leweylibrarian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.5
I appreciate this book for what it is, but I do wish it had been so much more. It's meant to be a short but impactful and approachable book about Harriet Tubman and her legacy, and it accomplishes that pretty well. One of the major themes in the book is how she was so much more than a conductor on the Underground Railroad, but a lot of these other things that she was aren't talked about in much detail at all. This felt like the Idea B. Wells book I read earlier this year--yes, I learned some things about that person, but it felt like a lot of stones went uncovered. I wanted more about her as a person, especially her more personal life which was glossed over pretty quickly in the beginning and throughout.
Lastly, it bugged me that there were so many places where the author said "we can't have known what she thought about x, but..." And usually would go on to say how she was such a humble, lovely person that sure maybe it might have upset her, but she was so gracious that it was fine. Like I highly doubt Harriet Tubman was as squeaky clean as this book makes her seem, and that's okay! I prefer that really because she's not actually a flawless, perfect hero because she's human 🤷‍♀️
Lastly, it bugged me that there were so many places where the author said "we can't have known what she thought about x, but..." And usually would go on to say how she was such a humble, lovely person that sure maybe it might have upset her, but she was so gracious that it was fine. Like I highly doubt Harriet Tubman was as squeaky clean as this book makes her seem, and that's okay! I prefer that really because she's not actually a flawless, perfect hero because she's human 🤷‍♀️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Death, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Colonisation, Torture, Sexism, and War
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Medical content
erinlynum's review against another edition
4.0
This is a compelling biography of an American hero. The author follows Tubman's life chronologically, from her life in slavery in Maryland to leading enslaved people to freedom, from playing a key role in the Civil War for the union to starting an organization to helping indigent and aging Black people. In her large family, as they all slowly escaped north to Canada and then to New York, it must have been incredibly hard to lose her three sisters and their families as they were sold to the deep south to pay debts. It's incredible what Tubman accomplished throughout her life while remaining illiterate. It was frustrating to read about her biographer doing such a poor job writing her story in Tubman's lifetime to generate an income. It was also frustrating to read about how Tubman struggled to collect her pension for years despite her service during the war. Despite her own suffering, she still worked to give her all to her community. This is a wonderful book I would recommend to everyone.
pamiverson's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting biography of Harriet Tubman. Written for a younger audience, but i don't know details, so I learned a lot. A true hero.
serena704's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
4.0
A great listen on the life of Harriet Tubman. There was a lot about her life I wasn't aware of like her being mistreated not just when she was a slave but also afterwards. It's sad that a lot of things are still unknown about her. Also I'd love to learn what happened to her adopted daughter Gertie. What did she do for a living? I've seen pictures of her as an older woman but having a hard time finding anything out about her. A must read/listen for everyone.Â
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery
bookobsessedmommy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
4.0
srielyn's review against another edition
4.0
*3.5
I’m not a huge fan of nonfiction and the writing is always why.
I knew the writing was below academic by the title, which I thought might improve my enjoyment without all the fancy lingo usually shoved into nonfiction.
But my goodness,
If you took a shot every time the author said “likely”, (Harriet “likely” felt this, “likely” thought that, it “likley” was difficult for her) you’d be dead from alcohol poisoning.
That being said it’s hard to rate any book low that is about such an incredible historical figure. I would’ve liked a bit more facts from this book, but it was interesting.
I’m not a huge fan of nonfiction and the writing is always why.
I knew the writing was below academic by the title, which I thought might improve my enjoyment without all the fancy lingo usually shoved into nonfiction.
But my goodness,
If you took a shot every time the author said “likely”, (Harriet “likely” felt this, “likely” thought that, it “likley” was difficult for her) you’d be dead from alcohol poisoning.
That being said it’s hard to rate any book low that is about such an incredible historical figure. I would’ve liked a bit more facts from this book, but it was interesting.
alphlia's review against another edition
5.0
I had the opportunity to read this wonderful story with my grandmother. Hopefully, this will be one of the many books we read together in our two-person book club.
jamietherebelliousreader's review against another edition
4.0
4 stars. It’s only getting four stars instead of the full five because this is such an abridged telling of Ms. Tubman’s life which is fine. It was well written and the narrator does a great job. I just feel like so much was left out. She was an incredible woman and I am absolutely glad that I listened to this. I just need to read a more extensive book so that I can get more information about the stories they don’t teach in schools. For what it is this was still really great and I would recommend it without a doubt.
carleesi's review against another edition
5.0
Very engaging book. Great way to learn more about all the amazing things Harriet Tubman did.