AUTHOR : TIYA MILES
GENRES : NONFICTION , HISTORY
PUBLICATION : PENGUIN PRESS
Tiya Miles, a distinguished historian and writer, is known for her deep and insightful explorations of African American history and culture. She is the National Book Award–winning author of “All That She Carried,” which examines the legacy of slavery through a single object. Miles’s work often delves into the lives of African American women, uncovering their stories and contributions with a scholarly yet accessible approach.
Background and context
“Night Flyer” is not a conventional biography. Instead, it is an intricate tapestry that combines historical facts, personal insights, and an exploration of the spiritual life that fueled Harriet Tubman’s legendary efforts. Tubman, an iconic figure in American history, is best known for her role in the Underground Railroad, where she led many enslaved people to freedom. Tiya Miles uses her extensive research to go beyond the well-known heroic acts to explore Tubman’s faith and inner life, painting a more nuanced and human portrait.
Summary
“Night Flyer” by Tiya Miles offers a profound exploration of Harriet Tubman’s life through the lens of her deep faith and spirituality. Miles delves into Tubman’s early years, highlighting the impact of a traumatic head injury that led to vivid dreams and a heightened sense of spiritual awareness. These experiences are shown to shape Tubman’s unwavering faith in God, which guided her courageous actions in leading many enslaved individuals to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
Miles also explores Tubman’s relationships with other enslaved women and how their shared spiritual journeys influenced her path. Through meticulous research and an evocative narrative, Miles presents Tubman not just as a historical figure but as a deeply spiritual woman whose faith was integral to her mission and resilience. The book connects Tubman’s life to broader themes of ecology, African spiritual traditions, and the experiences of other Black holy women of her time, offering readers a rich and layered understanding of her legacy. Ultimately, “Night Flyer” is a compelling and inspirational account that highlights the significance of faith in Tubman’s life and its role in her enduring impact on American history.
Main characters
Harriet Tubman: The central figure of the book, Tubman is portrayed as a deeply spiritual and determined woman whose faith and visions guide her courageous efforts to lead others to freedom.
Araminta “Minty” Ross: Tubman’s birth name, representing her early life and the transformation she underwent from an enslaved girl to a leader and symbol of freedom.
Old Elizabeth, Jarena Lee, Zilpha Elaw, and Julia Foote: Other Black holy women of Tubman’s time whose spiritual journeys and writings provide context and comparison to Tubman’s own faith-driven mission.
Plot
The book is structured around key episodes in Harriet Tubman’s life, focusing on the spiritual and emotional aspects rather than a chronological account. It begins with Tubman’s early life as Araminta Ross, detailing the traumatic head injury that led to her spiritual visions. These visions and her unwavering faith in God are shown as the driving forces behind her actions. Miles interweaves Tubman’s story with those of other Black women who shared similar spiritual journeys, providing a broader context to her faith and its influence. The narrative explores Tubman’s role in the Underground Railroad, her leadership during the Civil War, and her continued activism, all through the lens of her spiritual beliefs and experiences.
Writing style
Tiya Miles’s writing in “Night Flyer” is both scholarly and poetic. She employs a narrative style that blends historical analysis with evocative descriptions, making the complex history accessible and engaging for readers. Miles’s prose is rich with detail, bringing the historical context and Tubman’s inner world to life. Her ability to weave together various elements—faith, ecology, historical facts, and personal stories—creates a multidimensional and immersive reading experience.
Themes
Faith and Spirituality: The core theme of the book, exploring how Tubman’s deep faith and spiritual visions influenced her life and actions.
Freedom and Resistance: Tubman’s relentless pursuit of freedom for herself and others, highlighting her role in the fight against slavery.
Women’s Solidarity and Kinship: The connections between Tubman and other Black women, emphasizing the importance of shared spiritual and emotional bonds.
Ecology and Environment: The natural world as a significant element in Tubman’s life, reflecting her deep connection to the land and its role in her spiritual and physical journeys.
message
“Night Flyer” underscores the importance of faith and spirituality in Harriet Tubman’s life, presenting her as a deeply human figure whose extraordinary actions were driven by a profound sense of divine purpose. Miles’s portrayal encourages readers to see Tubman not just as a historical icon but as an accessible and relatable inspiration. The book also highlights the interconnectedness of faith, environment, and community in the broader struggle for freedom and justice.
Strength
Unique Perspective: Miles’s focus on Tubman’s faith and spiritual life offers a fresh and insightful perspective that is often overlooked in conventional biographies.
Rich Contextualization: The inclusion of other Black holy women and ecological elements provides a broader and deeper understanding of Tubman’s world.
Engaging Narrative: The combination of scholarly research and poetic prose makes the book both informative and captivating.
Inspirational: The book’s exploration of Tubman’s faith and resilience serves as a powerful source of inspiration for readers.
Weakness
Non-linear Structure: The book’s non-chronological approach might be challenging for readers who prefer a straightforward narrative
Complex Language: Miles’s rich and detailed prose, while beautiful, may be dense for some readers, potentially making the book less accessible to a general audience.
Focus on Faith: Readers looking for a more traditional biography might find the heavy emphasis on spirituality less appealing.
conclusion
“Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People” by Tiya Miles is a groundbreaking and deeply moving exploration of Harriet Tubman’s life. By focusing on Tubman’s faith and spiritual experiences, Miles provides a unique and intimate portrait of this iconic figure. The book’s rich narrative and detailed research make it a significant contribution to both historical scholarship and the broader understanding of Tubman’s legacy. Despite its complexities, “Night Flyer” is a powerful and inspirational read that offers new insights into the life of one of America’s most revered figures.
Reader’s experience
Reading “Night Flyer” is an immersive and enlightening experience. The book’s blend of historical facts, personal stories, and spiritual insights creates a multidimensional portrayal of Harriet Tubman that is both educational and emotionally resonant. Readers are likely to come away with a deeper appreciation for Tubman’s faith and the profound impact it had on her life and actions.
recommendation
“Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People” is highly recommended for readers interested in African American history, women’s studies, and biographies that offer a unique perspective. It is particularly suitable for those who wish to understand the deeper, more personal aspects of Harriet Tubman’s life. The book’s rich narrative and inspirational message make it a valuable addition to any collection.
Happy Reading 🙂
Available on Amazon : https://www.amazon.com/Night-Flyer-Harriet-Tubman-Significations/dp/0593491165
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