Overview

""Swope deftly weaves Reading, Berks County and American history around the life of this interesting African-American woman. The author successfully tiptoes between fact and fiction, bringing this memorable tale to life. Definitely a keeper!"" -Paul A. Druzda, Berks County historian and author of four books on local history Based on one woman's incredible real life. Born an indentured servant and bound by slavery for the first twenty-one years of her life, Dinah Clark ultimately earned her freedom, married, had children, bought a house, and mastered the arduous work of a sawyer. Her profession-unusual for a woman at the time-sustained her following the early death of her husband. Her outgoing nature and skill as a woodcutter made her one of the most famous African American women in Reading, Pennsylvania, in the 19th century. Along the way, Dinah helped build the Bethel A.M.E. Church, which served not only as her place of worship but also as a way station on the Underground Railroad. Despite living near poverty much of her life, Dinah's courage and conviction helped her break down racial and gender barriers as she staked out a full life for herself and her family.

Full Product Details

9781685137076

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Reviews

""A proud retelling of a proud black woman's incredible life."" -Tracy A. Ball, International Bestselling, Interracial Romance Author ""An engrossing read. It's the way history deserves to be taught. Highly recommended."" -Karen K. Brees, Amazon #1 best-selling author of the WWII Adventures of MI6 Agent Katrin Nissen series ""Swope deftly weaves Reading, Berks County and American history around the life of this interesting African-American woman. The author successfully tiptoes between fact and fiction, bringing this memorable tale to life. Definitely a keeper!"" -Paul A. Druzba, Berks County historian and author of four books on local history

Author Information

During a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Joseph J. Swope worked in both corporate and non-profit settings as a chef, a public relations professional, a photographer, and a university adjunct professor. He retired in 2024 and now claims he doesn't understand how he had time to work.However, he has continued his lifelong dedication to writing. Sharpened Blade: The Story of Dinah Clark is Swope's seventh book, his literary efforts ranging from historical fiction and non-fiction, to horror, to a children's book, to fantasy and science fiction.Swope lives in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he plays senior softball and is known for his cheesecake and five onion cream soup. He has seven kids ranging from 35 to 6 and two grandchildren.

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