Washington Black tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Washington Black who escapes slavery on a sugar plantation in Barbados and travels across the globe in the 1830s. The 400-page novel written by Esi Edugyan follows Washington as he works for his master's brother who runs an experimental farm and brings Washington along on his Arctic explorations. The story explores themes of freedom, family, identity, and scientific discovery through Washington's journey around the world.