A Girl Called Samson: A Novel

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars | 36,233 ratings

Price: 2.49

Last update: 09-02-2024


About this item

From New York Times bestselling author Amy Harmon comes the saga of a young woman who dares to chart her own destiny in life and love during the American Revolutionary War.

In 1760, Deborah Samson is born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts. When her father abandons the family and her mother is unable to support them, Deborah is bound out as an indentured servant. From that moment on, she yearns for a life of liberation and adventure.

Twenty years later, as the American colonies begin to buckle in their battle for independence, Deborah, impassioned by the cause, disguises herself as a soldier and enlists in the Continental army. Her impressive height and lanky build make her transformation a convincing one, and it isn’t long before she finds herself confronting the horrors of war head-on.

But as Deborah fights for her country’s freedom, she must contend with the secret of who she is—and, ultimately, a surprising love she can’t deny.


From the Publisher

A woman disguises herself as a soldier and uncovers the truth about herself.

Top reviews from the United States

Bridget Sheppard
5.0 out of 5 stars Another beautiful, awe-inspiring novel by Amy Harmon
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2023
I know this review will not adequately describe the beauty of this book, but I’ll do my best. I’ve read quite a few books by Amy Harmon before, so I knew I would love this story, and I knew Ms. Harmon’s writing would leave me in awe. But as she always does, she outdid herself again and left me speechless over what a true master she is at the art of writing.
A Girl Called Samson is based on the real life of Deborah Sampson (also Samson), a woman born in the mid-1700s in Massachusetts. She was a woman who felt called to something greater—felt called to defend her newly declared country as it fought for freedom. So she enlisted in the Army and joined the ranks of other soldiers, disguising herself as a young man named Robert Shurtliff. Her story is an incredibly harrowing one, as Deborah did fight and was wounded, but survived, during her time in the Revolutionary War. Ms. Harmon is so good at describing people, things, and situations, that through her words, the reader is transported to battle, long marches, and life in crowded barracks.
The love story in this book was also incredibly sweet. Ms. Harmon is extremely adept at creating swoon-worthy romance through the words her main characters speak to each other and the description of the feelings they have toward one another. The fact that this version of Deborah Samson experienced a forbidden love only made the story more exciting. As she always does (which I really appreciate), Ms. Harmon gave the two main characters (I don’t want to spoil who Deborah’s love interest is) their happily ever after—not perfect, because life isn’t perfect, but very much full of love and respect.
One of my favorite things about Ms. Harmon’s books is the commentary the main character(s) give about their lives and the states of the world they live in. These commentaries are always so eloquently written, but still so relatable. Deborah Samson felt so passionate about the cause she was undertaking, so her thoughts and words about war, the way it impacted women, and the lives women were allowed to live, were so full of wisdom and strength. I also really enjoyed that several other characters in this book were based on real people from that time (at the end of the book, Ms. Harmon includes a very interesting author’s note about the real lives of many of the characters).
This book is probably in my top three favorite books by Amy Harmon, and that’s difficult to say because she really never disappoints. If you enjoy historical fiction stories that highlight the strength and determination of women, with a sweet romantic aspect woven in, I highly recommend you read this one!
Jean Grant
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Harmon book
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2023
I loved this book. Harmon's books never let me down. I enjoy that her books take you across time (from historical to contemporary), dig into the paranormal and fantasy realm either a little or lot (Vikings, fantasy worlds, time travel, or ghostly powers), are about teens and adults, and always include some sort of romance. Yet her voice is evocative, poetic, literary, and highly emotional, and you can feel her signature author's voice and style in each book no matter the genre. I have listened to her books as audio books and they are so very well done by the narrators. So engaging. A+ narrators. This one was no different. I loved being dropped into the world of Deborah Samson, a woman ahead of her time, a woman wanting to find her purpose and not be limited by society's norms. I loved the historical elements, too. Bring out the tissues, as in all her books, there are sad parts but I was happy by the ending.
p.s. I always read the lower reviews before posting my own. In those handful of negative reviews, people had concerns with the romance being over the top (it was not at all and I dare those folks to read actual hardcore romances and then tell me otherwise - her books are very PG/PG-13), embellishing a historical person (that is why it is called historical fiction after all), and with it not being historically accurate. Ms. Harmon clearly states in the author's note (which I love reading and perhaps those folks should read that note first?) where she found and did her research, the information she found, and how she put her own spin on this woman's story. As readers of fiction, we need to keep this mind. It is fiction after all so if that is kept in mind, it is truly a wonderful story.
Brenda Williams
4.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring story about a true America Heroine
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2024
This is a wonderful story about a true American Heroine. Deborah Sampson is often overlooked in history. The author brings her character and story to life. It is inspiring as we head to the 250th Anniversary of America's founding. The American Revolution was not just about the men who made sacrifices. Women had roles in securing the Independence of our country. The book is a historical fiction. However, it does not distract from the REAL Deborah Sampson.
Heidi Turner
5.0 out of 5 stars Would read again
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2024
Excellent storytelling and unique, well written and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the heroine someone I could easily empathize with. Author did an excellent job in making Deborah someone you care about and her story is one of bravery and strength. I also enjoyed the history of the revolutionary war and the details of the life of a soldier. Will keep as a book to be enjoyed again and again.

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