A lot of backstory for a first chapter.

I've always enjoyed the story of Harriet Tubman, so I came into the first chapter excited to see how the author would introduce us to Harriet. However, this first chapter primarily focused on Harriet's backstory with her husband, setting the novel up to be focused on her personal relationships with men rather than on her work as a spy and Underground Railroad guide. I like the idea of exploring the personal side of Harriet, but found the amount of back story overwhelming for a first chapter when it could have been integrated more authentically. The first chapter jumped between Harriet recounting her relationship with her husband and how and why she left him and a present-day scene with her servant, which was abrupt. I would rather have let those backstory facts be introduced slowly rather than all at once, especially since some readers (like me) already know some of these things. Plus, Harriet is more than her husband's ex-wife! I also found the writing style bulky and more like a nonfiction book, but Harriet is awesome, and the book has an interesting premise. It would be interesting to see how it develops.