With a lyricism that sings, swings, and stings, poet and writer Hill reflects on black women who resisted violent racism and misogyny, ranging from the notable and notorious (Fannie Lou Hamer, Eartha Kitt, Ida B. Wells, Joanne Little) to lesser-known, no-less-heroic women. In this distinctive inquiry in verse, Hill refuses to make them mere victims.
Looking much like a historical narrative, the front cover of A Bound Woman is a Dangerous Thing is very misleading. Readers will want to know that this is not strictly a history book. Yes, there’s history inside it – brief, fascinating history; biographical clips; and wonderful period photos – but that’s not the focus ... Hill offers too-short introductions to various Black women throughout history before presenting poems she wrote, based on each individual woman’s situation ... For lovers of poetry, that mix here will be welcome and powerful but for readers expecting something else, the presentation could be a head-scratcher.
