The Ballad of William Parker is history writing at it best. I made the mistake of trying to read it at bedtime, but it was so riveting that I couldn’t put it down. At times, it reads like a novel. It is meticulously researched and beautifully written. It is fascinating to read William Parker’s story with many of his own words, and those of the Forten and Purvis families too. If you were moved by the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and want more stories of Black Americans who are portrayed as powerful agents and not just helpless victims, this is the book for you! History buffs interested in 19th century America, don’t miss this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.

This review is crossposted to Goodreads and will be posted to Instagram and Amazon within one week of the book’s publication.

Content notes: peril, violence and death, some profanity; period-typical racism expressed from enslavers

The Ballad of the Fugitive William Parker is one of those books that should be required reading in American History classes. I am a Civil War buff, and would consider myself fairly knowledgeable about the subject, but I got schooled by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz. Reading and hearing history from a fugitive slaves perspective was eye-opening. I think what I appreciated the most, was learning the real cost to the Compromise of 1850, especially the Fugitive Slave Act.

This is not an easy read! And many people today will want to ignore or suppress it because it does not fit the narrative that one political party is trying to promote. But knowledge is power, and I would argue, freedom, and this book will open your eyes to some of the problems that continue to this day. This book is worth the read!

I finished the book wanting to know even more about William Parker. I am thankful for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for this ARC for my unbiased opinion.

“The Ballad of the Fugitive William Parker” shines a light on an incredible piece of American history that deserves to be far better known. Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz combines meticulous research with engaging storytelling to bring William Parker and Christiana Resistance to life, making the people behind these events feel real and deeply human.

I especially appreciated how the book explores the far-reaching impact of the Fugitive Slave Act and courage of ordinary people who chose to stand against injustice. While the subject matter is difficult, the writing keeps the story compelling and accessible, balancing historical detail with a strong narrative.

This is a thoughtful and eye-opening read that introduced me to a chapter of history I knew very little about. If you enjoy well-researched narrative nonfiction or American history, this is definitely worth picking up.