89 pages • 2 hours read
Julius LesterDay of Tears
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2005A 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
Day of Tears by Julius Lester is a historical fiction novel told entirely in dialogue that chronicles the largest slave auction in American history, which took place on March 2 and 3, 1859, in Savannah, Georgia, where plantation owner Pierce Butler sold over 400 enslaved people, including a caretaker named Emma, to repay his gambling debts. It highlights slavery's complexities and its lasting impact on various characters, notably Emma, through multiple perspectives of slaves, abolitionists, and slave owners. The novel addresses sensitive material, including sexual assault, graphic violence, and racial slurs.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Day of Tears by Julius Lester is praised for its vivid narrative and powerful portrayal of history through multiple voices. Readers commend its emotional depth and historical accuracy but note that its complexity in character perspectives can be challenging to follow at times. It's a compelling read that thoughtfully handles a difficult subject.
Who Should Read Day of Tears?
Readers who enjoy Day of Tears by Julius Lester are typically drawn to historical fiction and emotional narratives about slavery and resilience. They would appreciate Roots by Alex Haley or Beloved by Toni Morrison for their deep, impactful storytelling and exploration of African American history.