Edmonia

by Brianne Baker

For fans of Vanessa Miller, Sheila Williams, Victoria Christopher Murray and Tracy Chevalier, the story of an unconventional woman who overcame adversity to create enduring tributes in stone to her race and times. The life of pioneering Black Neoclassical sculptor Edmonia Lewis–from the Civil War-era Midwest to Boston’s abolitionist circles, to Rome’s expatriate community–is resurrected in this stunning debut biographical novel.

“I plan to be a sculptor, to memorialize forever the great men and women of my race, and those who have fought for our cause.”

At the age of 8, orphaned, precocious Wildfire seems fated to a life of toil selling her handmade crafts to Niagara Falls tourists alongside her Ojibwe aunts. But Wildfire’s older half-brother, Samuel, has been making other plans for his gifted sibling. Soon, she is set on a new trajectory—and with it comes her birth name, Edmonia, and a revelation about her true origins.

Ensconced at the home of a trusted benefactor while Samuel makes his fortune in California, Edmonia flourishes—despite her abhorrence for etiquette lessons. Privately nurturing artistic ambitions, she advances through the abolitionist’s prep school and lands at Oberlin College. But at Oberlin lies a devastating Edmonia is accused of poisoning, nearly fatally, two friends, with tainted wine.

What ensues is a headline-making trial, a vicious attack by a white mob—and a bold journey that will lead Edmonia from a crucial introduction in Boston to a vibrant community of celebrated expatriate women artists in Rome, and encounters with such distinguished figures as President Ulysses S. Grant, Pope Pius IX, and Frederick Douglass.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Italy

Audible Audio

Expected publication April 28, 2026

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkling with the energy and tenacity of its real-life subject--19th-century African-American sculptor Edmonia Lewis--this historical novel shines a spotlight on the harrowing struggles facing creatives of color, no matter their integrity and talent. We watch the orphaned Edmonia’s abrupt removal from her home with two loving Ojibwe aunts to a residential school run by abolitionists in upstate New York, an education for the young girl, sadly, in more ways than the good one. On to yet higher education at Oberlin in Ohio, where her thirst for learning, particularly the arts, and for love’s first blossom grew promisingly till two “mean girl” white housemates managed to engineer a faked poisoning with a vengeance that upended all her hard-earned progress to the point of Ms. Lewis’s arrest for attempted murder(s) and subsequent life as suspect, innocent though she remained. Innuendo and downright intimidation followed her next to Boston, an unwelcome backdrop to the professional success she began to enjoy there while eking out a living from her sculpting, courting patrons, and trusting her distinctive inner Muse over skeptical voices from many quarters. How our intrepid heroine next made her way to a comparatively tranquil next chapter in Rome makes for welcome reading, with a whole new cast of historically relevant characters crossing her path and lingering there. There was no rags-to-riches happy ending in store for Ms. Lewis, our novelist Ms. Baker makes clear, but always her integrity, faith, self-respect, and optimism to sustain her. A rousing and well-researched introduction to the workings of the burgeoning American art world, a gripping story observed through one particularly underrepresented lens.

[Tulip_OnTheTBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

She didn't just break barriers; she stomached the pain to create her own light. ✨

I’m struggling to find the words to explain exactly how this book made me feel but let me start here: I loved it. 🤎 For a debut novel, Brianne Baker has delivered something truly special. The writing was beautiful and it painted a clear picture of the scenes in the story on every page. I had to force myself to put the book down once I started reading it because that's how good it was. ☺️

Learning about Edmonia’s art was a wonderful part of the story, but her journey to celebrity is what truly captivated me; one might even call it her "rise." The resilience she exhibited during the mid 19th century, in America, was remarkable. This book is much needed today to learn more about Black & Native American history, but it's also a reminder that we are not that far removed from such a troubling time; it wasn't that long ago. 💔

The Aftermath 🌷:
I was truly inspired by Mary Edmonia Lewis and her sheer will for success. She refused to give up on her dreams, sometimes at the expense of carnal fulfillment, and kept finding a way to overcome obstacles. That is what you call "one tough cookie"! 💪🏾 I had to do some research after reading this book, because I wanted to see her art for myself and it was impeccable; she was such a master of her craft.

This is a 5-star debut and I cannot wait for the author's next book. I will be purchasing a physical copy for my home library!

Publication Date: April 28, 2026

Thank you to NetGalley, Dafina, Kensington Books, and Brianne Baker for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Linda Galella · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the time she was 8 years old, Edmonia Lewis had others forcing their ideas on her about who she should be, how she should act and what her art should be. It begins with her older brother insisting she enroll in a Baptist Mission school and continues thru to her life in Italy as a sculptress and the benefactor who pulls her support when Edmonia’s work doesn’t meet her expectations.

