Washington Black + Heavy Artillery
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan is a gorgeous and surprising narrative about a young slave named Washington Black whose whole life is the fields of a Barbados sugar plantation. His world is forever changed when his master’s unconventional brother, Tich, inducts him into a world of science as a manservant. Washington experiences a whole new life - both in loads of possibility and but also lessons in the limitations that his skin color, life experiences, and situation set for him. This story is part adventure, part history, and part emotional saga that sets itself to the task of investigating a number of important and challenging themes. Set in Barbados, America, Nova Scotia, and, at one point, the far-reaching cold of the Arctic, we witness the struggles of friendship, family, betrayal, and building a whole new life. Every bit deserving of the numerous nominations and awards, pull away from the stunning cover art and get lost in Washington Black’s world. (publish by Penguin Random House)
Heavy Artillery
(as seen on Instagram via @weekendmixologist)
Parts of this book are joyous and parts are most difficult to read. Edugyan does an incredible job of expressing the multi-layered facets of Washington and his relationships to the characters he meets throughout the book. No normal cocktail would do this book justice and Heavy Artillery is the perfect drink to help you settle into this novel. The whiskey and rum combo in this glass of liquid heaven is a nod to the many settings in this book. It is as rich, complex, full-bodied, and ready for action as this read is. Get a mixing glass and get ready to read up + drink up.
Heavy Artillery
1.5 oz Rye Whiskey
0.5 oz Smith and Cross Rum
0.5 oz Green Chartreuse
0.5 oz Sweet Vermouth
0.25 oz Cinnamon Syrup
1 Dash Aromatic Bitters
Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass and then add ice. Sir and strain over big cube ice into a rocks glass. Twist of orange garnish and you are ready to read.
“To call him a friend is perhaps inaccurate. Rather, we drank together, and occasionally got into trouble together.”
