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.

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.

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.

Mysterious / Dark / Unnerving / Contemplative / Gritty

- Middle Passage by Charles R. Johnson won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1990, marking a significant achievement in Johnson's literary career.
- The novel skillfully blends elements of adventure and philosophical inquiry, drawing from Johnson's background in philosophy.
- Charles R. Johnson's portrayal of the Middle Passage demonstrates his commitment to exploring African American experiences and the impact of historical events on identity.

Charles R. Johnson

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore Middle Passage reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Middle Passage | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Middle Passage and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Middle Passage Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Epigraphs-Chapter 2

Middle Passage Epigraphs-Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-5

Middle Passage Chapters 3-5 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 6-9

Middle Passage Chapters 6-9 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Middle Passage Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Middle Passage Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Middle Passage Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Middle Passage Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Middle Passage Essay Topics

Middle Passage Teaching Materials

Quiz

Middle Passage Quiz

How to use

Middle Passage How to use

Pre-Reading Context

Middle Passage Pre-Reading Context

Thought & Response Prompts

Middle Passage Thought & Response Prompts

Paired Texts & Other Resources

Middle Passage Paired Texts & Other Resources

Activity

Middle Passage Activity

Essay Questions

Middle Passage Essay Questions

Middle Passage

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Middle Passage?

Reading Age

Book Details