Baker, Calvin. Dominion, a novel.

BAKER, Calvin. Dominion, a novel. Grove. 368p. c2006.0-8021-4309-9. $13.00. SA

Dominion is the story of three generations of a family, beginning with Jasper Merian, a man who is freed from slavery in Virginia and makes his way to the wilds of Carolina in the late 17th century. There he claims land and builds a home for himself called Stonehouses. He marries and has a son. He also tries to free the family he left behind and eventually his first son finds him. This generation lives in prosperity and their offspring continue to build on their legacy, only to have the Revolutionary War intercede and cause turmoil. Although they become a wealthy and respected family, they have to overcome an evil that seems to torment them.

This novel is exceptional in many ways. First, it covers a time period, the early 18th century, from the viewpoint of free blacks who live in relative harmony with their neighbors. Second, the narrative style is almost biblical in parts and sounds genuinely of the time period, yet it is eminently readable. Third, there is a mixture of myth, history, and plot that propels the reader forward through the generations. Fourth, the characters are bigger than life in many ways, but they are also full of foibles and eccentricities. Lastly, the author writes with such respect and understanding of the characters that it is almost as if he knows them from his own past. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.