annieb123's Review of Paul Robeson

by Martin Duberman

The inspiring life and legacy of vocal artist and civil rights icon Paul Robeson--one of the most important public figures in the twentieth century--adapted for young adults by the acclaimed Robeson biographer

Paul Robeson was destined for greatness. The son of an ex-slave who upon his college graduation ranked first in his class, Robeson was proclaimed the future "leader of the colored race in America." Although a graduate of Columbia Law School, he abandoned his law career (and the racism he encountered there) and began a hugely successful career as an internationally celebrated actor and singer. The predictions seemed to have been correct--Paul Robeson's triumphs on the stage earned him esteem among white and black Americans across the country, although his daring and principled activism eventually made him an outcast from the entertainment industry, and his radical views made many consider him a public enemy.

Lavishly praised in the Washington Post as "enthralling . . . a marvelous story marvelously told," this will be a thrilling new addition to the Young Adult canon. Featuring contextualizing sidebars, explanations of key terms, and photographs from Paul Robeson's life and times, No One Can Silence Me: The Life of Legendary Artist and Activist Paul Robeson will introduce readers in middle and high school to the inspiring and complicated life of one of America's most fascinating figures, whose story of artistry, heroism, conviction, and conflict is newly relevant today.

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

No One Can Silence Me is a biography written for older teens and young adults adapted from Duberman's 1989 biography covering the life of Paul Robeson. Due out 9th March 2021 from The New Press, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a very well written and plainspoken recounting of the life of Paul Robeson. The author has chosen to cover the subject roughly chronologically from Robeson's early life and upbringing, his time at Rutgers, through his burgeoning career, his wartime efforts, and his eventual declining health. The book is illustrated throughout with photos and is very well annotated with ample chapter notes and resources for further reading.

There was a great deal about Robeson's life about which I was unaware. I knew him mostly in his role as advocate and activist writer. He was a renaissance man, a talented entertainer, intelligent and well spoken activist, a man with a definite eye for the ladies, well educated, athletic, urbane, and very intelligent.

He was (and continues to be) an important American in history and worthy of study. The content contained here is mostly written in age appropriate language for older tweens/teens (12-18ish). He was a complex man and not a saint and I think the author gives a good overview of the highlights of his life and society at the time.

Four stars. I would recommend it for public or home library acquisition, school use, supporting resource for American culture/history and allied studies.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Paul Robeson

by Martin Duberman

Reviewed by annieb123 on Mar 2, 2021

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