Publisher's Synopsis
Nat Turner, born into slavery October 2, 1800, on a Southampton County plantation, became a preacher who stated in his confession he'd been chosen by God to lead slaves from bondage. On August 21, 1831, he led a freedom movement that resulted in the participation of nearly 100 slaves and free blacks throughout the state. This crusade concluded with the ultimate punishment of nearly 60 slave owners, their wives and children. He eluded capture for nearly six weeks was eventually imprisoned and later hanged. The incident frightened the slave owners so much that in a desperate attempt to hold on to their unjust power they enacted harsher laws against slaves and free black that exhilarated the emancipation movement. Born October 2, 1800 in Southampton County, Virginia. Nat is born on the Virginia plantation of Benjamin Turner. At the age of 3 Nat is witnessed by his parents prophesying about past events. Completely amazed they realize that their son was born for a higher purpose. In addition to being a young prophet Benjamin Turner and the entire neighborhood is astonished and shocked to learn of Nat's mysterious reading and writing comprehension at age 5. At age 10, Nat's father escapes slavery vowing to return for his wife and child. By age 12 Nat encounters a gang of 4 white youth who pummels him helplessly with snowballs. A few weeks later Nat runs into that same gang. This time he revenges the defeat by pelting his attackers with rocks. As a teenager Nat leaves the plantation without permission. An overseer immediately whips him upon his return. Nat sets a trap for the overseer, which results in a horse accident. The overseer legs are crushed. He is unable to return to work. Nat becomes fed up with being enslaved. He runs away. After being free for 30 days, Nat receives a vision from God telling him to return to his earthly master. Nat also see images of the future civil war to come. Nat is assured by the Holy Spirit that his special purpose would help to bring about change. Still thinking about himself Nat argues with the spirit. The spirit chastises Nat. Nat decides to return.After Nat returns some slave dislikes him. Others think he is nuts for returning. On his return, a young beautiful slave girl named Cherry questions Nat. God rewards Nat for his loyalty and he marries Cherry. Cherry is a strong black woman who loves Nat and stands behind everything he does. It is Cherry who Nat shares his innermost thoughts and visions with. They have one child, Charlotte whom Nat loves very much. He does his best to be a good father. Because he returned on his own, Nat is allowed to travel as much as he wants without a pass. In addition he is allowed to preach at different plantations. He is a fiery preacher and leader in his Southampton County neighborhood. His reputation expands and Nat is one of the most sought after black preachers in the south. Nat's slave owners trust him very much. Nat's first signal is an eclipse of the Sun in 1831. It is revealed to Nat that he would lead an emancipation movement among his people. It is at this time that he realizes he must rise up and stand for his people. The emancipation movement begins officially on August 21, 1831, when he and six other former slaves, now freedom fighters punish the Travis family killing all five inhabitants, managing to secure arms and horses. This is when it all hits the fan. Nat and the freedom fighters travel from plantation to plantation punishing the wicked slave owners and their families with death through various means. They encounter many obstacles. They meet many interesting characters both slaves and non-slaves. In the end 55 slave owners and their families are eliminated. Over 200 innocent black are killed by barbaric revengeful mobs. It takes the United States Calvary, hundreds of militia and a force of nearly three thousand soldiers to stop this small group of determined revolutionaries.
