Helpful Score: 1
This is the story of Henry Shackleford, a young slave boy who is "freed" by abolitionist John Brown and through no fault of his own becomes a member of Brown's army. But because Henry is a small, slightly built boy who was wearing only a potato sack, Brown thinks Henry is a girl and takes to calling him little Onion. What follows is a story that is both hilarious and sorrowful. McBride can turn your emotions on a dime and shows us that even revered historical figures come with warts and human frailties. Five stars for this book and I can't recommend it highly enough. Terrific historical novel.
This is an engaging, powerful story about John Brown, slavery in the west, and the abolitionist movement. I liked the voice of Henry who could both see the reality Brown wasn't seeing but who could also be self-interested.
Just as great as other reviewers have said it was! I waited for more than four years to receive this book, and it was certainly worth it! An excellent writer, relating a story about a historical figure I was never aware of, and in a beautiful fashion. Touching, yet very funny in parts as well. Excellent! D.
