This Other Eden

I am not exactly sure how to talk about this book. The basic story is simple: a group of people live on Apple Island, off of the coast of the state of Maine, descendants of runaway or freed slaves, in utmost poverty but in peace, at the beginning of the 20th century. One day, a white missionary/teacher lands on the island and tries to teach the children about Shakespeare and Latin and mathematics. Some time later, Maine officials decide to evacuate the island « for the sake of humanity and public health.” These facts are based on a true story.

I tend to not like books that are poetic or romantic or sentimental. The stories in this book are definitely not poetic or romantic or sentimental, yet there is something profound that described the humanity of these « degenerates » and the importance of respect and reverence of all humans, and admiration for the strength of humankind. It was not just a feeling of « eugenics and racism are bad, » but instead something like « all humans, ALL humans, have the right to live and to be respected as human beings. » I am not explaining things well because I just can’t express this strange feeling I had as I was reading this book. I had to stop reading it for a while, because it was not an easy book to read, but I am glad I finished it.