54 pages • 1 hour read
Of One Blood: Or, the Hidden Self
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1900s
1902
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Of One Blood by Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins follows Reuel Briggs, a medical student who downplays his biracial identity and becomes romantically involved with singer Dianthe Lusk. After saving her life and marrying her, Reuel embarks on an African expedition where he uncovers his royal Ethiopian heritage and reconnects with his racial identity, while Dianthe uncovers tragic family secrets. The novel explores African heritage, race, the legacy of enslavement, and the supernatural in the early 20th century.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Romantic
Dark
Reviews & Readership
1,319 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins’ Of One Blood is lauded for its pioneering blend of African American folklore, history, and mysticism, resulting in a thought-provoking narrative. Critics appreciate its exploration of race and identity, though some find its plot complexities challenging. Overall, it’s celebrated for its cultural significance and imaginative storytelling.
Who Should Read Of One Blood?
A reader who enjoys Of One Blood by Pauline Elizabeth Hopkins typically appreciates early 20th-century African American literature, themes of racial identity, and mystical elements. Fans of W.E.B. Du Bois’s The Souls of Black Folk and Octavia Butler’s Kindred would find this work engaging for its exploration of Afrocentrism and supernatural motifs.
1,319 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dianthe Lusk
Dianthe Lusk
A gifted soprano and Reuel's half-sister, who possesses mystical powers and a haunting voice, communicating deep emotional suffering through her singing.
Aubrey Livingston
Aubrey Livingston
A wealthy Southern medical student and Reuel's patron, characterized by his fair hair and blue eyes, with underlying sinister motives tied to his family's oppressive legacy.
Ai
Ai
The spiritual guide and prime minister of Telassar, who helps Reuel connect with his African heritage and embodies cultural and racial pride, offering an alternative worldview.
224
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1900s
1902
Adult
18+ years
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