DANGERFIELD’S PROMISE
By
Terrance C. Newby
Dangerfield's Promise explores what freedom truly means to two protagonists living in two different centuries. Blending historical events and contemporary fiction with elements of magical realism and psychology, Dangerfield's Promise weaves the two story lines together as both protagonists search for their families, and ultimately, their souls.
Dangerfield Newby, a newly-emancipated black Virginian, wants to buy his wife Harriet and all of his children out of slavery and move them into the free state of Ohio. Harriet's owner refuses to sell Harriet or any of the children. Outraged but powerless, Dangerfield decides to join abolitionist John Brown, who he has met previously during his travels through Ohio. Dangerfield sees John Brown's bold plan to capture the armory in Harpers Ferry and eliminate American slavery as his best option to free his enslaved family. But the insurrection in Harpers Ferry is quickly put down, and Dangerfield is the first of Brown's men killed in the raid, shot down in an alley as he flees the approaching army. He carries letters from Harriet in his pocket when he dies.
Fictional protagonist Michael Turner is a brilliant black surgeon who embodies the late 20th Century American dream. But his success has come at a high price. He is estranged from his family - he regards them as lacking ambition and innate talent. And his family views him as aloof, arrogant, and neglectful of his responsibilities to his family and the black community. After Turner's dying grandmother tells him that he may be distantly related to Dangerfield Newby, he begins to research this possible link with history, and in the process, uncovers dark family secrets unknown to anyone living.
“The book is a must-read
for fans of classic historical narratives, like Django Unchained and 12 Years A Slave. Plus, readers who enjoy magical realism will have their fill of thrills with the hair-raising ghost appearances and intriguing visions. Told through multiple third-person perspectives, the book brings different strong characters and times together in one grand, epic narrative that is perfect for a complete escape from the mundane.
This remarkable story about the inhumane act of slavery will inspire readers to question the practices they view as normal but future generations might find equally deplorable. Dangerfield's Promise is so lifelike and emotional that it helped me appreciate how far humanity has come—even though there's still much room for improvement. Terrance had better make it a series because I want more!”
- Seattle Book Review
“History can prove more haunting
than any apparition, especially if one chooses to ignore it. Slavery is the Original Sin of the early American Republic, the key period in Dangerfield's life is also pivotal in the growing Abolitionist movement.
Dangerfield's Promise by Terrance Newby is part Historical Fiction mixed with a transformative journey of self-discovery. Destiny forms a crucial part of Dangerfield's and Turner's lives, especially when it comes to each man reaching a fork in the road: Dangerfield in joining the abolitionist fray and whether Turner relinquishes his investigative journey. The splitting of the narrative between past and present makes this excellent book no less compelling. A moving and wonderful book.”
- Manhattan Book Review
"Dangerfield's Promise is a satisfying blend
of literary history and contemporary concerns, laced with the atmosphere of magical realism. With so many elements at work, one might anticipate a weighty read, but the saga of Dangerfield Newby, a newly-freed black man who determines to buy his wife and children out of slavery, is a compelling creation that needs no historical familiarity or literary acuity in order to prove attractive to a wide audience.
Ideally, Dangerfield's Promise should reach a wide audience that looks for extraordinary black literature that juxtaposes historical precedent with life-changing present-day events. Its literary and historical roots are powerfully wrought and highly recommended not just for individual reading, but for discussion groups that consider the nature of black history."
-Midwest Book Review
"Shuttling back and forth
between the life of a contemporary Black professional and his long-ago enslaved ancestor, Dangerfield's Promise is a gripping thriller cast from the violent and bitter material of American history. Newby imagines the 19th century American South vividly and with amazing detail. The novel moves along at a great pace, while at the same time showing us the impossibility of ever really escaping our history. A wonderful book."
"This book was an incredible read for people who appreciate American history as well as reflective commentaries on present and historical societies. THIS IS A GREAT READ."
- Chris Kraus, Amazon review
"This book was an incredible read
for people who appreciate American history as well as reflective commentaries on present and historical societies. THIS IS A GREAT READ."
- clairebear01, Amazon review
"As the title indicates,
and as history informs us, Dangerfield Newby made a 'promise,' first to free his own family, but one that redounded to the benefit of every American who treasures human liberty. While the novel is focused principally on the life of a single man, in many ways it struck me as the story of our nation. I leave it to the individual reader to decide for him or herself the degree to which they agree.
One final observation: If Terrance Newby's novel results in readers seeking to learn more of the history behind the slave rebellion led by John Brown -- and the greater cause of emancipation for which both Brown and Dangerfield Newby died -- it will serve a purpose far greater than simply being a story about one man who, along with his fellow black and white insurrectionists, died at Harpers Ferry.
For the reader looking for confirmation of the importance of 'family in America,' this book is a treasure."
- Larry Purdy, Goodreads review