As much as the story is a work of fiction, it bluntly lays out the struggles Harriet Tubman faced as a black woman in 19th century America. The story is intersectional in its portrayal, as Harriet faces prejudice both from her skin color and her gender. I particularly appreciated the mention of the brain trauma she experienced and the episodes she endures. She is portrayed as both strong, yet invulnerable, determined to do what's right while also wishing the plantations would be burned to the ground.
I particularly appreciated the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, taken from primary sources. They describe what life as a slave was like, as well as people recounting their encounters with America's Moses. With every quote, Elizabeth Cobbs shows why she portrayed things the way she has. It wont make you comfortable in its depictions of slavery and all that black Americans faced. But it will have you cheering for a woman who, in my opinion, is one of the nation's greatest heroes.
Sidenote: The n-word comes up multiple times over the course of the book, as it would have been used regularly at the time. Personally, I believe the prejudice and racism portrayed wouldn't have had as great an impact without it. But others may feel differently.
I particularly appreciated the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, taken from primary sources. They describe what life as a slave was like, as well as people recounting their encounters with America's Moses. With every quote, Elizabeth Cobbs shows why she portrayed things the way she has. It wont make you comfortable in its depictions of slavery and all that black Americans faced. But it will have you cheering for a woman who, in my opinion, is one of the nation's greatest heroes.
Sidenote: The n-word comes up multiple times over the course of the book, as it would have been used regularly at the time. Personally, I believe the prejudice and racism portrayed wouldn't have had as great an impact without it. But others may feel differently.