what if harriet tubman came back to life?
heartfelt and unique, Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert is a short novel about legends, legacies, and how we can all find freedom.
we’re following a music producer (Darnell) in a slightly-different world where great heroes from the past have come back to life without explanation. Darnell is invited to work with Harriet Tubman and four enslaved persons that she led to freedom … because they want to put on a musical performance.
darnell was outed once years ago and has tried to tuck away his identity ever since, and Harriet Tubman knows all about freedom and salvation. What follows is a lot of thoughtful conversation, finding joy and love through music, and even a quick road trip.
it’s a sweet story - with a concept that feels a little like a classic creative writing prompt - that doesn’t take us anywhere particularly unexpected, but is lovely all the same. it’s got some great quotes and reminders about how to live your own life to the fullest, and interesting tidbits from history.
a lot of the elements are stated plainly instead of shown through the story, and while I really liked the bits of Darnell we got to experience, i was ready to go deeper and be bolder. i was hoping for a bit more humor and more of a distinct character voice, but this writing felt almost shy at times. it stayed within simplicity and I generally prefer stories that are more complicated.
i had a really nice time with it, though! I enjoyed the thoughtfulness around respecting your history and those who walked before you while also striving to be freer and freer with each new generation.
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