A review by barnstormingbooks
Of One Blood: Or, the Hidden Self by Pauline E. Hopkins

challenging dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 

Originally serialized in 1902 in Colored American Magazine, this is an interesting look at race and power written by a Black Woman. By today’s standards this is pretty tame story, but when the time that it was published and by a woman is factored in suddenly the subversive nature of the piece is clear. Using the bible as a background to uplift the idea of excellence of people of African descent, and the idea of passing, with a dose of unintentional incest creates an exciting and disturbing read. The horror here is of its time, but an unease sits in the reader the entire way through. 

I wish the time would have allowed Hopkins an opportunity to build out her female characters more, but at that time and for that content I understand her focus on her male characters. Definitely an interesting read from a powerful female voice in horror.