The Adventures of Sunny Washington

Book Three

Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
317 Pages
Reviewed on 04/28/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Adventures of Sunny Washington, Book Three by Dickie Erman continues the harrowing yet inspiring journey of Sunny Washington, a character who embodies resilience and hope. This installment of the series takes a deeper look into the historical backdrop of America’s Antebellum period, blending rich historical detail with the poignant struggles of its characters. Erman’s narrative prowess shines as he constructs a world where the harsh realities of slavery are juxtaposed with the indomitable spirit of those who seek freedom. Sunny, the protagonist, is a particularly compelling figure whose courage and determination are central to the story. Her efforts to navigate the dangers of a society that devalues her existence create a gripping and emotional read.

The book's strength lies in its ability to transport readers back in time, thanks to Dickie Erman's meticulous attention to historical accuracy and detail. The settings are vividly described, making the past come alive with authenticity. The dialogue, too, is crafted with care, capturing the linguistic nuances of the era and enhancing the overall immersive read. Erman does not shy away from the moral complexities of the time. He portrays a range of characters whose lives intersect with Sunny’s in meaningful ways, each adding depth to the narrative and presenting different facets of the human condition during this tumultuous period. The Adventures of Sunny Washington also excels in exploring themes such as freedom, sacrifice, and the quest for identity. It is a compelling read for anyone interested in historical fiction that entertains, provokes thought, and evokes empathy.

Pikasho Deka

The Adventures of Sunny Washington book three by Dickie Erman continues the runaway slave Sunny Washington's story as she is making her way to Canada alongside her friends, Polly and Hud, and her beau, Sam. After rescuing Polly from a plantation in Mississippi, Sunny and her friends are on their way to find sanctuary in Windsor, Canada. However, not everything goes according to plan. There is a $500 reward on Sunny's capture, and her former owner Horton has sent slave hunters after her. As Sunny and her friends use the Underground Railroad, they must navigate a murder, a steamboat explosion, and treachery on their way to freedom. Meanwhile, Sam, a former US Army sergeant wanted for aiding and abetting a slave, has his own battles to fight. Will Sunny and her friends find their freedom?

One of the most impressive aspects of this series is how well author Dickie Erman has portrayed the setting of pre-Civil War America. The protagonists in this story fight against formidable adversaries, but their main challenges come through systematic oppression that impacts every facet of their lives. Erman's narrative also does a brilliant job of showing the courage of those often unsung heroes of the Underground Railroad who helped so many people escape slavery. The Adventures of Sunny Washington is rooted in real-world history. Apart from Sunny, Sam, Polly, and Hud, this book introduces a few new characters with whom readers will sympathize. Sunny's story is the primary narrative anchor, but I was also invested in the other plot threads. I found the ending hopeful and very satisfying. All in all, it's a must-read for historical fiction aficionados.

Frank Mutuma

In The Adventures of Sunny Washington by Dickie Erman, Sunny had been a slave before escaping to Windsor, Canada. Despite the freedom and safety in Canada, she returned to the USA to help other slaves like Davis and Regina. During one of her journeys, she meets a sergeant in the US Army called Sam, and they fall in love at first sight. Sam is a talented gentleman who has also undergone various challenges, like being prosecuted for helping a runaway slave. Sam is also a trained lawyer, but due to the prevailing discrimination, he cannot practice. Currently, they are traveling with their other companions in hopes of getting back to Windsor with the help of an organization called the Underground Railroad. How will things turn out as they navigate the treacherous journey?

Despite this being the third book in the series, The Adventures of Sunny Washington by Dickie Erman can easily be read as a stand-alone. It offers a glimpse into the horrors of slavery and the hardships encountered even by those who managed to escape into freedom. The thought-provoking work also gets one thinking about the importance of people not being complicit in the sight of an injustice. The characters were well-developed, and I loved the well-crafted dialogue, which brought the story to life. Dickie also ensured the plot flowed seamlessly, leaving no room for confusion. The reader will also appreciate the vivid descriptions, which help create a mental picture of what is happening. This was a good read, and I look forward to reading something else by Dickie.