Book Tour: Freedom Braids

Today, I am bringing the Book Tour for ‘Freedom Braids’ to its conclusion. With October being Black History Month in the UK, this is a perfect book for starting conversations and celebrating the role played by courageous women.

Although a fictional story, ‘Freedom Braids’ was inspired by historical events. Nemy toils in the fields every day, working on a plantation in Columbia. One night, she follows Big Mother, one of the older slaves, and watches as she and the other women braid their hair. But these braids contain hidden messages, signalling the slaves’ intention to escape and offering guidance which leads them to freedom.

Lantana always produce beautiful, thoughtful books and this is no exception. On one level, it teaches readers about the importance, and significance, of braided hairstyles in the fight for freedom, but it is also celebrates the ingenuity, resilience and nurturing shared by women in these awful circumstances. The connection they feel as they share the collective experience of separating ‘sections of hair, just like their mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers and ancestors had done’ is beautifully captured, a really poignant moment in a poignant story. It is a powerful, emotive read and one which will lead to many discussions- not just for Black History Month, but at any time!

A note by the author at the end of the book offers additional information about ‘these cornrowed maps’ and the illustrator’s wonderful artwork shows named examples on the endpapers. The illustrations throughout are really evocative and well worth lingering over. The cover image is stunning- the golden glow hinting at the freedom referred to in the title.

‘Freedom Braids’ will be out in all good UK bookshops on October 3rd and I recommend you order a copy now!

Freedom Braids

Monique Duncan, illustrated by Oboh Moses

Lantana ISBN: 978-1915244802

Many thanks to the lovely Katrina and Lantana for inviting me to take part today!