By the bestselling author of The Hamilton Affair, the Tubman Command is an impeccably researched historical novel that brings to light the bravery and brilliance of American icon Harriet Tubman. It’s May 1863. Outgeneraled and outgunned, a demoralized Union Army has pulled back with massive losses at the Battle of Chancellorsville. Fort Sumter, hated symbol of the Rebellion, taunts the American … taunts the American navy with its artillery and underwater mines.
In Beaufort, South Carolina, one very special woman, code named Moses, is hatching a spectacular plan. Hunted by Confederates, revered by slaves, Harriet Tubman plots an expedition behind enemy lines to liberate hundreds of bondsmen and recruit them as soldiers. A bounty on her head, she has given up husband and home for the noblest cause: a nation of, by, and for the people.
The Tubman Command tells the story of Tubman at the height of her powers, when she devises the largest plantation raid of the Civil War. General David Hunter places her in charge of a team of black scouts even though skeptical of what one woman can accomplish. For her gamble to succeed, “Moses” must outwit alligators, overseers, slave catchers, sharpshooters, and even hostile Union soldiers to lead gunships up the Combahee River. Men stand in her way at every turn–though one reminds her that love shouldn’t have to be the price of freedom.more
A credible account of events not known to me. A worthwhile read.
I enjoy historical fiction, especially when, as this did, it recounts events with which I was unfamiliar. The author brought the people and the times to life, and I found myself indignant on Harriet’s behalf at the lack of respect and lack of human dignity with which she was often treated.
I appreciated that the author’s note revealed how some parts of the novel (such as Kizzy’s storyline), were inspired by small details from the historical record. I do wish there had been more information on what happened after the story. How many men enlisted? Did this help put an end to plantation culture in the area? What efforts, if any were made to help the newly freed ones start a new life?
What I didn’t like about this novel was the love story. I can’t begin to imagine all the pain and complications that arise when humans are treated like livestock. Still, this love story had the ring of infidelity, so I could not enjoy that storyline.
Thank you to BookishFirst for the early read.
I enjoy reading historical fiction and enjoy it even more when I learn something new. I had always read about Harriet Tubman being involved with the Underground Railroad and helping many slaves to freedom. I never knew about her working behind enemy lines in the South to help the North win the Civil War. Her code name was Moses and she worked with the Union Army despite the sexism and racism that was shown to her. She worked with them to lead a group of free black scouts to raid a plantation in Beaufort and free slaves. The story about the raid is well told and very exciting as the group faces being found and killed by the plantation owner and overseer.
My only complaint about the book is that it is rather dry in parts and probably could have been a bit shorter but overall the excitement in some parts of the novels make up for the slower parts and my overall feeling is that this was a great look at a little known woman of American history.
The author did extensive research as Harriet Tubman couldn’t read or right and of course, didn’t leave a diary, so the author had to make some assumptions based on the information that was available from that time.
Thanks to the Bookish Firsts for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Cobbs is that rare writer who possesses both the uncanny eye of the historian and the dynamism of a natural storyteller. By the last chapter I was breathless and near tears, captivated by the true tale of one woman who railed against injustice and changed the course of history.
If you think you know all about Harriet Tubman, think again — this novel brings her alive as only fiction can. With a historian’s grasp of detail, Elizabeth Cobbs spins a gripping tale of romance, wartime spies, and daring escapes. The story of Harriet Tubman’s leadership of black troops behind enemy lines, The Tubman Command illuminates the unfathomable bravery of people fighting for liberty and the birth of a better nation. Harriet emerges from these pages as a brilliant strategist, master of psychology, and a fully-rounded woman whose legendary heroism has made her a cherished American icon.
I was really gripped by this account of Harriet Tubman taking part in a daring raid to free slaves and destroy confederate plantations on the Combahee River in South Carolina. Harriet becomes a fully rounded character – warm, brave, resolute, yet fearful, and as prone to self-doubt and insecurity as anyone. Cobb is an excellent wordsmith and there are many memorable descriptions of the small and large cruelties people perpetrate against each other because of racism. It’s important to read this as fiction – there are many fictional elements, including a romance for Harriet – but it is very effective at conveying her character and life during the Civil War.
Harriet Tubman was the strongest and determined woman I think I’ve ever read about. She wouldn’t rest until she was able to free as many people as possible. Just an amazing story.
The character development was good. Had enough accurate history in it to make it very inspirational. Caused me to immediately look up and read more history. I really liked the book.
Harriett Tubman should be taught in all history classes. Her story is both tragic and inspirational. She is a one-of-a-kind patriot that everyone should know.
I loved the historical view of Ms Tubman and that era. My husband comes from Beaufort so the city came alive to me. Was an interesting view of Ms Tubman’s life an accomplishments.
Interesting historical info on tubman and the war.
I just finished The Tubman Command by Elizabeth Cobbs. Having grown up in a neighboring town to Auburn, New York, I visited Tubman’s farm and Secretary Seward’s home and have always been interested in Harriet, In school, I learned about Harriet, “Moses,” and what she did with the Underground Railroad. Mentioned was the fact that she was a spy for the North during the Civil War, but I had no idea how much she did! Cobbs explores this time period. As the reader, I felt like I was walking in Tubman’s shoes through the excellent research and writing of Elizabeth Cobbs. Harriet Tubman exemplifies courage. This tiny woman who suffered a brain injury as a child risked her life time and time again. Lover of history will want to read this book. I received an ARC from BookishFirst and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For readers and fans of Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, The Tubman Command is a fascinating piece of historical fiction that is both inspiring and informative. Though it might veer quite far from the real story, It was really interesting to read a narrative that imagines Harriet Tubman in an entirely new context.
Elizabeth Cobbs’ prose style flows and keeps one engaged while reading, in a really deft way. I was pleasantly surprised how much of a page turner it was, It kept me reading from the beginning until the end. I am very much looking forward to whatever comes next from Elizabeth Cobbs.
Also, the cover art is a really great piece of art, and it caught my eye from the very beginning.
Everyone should read about her as she was a brave black woman living in difficult times. Excellent book.
Really interesting subject, sometimes moved a little slowly. Not the best book I’ve read about Harriet Tubman.
It was great up to about the last 20 pages. Those were a constant repetition of the 3 to 4 pages immediately preceding them. Never did find out how it ended.