Duration: 4:15

22 views

0

Stephen O'Connor's "Thomas Jefferson Dreams Of Sally Hemings" is a work of historical fiction that explores the complex relationship between Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, and Sally Hemings, a woman who was enslaved by him. The novel is structured as a series of dreams that Jefferson has about Hemings over the course of several years, beginning with their initial encounter in Paris in 1787 and continuing through the end of Jefferson's life in 1826.One of the novel's central themes is the power imbalance between Jefferson and Hemings, which is rooted in their respective positions in society. As a wealthy, white man and the owner of Hemings and her family, Jefferson holds a great deal of power over Hemings, who is his property and is enslaved to him. This power dynamic is further complicated by the fact that Hemings is also Jefferson's mistress, and their relationship is therefore marked by a combination of desire, exploitation, and coercion.O'Connor does an excellent job of exploring these themes through Jefferson's dreams, which provide a window into his inner life and his complicated feelings about Hemings. Throughout the novel, Jefferson vacillates between feelings of love, guilt, and ambivalence towards Hemings, as he struggles to reconcile his desire for her with his broader commitment to the institution of slavery.One of the novel's most compelling scenes occurs early on, when Jefferson and Hemings first begin their relationship in Paris. In this scene, Jefferson is overcome by desire for Hemings and impulsively kisses her, but then immediately feels guilty and conflicted about what he has done. This moment encapsulates the complexity of their relationship, as Jefferson's desire for Hemings is tempered by his recognition of the power imbalance between them and the broader social context of slavery.Another notable aspect of the novel is O'Connor's use of language, which is both poetic and precise. His descriptions of Jefferson's dreams are vivid and evocative, and he does an excellent job of capturing the emotional intensity of Jefferson's internal struggle. Additionally, his use of historical detail is impressive, as he seamlessly weaves together real-life events and characters with his fictional narrative.At times, however, the novel can feel overly didactic, as O'Connor occasionally uses Jefferson's dreams as a vehicle for historical exposition. While this approach is effective in conveying the broader historical context of Jefferson and Hemings' relationship, it can also be somewhat heavy-handed and detract from the novel's overall emotional impact.Overall, "Thomas Jefferson Dreams Of Sally Hemings" is a compelling work of historical fiction that explores the complex relationship between two figures who played a significant role in American history. Through Jefferson's dreams, O'Connor provides a nuanced and emotionally resonant portrait of their relationship, highlighting the power dynamics and conflicting emotions that defined their interactions. While the novel can occasionally feel didactic, its poetic language and historical detail make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the intersection of love, power, and history.