A Girl Called Samson

Published in 2023, Amy Harmon’s A Girl Called Samson is a young-adult historical fiction and romance novel that follows the life of Deborah Samson, a young woman who disguises herself as a man in order to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Inspired by true events, the story portrays Deborah’s struggle for personal and political freedom. As she navigates the challenges of military life and the dangers of discovery, Deborah proves herself in battle and falls in love with her general. The novel explores themes of identity, courage, and the fight for equality, and the narrative is set against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in American history. Harmon is also known for the novels From Sand and Ash (2016) and What the Wind Knows (2019), among many others.

This guide refers to the eBook edition released by Lake Union Publishing in 2023.

Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide contain depictions of wartime violence, child abuse, enslavement, and the deaths of family members.

Plot Summary

As a child, Deborah Samson becomes an indentured servant because her mother cannot provide for her. She begins working for the abusive Widow Thatcher when she is five years old.