Freedom?, Douglas K. Egerton’s Thunder at the Gates.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes by David Mason is a gripping historical novel that vividly brings to life the journey of Parson Sykes, a former slave from Southampton County, Virginia. Sykes, after enlisting in the Union Army, trained at Camp Hamilton, where he was transformed from a man in bondage to a soldier fighting for freedom. As part of the Union’s contingent of soldiers of color, Sykes’ personal stakes in the war were unmatched, the outcome could mean his own liberation. Mason, a descendant of Sykes, uses his ancestral connection to craft an intimate portrayal of this pivotal moment in history.
This book, the second in a trilogy, delves deep into Sykes’ time in the army, continuing through the aftermath of President Lincoln’s assassination. It captures not only Sykes’ external experiences but also his inner struggle as he strives to embody the belief that slavery is fundamentally wrong, a principle that, though considered radical then, is now seen as an undeniable truth. The vast body of literature on the Civil War is the profoundly personal lens through which the story is told. Reading about Sykes being trained as a soldier and facing the brutality of combat is particularly poignant, knowing that the battle’s outcome could decide his very freedom. Mason masterfully weaves rich period details into the narrative, pulling readers into the harsh realities of both the war and the dehumanizing institution of slavery, seen through Sykes’ eyes. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to connect Sykes’ individual experiences with the larger arc of the war. While the story focuses on one man’s journey, it paints a broader picture of how contributions from countless brave soldiers like Sykes helped turn the tide in favor of the Union. This victory reshaped the nation, pushing it toward a future that promised greater equity for all. The book not only tells the story of one man’s fight for freedom but also evokes a broader struggle that echoes into the present.
Mason’s portrayal of this chapter in history is both powerful and emotionally resonant, making The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes a compelling read that leaves a lasting impact.
