The Auction Block   By: Rex Ellingwood Beach (1877-1949)

The Auction Block by Rex Ellingwood Beach is a thought-provoking novel that brings to light the brutal realities of the American slave trade. Through his vivid storytelling, Beach transports readers to the antebellum South, where the lives of individuals on both sides of the auction block are explored with unflinching honesty.

The plot revolves around Joshua Holt, a wealthy plantation owner who, despite his reservations, finds himself caught up in the notorious business of selling human beings. As he prepares for a large slave auction, Holt struggles with the moral implications of his actions, torn between his financial interests and the undeniable inhumanity of the trade. Beach skillfully portrays Holt's internal conflict, showcasing the complexity of a character who is both repulsed by and dependent on the system he participates in.

The novel delves into the lives of the enslaved as well, providing a poignant and often heartbreaking perspective. Beach introduces readers to characters like Lucy, a young mother torn apart from her children, and Gabriel, an intelligent and defiant enslaved man determined to escape the auction block. Through their stories, Beach sheds light on the resilience and enduring spirit of those trapped in a system that treated them as property rather than as fellow human beings.

What sets The Auction Block apart is Beach's ability to avoid simplifying the characters or the issues at hand. He presents a nuanced exploration of the complexities of slavery, acknowledging that even those who fueled the trade had their own struggles and internal conflicts. By humanizing both the slave owners and the enslaved, Beach challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that good and evil can coexist within individuals, even in the most oppressive of systems.

Furthermore, the author's meticulous attention to historical detail enhances the novel's authenticity. Beach's research shines through, painting a vivid and chilling picture of the antebellum South. His descriptive prose transports readers to the plantation homes, bustling marketplaces, and treacherous escape routes of the era. The settings come alive, immersing the reader in the time period and facilitating a deeper understanding of the characters' experiences.

However, it is worth noting that some readers may find certain scenes in the novel distressing due to their graphic depiction of violence and cruelty. Beach does not shy away from the harrowing realities of slavery, and the graphic descriptions can be difficult to stomach at times.

Overall, The Auction Block is a powerful novel that challenges readers to confront the darkest corners of American history. Rex Ellingwood Beach's compelling narrative and well-developed characters make it a captivating read from beginning to end. Although the subject matter is deeply uncomfortable, it is an important reminder of the atrocities committed in the name of profit and power. The Auction Block reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the resilience and strength of the human spirit can prevail.

First Page:

His father interrupted harshly: "Now, cut that out. I don't want to go to New York, and I won't." Peter Knight tried to look forceful, but the expression did not fit his weak, complacent features. He was a plump man with red cheeks rounded by habitual good humor; his chin was short, and beneath it were other chins, distended and sagging as if from the weight of chuckles within... Continue reading book >>