Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woelfle (review)

This nonfiction picture book tells the story of Mumbet, later Elizabeth Freeman, a Massachusetts slave who was inspired by the American fight for freedom to sue her owner, Colonel Ashley, for her freedom—and won. The book incorporates historical incident, such as Mumbet’s defense of her daughter against her mistress’ blows, while adding an artistic (if occasionally stilted) fictionalized touch in Mumbet’s recurring use of natural imagery; the story also foregrounds the inarguable contradiction between the growing discourse about liberty, especially the Massachusetts Constitution on which Mumbet bases her case, and the lot of the enslaved who labored for many ardent freedom fighters. The case is fascinating, emphasizing the destructive irony at the heart of the birth of America and making Mumbet an active and savvy architect of her own release, and this is likely to spur much discussion. Delinois’ thickly painted, expressionist illustrations suggest Gregory Christie at times in the faces; however, their saturated colors are often garish and poses frequently stiff. Additionally, the focus on sweeping planes of color leaves details sometimes unarticulated and makes period housing and clothes improbably dazzling and tidy. End matter considerably enriches the narrative, with details about Mumbet’s post-case life with her lawyer’s family, notes on things still unknown about Mumbet, and a telling paragraph about the changes over the years in tours at the Ashley House, which now prominently discuss Mumbet and her case, in addition to a bibliography and website list.