The Good Lord Bird is one of the most fascinating books that I have read in awhile...
This book is a historical fiction satire that looks at the life of the abolitionist John Brown. Now, I have always been fascinated with John Brown, and I have traveled, quite often, to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to where John and twenty-one of his followers, courageously, tried to get ammunition to arm a slave rebellion. John Brown was determined to end slavery.
 |
| Abolitionist John Brown! |
Well, James McBride tells this comical story through the eyes of a twelve year old boy who John nicknamed "Onion." There were times when I was reading this book when I was literally laughing out loud.
McBride shows John as a religious fanatic who would misquote The Bible, break out in a loud prayer at the drop of a dime, and he shows John as a man who really wanted to end slavery.
Also, McBride has appearances in the book from abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth. Now, many may find the portrayal of the honorable Frederick Douglass as offensive, but I reminded myself that this was McBride's fictional interpretation of Frederick, and I found myself chuckling. I loved his portrayal of Sojourner Truth as this strong woman who was working to preach the truth about Jesus and slavery; she wanted 'her people' free.
There is a message to this story, and I found the message to be quite refreshing......
We all know that John Brown did not succeed in his attempt at Harpers Ferry, but we must admire his courage to try and arm a rebellion against the institution called slavery.
McBride, what a great, feel-good book!!!
Read and enjoy another look at history.....
This great read has me frantically searching for another great read; any suggestions "My People?"
2 comments:
Did you know they're making this one into a movie? For some reason, I'm just not compelled to read it. But I'll see the movie :)
You must read it. What a great comical read...I think you will love it.
Post a Comment