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A review by makboo
Chariot on the Mountain by Jack Ford
4.0
Beautiful historical account of courage and allyship
Like stated in the Author’s Note, I am surprised that Kitty’s case is not taught throughout the country! This is a great testament to the rich tapestry of untold stories about the human experience.
The novel was riveting although I found the writing to be a bit overhanded-handed...and obvious (the reminder that even free blacks needed to give up their seat in the courthouse, the fleeting smile from the judge at the end). I found myself pausing often contemplating what it means to be a white ally - albeit savior both literally and figuratively - in the antebellum south and a white (male) writer in 2018 telling a story about female protagonists, with unequal power & privilege. What is going on in the depths of Kitty’s spirit when she makes the decision to sue her captor? Her declaration during the court proceedings asserting her status as a free woman had me longing to learn more about her inner strength and courage. And I wonder how would another writer - Female and/or POC - approach this story?
I’d recommend this book and look forward to discussions from diverse reviewers, especially black women.
Like stated in the Author’s Note, I am surprised that Kitty’s case is not taught throughout the country! This is a great testament to the rich tapestry of untold stories about the human experience.
The novel was riveting although I found the writing to be a bit overhanded-handed...and obvious (the reminder that even free blacks needed to give up their seat in the courthouse, the fleeting smile from the judge at the end). I found myself pausing often contemplating what it means to be a white ally - albeit savior both literally and figuratively - in the antebellum south and a white (male) writer in 2018 telling a story about female protagonists, with unequal power & privilege. What is going on in the depths of Kitty’s spirit when she makes the decision to sue her captor? Her declaration during the court proceedings asserting her status as a free woman had me longing to learn more about her inner strength and courage. And I wonder how would another writer - Female and/or POC - approach this story?
I’d recommend this book and look forward to discussions from diverse reviewers, especially black women.