A review by no_more_shelf_control
Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery's Borderland by Scott Shane
challenging
emotional
informative
medium-paced
4.25
FLEE NORTH: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery's Borderland by Scott Shane is an extraordinary portrait of Thomas Smallwood.
I received this early copy by @celadonbooks and began to slowly digest this account, & then when I saw the audio and was granted access, I was thrilled! Narrated by Rhett Samuel Price, it was the best combination for learning about this formidable man. The narration gave the words a life of their own!
Thomas Smallwood is a man who deserves so much more recognition. Shane expertly shares biographical information in a way that feels riveting. The wit and bravery of Smallwood with his satirical articles and brazen calling out of slave owners was exactly the kind of narrative that shows the work Black Americans were doing to eliminate slavery.
Included here are also the stories of two other men who were forces in Smallwood's life, one as an ally, and the other a target of derision as a slave trader. Both propelled Smallwood in his mission in various ways and it was fascinating to see their lives as impacted by Smallwood.
I don't read as much nonfiction, but this was a heavy story that helped remind me that we have a way to go on equality. The things Smallwood wrote in the 1840's were profound and would likely be banned in Florida today.
Thank you to @celadonbooks, @NetGalley & @macmillan.audio for sharing this special story. September 19th is the pub date, so grab this and learn more!
I received this early copy by @celadonbooks and began to slowly digest this account, & then when I saw the audio and was granted access, I was thrilled! Narrated by Rhett Samuel Price, it was the best combination for learning about this formidable man. The narration gave the words a life of their own!
Thomas Smallwood is a man who deserves so much more recognition. Shane expertly shares biographical information in a way that feels riveting. The wit and bravery of Smallwood with his satirical articles and brazen calling out of slave owners was exactly the kind of narrative that shows the work Black Americans were doing to eliminate slavery.
Included here are also the stories of two other men who were forces in Smallwood's life, one as an ally, and the other a target of derision as a slave trader. Both propelled Smallwood in his mission in various ways and it was fascinating to see their lives as impacted by Smallwood.
I don't read as much nonfiction, but this was a heavy story that helped remind me that we have a way to go on equality. The things Smallwood wrote in the 1840's were profound and would likely be banned in Florida today.
Thank you to @celadonbooks, @NetGalley & @macmillan.audio for sharing this special story. September 19th is the pub date, so grab this and learn more!