CLANDESTINE - The Times and Secret Life of Mariah Otey Reddick: A Saga of Resistance and Resilience Paperback – August 17, 2020

When I was growing up on Chicago's Westside in the '50's, we were taught in elementary school that "all slaves were happy and most slave masters were kind." That never sat well with me. So when I went home to my Great Grandmother and listened to her first hand account of that era, I noticed the contradiction. I set out, as a youngster of 10 or so, reading every thing I could get my hands on that had anything to do with slavery. I needed to set the record straight; it was pivoital in my development as a human being. Many years later I have found that Clandestine, is a real gem in my unending, life long research for truth.Clandestine puts meat on the bones of our ancestors who endured such inhumanity. I immediately saw it as a play as it reminds me a lot of the works of playwright August Wilson and the way he focused on the personas of his characters. His plays are character driven and so is Clandestine. I have given copies to other members of my family, especially my grandchildren and encourage anyone so moved to do the same! It also works well being read out loud.Thanks to the authors and all involved in getting this book to press, I am sure more is coming!

Amazing History of Slavery in the United States and The Americas!!!

William 'Damani' Keene and his co author-wife 'Ife', through Clandestine, have inspired many of us to dig deeper into our family trees and produce the narrative and story-telling that is often lost through oral histories. After reading this wonderful novel of historical fiction, younger generations will have a better understanding of contemporary issues that they are experiencing such as voter suppression, Black Lives Matter, racism and oppression. Moreover, those who question why past generations allowed themselves to live under such oppressive circumstances will gain a better understanding of the subtleties of resistance and resilience while surviving to progress the next generations. I love the intermeshing of narrative with historical figures and events. This is a "must read" for my family just like Alex Haley's Malcolm X and an invaluable addition to my library.

This fact-based journey of an African American family as seen through the experiences of Mariah Otey Reddick is a thoroughly researched account of the tortuous journey of colored peoples in the United States. Her story is not only harrowing but also a triumph over incredible hardships typical of so many African American families. I became engrossed in her story because I saw so many parallels to my own family’s experiences. Your book is filled with so much drama and subtext that, in my opinion, American audiences of all stripes would be entertained an enlightened by reading it.Thank you Damani and Ife for sharing your family's story.

While reading this book, I felt a deep sense of attachment developing with Mariah and her family. I was truly sad when the story ended and I had to say good by to this amazing woman! Additionally, I learned so much about what Africans slaves had to endure. It occurred to me that while learning about this part of American history in school, much was omitted. Damani and Ife certainly opened my eyes. Their style of writing is beyond compare. Job well done!

Well written literary work that gives us a glimpse into the past that is not pretty. It also shows us how far as a nation we have come and much further we have to go. I would rate it higher than 5 stars if I could.

I loved this book. I particularly appreciated the number of photos and historical references. I plan to visit the sites referenced knowing they will further enrich my knowledge.

CLANDESTINE is absolutely perfect for the big screen. A great historical thriller rooted in reality, it expertly weaves threads of critical stories yet to be told.