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irenevh's review against another edition
4.0
4,5 stars
Growing up I had only ever once or twice heard the name of Harriet Tubman. I knew she was important, but only vaguely, and never why. Then came the Movie "Harriet" and I realized just how amazing this woman truly was. But as with many Biography movies, there were many comments of creative liberty, so I ventured out to learn more, and looked into a biography.
When ordering this book I have to admit, I did not realize this biography was from 1886, written while Mrs. Tubman herself was still alive. In many ways I think this fact adds an additional layer to the story. For now not only do I know more of the amazing Mrs. Tubman, but also how people in her on time viewed her and her actions.
The book overall is written somewhat chaotically. Although it mostly follows a chronological order it lacks a true narrative to follow, and so I think this could be a harder book to step into for those who have heard very little of Harriet Tubman. Further more I found that the author did have a habit of repeating certain facts and sometimes inserting herself into the story.
Furthermore, although there was no doubt of the author's great respect for Harriet Tubman, certain descriptions and words used for other slaves and colored people made me doubt her overall respect for them.
Still, this book provides a great view into the life and story of Harriet Tubman. Taking information from conversations with this wonderful hero, as well as letters and conversations with many people with whom she worked together, and even personal quotes from Mrs. Tubman herself, it provides a great overview of her story.
In many ways the events are written very matter-of-factly and I did miss seeing more of the emotions within the story, though of course I cannot say whether Mrs. Tubman ever clearly stated her emotions about these stories. But still I cannot deny the value of this book, nor how quickly I read it, for it is a thrilling and amazing true story. And of course, most of all, one cannot deny the amazing impression this book leaves you of an American hero who deserves more recognition than she currently receives.
I am very happy I decided to read this story, and hope many more will do the same.
Growing up I had only ever once or twice heard the name of Harriet Tubman. I knew she was important, but only vaguely, and never why. Then came the Movie "Harriet" and I realized just how amazing this woman truly was. But as with many Biography movies, there were many comments of creative liberty, so I ventured out to learn more, and looked into a biography.
When ordering this book I have to admit, I did not realize this biography was from 1886, written while Mrs. Tubman herself was still alive. In many ways I think this fact adds an additional layer to the story. For now not only do I know more of the amazing Mrs. Tubman, but also how people in her on time viewed her and her actions.
The book overall is written somewhat chaotically. Although it mostly follows a chronological order it lacks a true narrative to follow, and so I think this could be a harder book to step into for those who have heard very little of Harriet Tubman. Further more I found that the author did have a habit of repeating certain facts and sometimes inserting herself into the story.
Furthermore, although there was no doubt of the author's great respect for Harriet Tubman, certain descriptions and words used for other slaves and colored people made me doubt her overall respect for them.
Still, this book provides a great view into the life and story of Harriet Tubman. Taking information from conversations with this wonderful hero, as well as letters and conversations with many people with whom she worked together, and even personal quotes from Mrs. Tubman herself, it provides a great overview of her story.
In many ways the events are written very matter-of-factly and I did miss seeing more of the emotions within the story, though of course I cannot say whether Mrs. Tubman ever clearly stated her emotions about these stories. But still I cannot deny the value of this book, nor how quickly I read it, for it is a thrilling and amazing true story. And of course, most of all, one cannot deny the amazing impression this book leaves you of an American hero who deserves more recognition than she currently receives.
I am very happy I decided to read this story, and hope many more will do the same.
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