The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle is Manzano's biography written in verse. In this biography we find Juan, Beatriz (first owner), Maria del Pilar (his mother), Toribio (his father), La Marquesa de Prado Ameno (2nd. owner after Beatriz' death), Don Nicolas (Marquesa's son), and the Overseer (made sure Marqueza's orders were followed). Each of these persons played an important part in Juan's life. Born in a very rich home where his parents were slaves, Juan continued to be a slave after his parents were released by Beatriz. Juan remained there as a so called son to Beatriz forced to call her mother. After her death, Juan is sent to La Marquesa de Prado Ameno where his life turns to a life of terror, despair, and pain. Inspite of all this terror and cruelty, he learned how to read and write without anyone knowing and his high spirits and hope kept Juan alive, day after day. He always found the time to dream and recite poems in his mind to bring that light of hope into his life. Until, one great day, he has to courage to do something he had never done. He sneaked out and rode a horse to freedom.
At times, it was hard for me to continue reading this book. I personally didn't like the verses where he was punished cruelly and unfairly. Juan Manzano is a good example that if one has faith and hope miracles can happen.
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