God's Gifts are for Others

 This is really historical fiction.  Ta-Nehisi Coates was inspired by the real-life saga of William and Peter Still and their family.  It is written for the point of a slave, which is referred to as Tasked.  The slave owners were called Quality and their slaves were called the Tasked.  In "The Water Dancer," the main character is Hiram.  His mother was taken away when he was a child.  His father was the plantation owner. Eventually, Hiram was called up to live in the plantation house to be an influence on his owner's son.  This son is Hiram's brother.  Eventually, the Quality Son dies.  Hiram wants to run away to the Undergrown RailRoad.  How he does that is the plot and it's an exciting, harrowing,  and strange story.

    Hiram has special gifts, which the plot dances with, which really is the story. How Hiram works is worth learning.  It is different and enjoyable.