A Narrative of Thomas Smallwood (Coloured Man) is the only ex-slave narrative to be written and published in Canada. Smallwood writes of his experience of slavery, and his work in helping escaped slaves get to Canada. This book is charmingly written and provides insight into early Canadian life, politics, and concerns. Smallwood?s book also provides important context for the recent renaissance in African Canadian writing, including the work of writers like George Boyd, Dionne Brand, George Elliott Clarke, Wayde Compton, Lawrence Hill, and Djanet Sears.