After being separated from her aunts and the Ojibwe tribe where she lived her early childhood, Edmonia is exposed to a constant barrage of new experiences, prejudice and expectations. These, combined with her great talent, fuel her remarkable, Neoclassical, sculptures. I took the time to look up her artwork and was impressed by the range of emotions expressed; not an easy task in marble.

Edmonia lived a difficult life. Much of this story is devoted to the constant trials she experienced making the read gloomy. It’s not without hope along the way but I did find it frustrating because the author didn’t give Edmonia a chance to celebrate any of her accomplishments, of which there are many. Was it really necessary to be so melancholic?

EDMONIA is slowly paced biofic that will appeal to readers interested in: 19th century art history, sculpture, black women artists, historical fiction and more. It could be read by interested high school students and make a good addition to school libraries📚

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.
Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC with thanks to the publisher and author.

[Barbara Mates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brianne Baker is a gifted storyteller who used her skills to craft a thoroughly engaging historical novel about a strong and talented sculptress , Edimonia Lewis who had to battle racism as well as societal views on what women should want. Once i started reading the book I couldn't stop as I wanted to know "what happened next" in Edimonia's life. Baker's writing style is very accessible and you feel like a friend is telling you about her great, great, great grandmother. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thanks to Kensington for supporting original works such as this (and for the ARC) and to Brianne Baker for intoducing me to Edimonia (I have already viewed some of her sculptures).

[Amber Lati · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounding up to 5.

Brianne Baker spun an engaging story about the little known sculptor, Edmonia Lewis. Edmonia was born to a Native American woman and a free black man. Due to her parentage, she was prohibited from being traditionally trained as a sculptor. Despite such an obstacle, she was immensely talented in this medium.

Edmonia's life was filled with adversary in the United States, so much so that she fled to Italy. It was there in Italy that she was able to sculpt freely, and she created awe-inspiring work. I couldn't help googling images, and WOW her work is exquisite.

I enjoy reading historical fiction that focuses on ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things but who have been buried over time. This book did exactly that.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy of Edmonia.

[Margaret Wasielczyk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this copy from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this story of the courage and determination of Edmonia Lewis. Born an African American /Native American free woman in upstate New York, she endured years of hardship and struggles to obtain her college education and training in sculpture. She eventually emigrated to Rome where she was finally able to enjoy artistic freedom. Regardless, her talent did not lead to monetary success and she regretfully died a paupers death. I had never heard of this artist, but after reading the book I googled her works and they are indeed remarkable.

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This historical fiction is based on the true story of Edmonia Lewis, a female sculptor in the 1800s. I had never heard of her before and found her story interesting. She was a black woman born a free woman, though this did not make her life any easier. Some parts I found a little slow, so I rated this 3 stars rounded up to 3.5. Overall worth a read if you’re interested in learning about this female artist.

[Sarah Ehinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Warning - inspires immediate googling to search for this real person's sculptures. This fictionalized story of the life of Edmonia Lewis invites the reader to consider the many hardships and abuses that even the free African Americans faced during the time before and after the civil war. It reminds you of how far we have come and that there is still a long way to go. To acheive what this woman achevied in her time was truly amazing.

[Danielle Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brianne is a truly gifted storyteller. From the very first page, I was captivated by the vivid details and the emotional depth she brings to Edmonia’s journey. Before reading it, I knew nothing about Edmonia Lewis or her remarkable sculptures, and now I’ve completely fallen down a rabbit hole learning about her life and work. The story opened my eyes to an artist I can’t believe I hadn’t discovered sooner. Overall, excellent story!

[Lana Kortchik · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and inspiring story of hardship, courage and sacrifice. Edmonia is a stinning tribute to the life of Edmonia Lewis, a ground-breaking black sculptor, and the challenges she had to overcome to achieve her dreams. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys beautifully written historical fiction.

[Sharon Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was an outstanding novel based on the life of mixed-race sculptress Edmonia Lewis. She did not have an easy life, but she never gave up. I had never heard of her, but I'm glad I had the opportunity to read and review this book. I learned so much!
Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing!

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Edmonia Lewis and her sculptures, and this telling of her life story was true to the limited facts that's known while still spinning a wonderful story. 5 stars. Thanks to Kensington and Netgalley for the E-ARC.

[Abby Paulnock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceeded my expectations! I absolutely loved the writing and the connection I felt to Edmonia. I felt like I was on her journey with her. This was different from what I normally read but I’m so happy I read it as it was an emotional and enlightening story!

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very powerful, heartbreaking moments, interesting, and a page turner that captures chapter after chapter!

[Virginie O.]

Interesting and original story but the narrative was too romanticized at times to engage me.
I am drawn more to complex inner life than to overt emotions and spiritual elevation.