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I've Got a Home in Glory Land: A Lost Tale of the Underground Railroad
I was disappointed in this book as I was expecting an exciting fictional/factual story of the underground railroad. It was not exciting, and indeed was far too much like a textbook to make me a happy reader. I agree with what most of what the other reviewers wrote about the book's strengths. My biggest problems with the book are its overblown phrases, and its descriptions of events as though they happened though the author had no way of knowing that they did. Karolyn Smardz Frost's tale of the exodus of the Blackburns from America to Canada via the Underground Railroad is incredibly moving and brutal. Moving, because these people, and their mostly-unknown helpers and friends, risked everything for freedom. They found it in the Glory Land, Canada. But... I couldn't put this book down. It's a fascinating window into the times and I came away with a much better understanding of it. Some of it was shocking, to be honest. I highly recommend this book. One would have to read this book several times to completely absorb its multifarious layers, and I cannot recommend it highly enough.First and foremost, it is the compelling life story of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn. They escaped from slavery boldly using forged documents to travel by steamboat... Canada's role relative to slavery in the United States - little-known by Americans - is excellently told through the life story of a couple born in slavery. The Blackburns' escape from slavery calls out for dramatization in a movie or at least on PBS' "American Experience." It would also make... I cannot overstate the importance of this book. It is a moving, heart-wrenching story. Additionally the Kentucky material was of particular interest to me since my own ancestors were in Mason COunty, KY for a good portion of the story of Thornton Blackburn. I have not finished reading it as of... More legal stuff: Smarter.com is a comparison shopping website that compares prices and products at online stores to help consumers save money. Stores are responsible for providing us with accurate price and product information, including the proper codes for coupons, discounts and rebates. Tax and shipping costs are estimates. Please confirm all costs before making your final purchase at the online store. All merchant ratings, product reviews and video reviews are submitted by shoppers or third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content. If you have any concerns about content on our website, please contact us. It was the day before Independence Day, 1831. As his bride, Lucie, was about to be ?sold down the river? to the slave markets of New Orleans, young Thornton Blackburn planned a daring?and successful?daylight escape from Louisville. But they were discovered by slave catchers in Michigan and slated to return to Kentucky in chains, until the black community rallied to their cause. The Blackburn Riot of 1833 was the first racial uprising in Detroit history.
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The couple was spirited across the river to Canada, but their safety proved illusory. In June 1833, Michigan?s governor demanded their extradition. The Blackburn case was the first serious legal dispute between Canada and the United States regarding the Underground Railroad. The impassioned defense of the Blackburns by Canada?s lieutenant governor set precedents for all future fugitive-slave cases.
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The Blackburns settled in Toronto and founded the city?s first taxi business. But they never forgot the millions who still suffered in slavery. Working with prominent abolitionists, Thornton and Lucie made their home a haven for runaways. The Blackburns died in the 1890s, and their fascinating tale was lost to history. Lost, that is, until a chance archaeological discovery in a downtown Toronto school yard brought the story of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn again to light. more
Too much like a textbook!
Well researched, interesting
A moving, important book.
Fascinating book
A Must Read!
An absorbing story
A Kentucky-Canada Story
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