A Girl Called Samson

Based on the real-life figure of Deborah Samson, who served in the Continental Army under the name Robert Shurtliff, the novel is set during the late 18th century, a time of significant upheaval and transformation in America. As the novel depicts Samson’s determination to fight for her country, the author raises questions about what kind of nation America should become. The text highlights a number of social issues facing the 13 colonies, including enslavement, indentured servitude, and restrictions on women’s rights. Throughout the novel, Harmon examines the protagonist’s resistance to the intersectional injustices that she experiences due to her class and gender. In addition, the text finds creative ways to criticize many different abuses of wealth and power. For example, the author uses the character of Van Tassel to examine the injustices of enslavement for he is an affluent loyalist who enslaves Morris and his family. Additional abuses of power are critiqued when General Paterson condemns the lavish party that General Washington throws when many of the Continental Army’s soldiers are underpaid and underfed.

It is also important to note that Harmon exercises creative license in her depiction of Deborah Samson’s life. The historical Samson served under General Paterson, but there is no evidence of a romantic relationship developing between them.