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Thursday, April 27, 2023

Book Review - A Girl Called Samson

 

historical female soldier
A Girl Named Samson (photo created in AI)


I love reading historical fiction, and although I have read lots of books from the World War II era, I had not read any from the American Revolutionary War period.  The title on this book is what first intrigued me to download this book.  What an amazing story!  It kept me interested from page 1 and now I feel I know a lot more from that period of history.
 




The Story

Deborah Samson was born in 1760 in Massachusetts.  When she was quite young her father abandoned her family, and her mother was unable to provide for Deborah and her siblings.  Deborah ended up being bound out to be an indentured servant at age 5.  She stayed with various people in her early years, but when she was 10, she was indentured to a young farmers family that had 10 boys.  It was Deborah's duties to help look after the boys.

The family was very kind to Deborah and from them she was able to learn a lot.  Although she didn't go to school herself, she had a thirst for knowledge and was able to learn from the boys as they were growing up.  She had a friend and mentor in the Reverend Conant and when she was 15, he gave her a journal for her birthday.  In this journal she would discover her longings through her writings.  The Reverend also put her in touch with his niece Elizabeth, who became Deborah's pen pal. Elizabeth was older and married and provided Deborah with advice and someone to share her ideas.

When the American Colonies were gearing up for war, each of the 10 boys in turn ended up enlisting in the Continental Army.  Deborah yearned for a life of freedom and equal rights for women.  She had learned much from the boys and could shoot a rifle with the best of them.  

When Deborah turned 18, she was free from her bounds and could go out on her own.  The family welcomed her to stay on with them, but Deborah wanted adventure.  She ended up dressing up as a young man and enlisting in the Continental Army.

The story now gets really interesting as Deborah works hard to maintain the secret of who she really is.  Eventually she falls in love in a surprising twist to the story.  

My Recommendation

I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction.  This story is loosely based on a young woman from history named Deborah Samson.  It is a great testament to the power of a young woman daring to chart her own way despite the circumstances.










6 comments:

  1. This sounds like an interesting story. I seem to remember this type of thing occurred; a girl dressing as a boy to fight in the war. An intriguing review. Thanks for introducing me to this book, Mary Beth.

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  2. I have already downloaded this book to my Kindle. After reading your review, I am really looking forward to reading it. I can easily see how she would feel like "one of the boys" living with and really being raised with 10 boys. Thanks for the compelling review.

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  3. I’m a fan of historical fiction and like the premise of this story. I feel sure that there were more than a few real-life “Deborah Samsons” during this period. Thanks for recommending this novel!

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  4. wow, that's so interesting - can't imagine a journey like hers, and the fact that it is loosely based on an actual person makes it even more mind boggling to grasp what life was like - it has kind of Yentl (ish) theme, except she's hiding her identity to be in the military - bet this was a real page turner - great movie material as well

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  5. What an interesting storyline and sounds like a compelling read! She sounds a young woman of independent spirit making her own way in the world. I think I would really enjoy this book and it would make a great film. Thank you for your review and recommendation.

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  6. Oh this sounds like a book I would enjoy. I also really like historical fictions and this would fit that bill quite nicely. Thank you for giving me a new book to add to my ever growing list! I look forward to reading this one.

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