great story ( )

The biography of Ira Aldridge is a glimpse of life for African Americans in the early nineteenth century. Ira Aldridge was an African American born free in New York in 1807. The author writes the book in a narrative linear account while paying special attention to the reality of prejudice experienced by Ira and the pain of slavery in the United States. The author's bibliography also reflects several scholarly sources, reassuring the reader that the author completed proper research.
In a timeless conflict, Ira struggles to follow his dream against his father's wishes in order to become a Shakespearean stage actor. With a minor amount of convincing, Ira decides to hop on a ship bound for England where he is able to realize his dream of performing Shakespeare for a living and eventually wins prestigious honors as well as knighthood! Through beautiful illustrations, the author clearly cares about her subject as she writes with passion meant to evoke an emotional response for Ira. ( )

As a boy Ira Aldridge fell in love with the theater and especially the plays of William Shakespeare. From high in the balcony he caught every performance that he could. Occasionally he would act them out for his schoolmates He dreamed of becoming an actor. His father and his teacher, however saw that an extremely dubious career path, especially for an African American at that time. So when he grew up he left his native New York for Europe where he became one of the leading Shakespearean actors of the century, notable for his roles of Macbeth, King Lear, Richard III, and Othello.

In her author’s note at the start of the book, Armand states:

This story is true to the known facts of Ira Aldridge’s life and the realities of society during the time he lived. However in crafting this biography, I included some imagined scenes, people, thoughts and dialog. These parts of the story are dramatic extensions of historically documented events and interactions.

Since this is a technique freely and frequently employed by Aldridge’s favorite playwright, it’s hard to imagine that the subject would be displeased by it. In addition to Armand’s dramatic biography, Cooper’s distinctive oil wash paintings capture the pathos and grandeur of Aldridge’s performances, helping to translate the glamour of the stage onto the page. This is an excellent performance, deserving of multiple curtain calls for the author and artist. ( )

As a young boy, Ira Aldridge was entranced by a production of Hamlet, and it spurred his desire to become a Shakespearean actor. Although his classmates and visitors were impressed by Ira’s talent in a performance at the African Free School, his teacher discouraged his goal: “You dream too big for a colored boy.” Ira’s father also discouraged him, wanting his son to enroll in ministry school. Ira defied his father’s wishes and, inspired by two actors, went to England in 1824 at the age of 17. His path was not easy but after years of study and persevering, he rose to fame and fortune. Cooper’s magnificent muted illustrations in his signature style of oil wash and kneaded erasures are a perfect complement to the inspiring text. ( )