Plot Summary

Harriet's Daughter

M. NourbeSe Philip
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Harriet's Daughter

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988

Book Brief

M. NourbeSe Philip

Harriet's Daughter

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Toronto, Canada • 1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Harriet's Daughter by M. NourbeSe Philip follows Margaret, a Barbadian-Canadian teenager in 1980s Toronto, as she becomes inspired by Harriet Tubman and seeks to help her friend Zulma return to Tobago despite family and community resistance. The narrative explores the lives of Afro-Caribbean immigrants, focusing on their struggles for identity, family dynamics, and cultural preservation. The book includes themes of domestic violence and abuse.

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Hopeful

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

451 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

M. NourbeSe Philip's Harriet's Daughter explores themes of identity and cultural heritage through the lens of an African-Canadian girl. Reviews commend its vivid prose and strong characterizations, particularly the protagonist's growth. However, some argue the pacing is uneven. Overall, the novel is praised for its rich cultural context and emotional depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Harriet's Daughter?

Readers who would enjoy Harriet's Daughter by M. NourbeSe Philip are typically young adults interested in coming-of-age stories, cultural heritage, and social justice themes. Fans of The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor would find this book compelling and insightful.

4.1

451 ratings

66%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

160

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Toronto, Canada • 1980s

Publication Year

1988

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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