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Paul Robeson: No One Can Silence Me
The inspiring life and legacy of vocal artist and civil rights icon Paul Robeson--one of the most important public figures in the twentieth century--adapted for young adults by the acclaimed Robeson biographer
As an artist I come to sing, but as a citizen, I will always speak for peace, and no one can silence me in this. --Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson was destined for greatness. The son of an ex-slave who upon his college graduation ranked first in his class, Robeson was proclaimed the future leader of the colored race in America. Although a graduate of Columbia Law School, he abandoned his law career (and the racism he encountered there) and began a hugely successful career as an internationally celebrated actor and singer. The predictions seemed to have been correct--Paul Robeson's triumphs on the stage earned him esteem among white and Black Americans across the country, although his daring and principled activism eventually made him an outcast from the entertainment industry, and his radical views made many consider him a public enemy.
With the original biography lavishly praised in the Washington Post as enthralling ... a marvelous story marvelously told, this will be a thrilling new addition to the young adult canon. Featuring a foreword by multiple award-winning author Jason Reynolds, Paul No One Can Silence Me will introduce listeners in middle and high school to the inspiring and complicated life of one of America's most fascinating figures, whose story of artistry, heroism, conviction, and conflict is newly relevant today.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 9, 2021
5 people are currently reading
1155 people want to read
About the author
Martin Duberman
66 books88 followersMartin Bauml Duberman is a scholar and playwright. He graduated from Yale in 1952 and earned a Ph.D. in American history from Harvard in 1957. Duberman left his tenured position at Princeton University in 1971 to become Distinguished Professor of History at Lehman College in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 19, 2020
I’m always looking to expand my classroom library with diverse nonfiction. I will admit I had never heard of Paul Robeson before reading this book. I was intrigued because he was a performer. I was very impressed with the amount of information in this book. I felt like it was a comprehensive commentary on Robeson’s life, and believe that young readers will find it extremely accessible.
April 15, 2021
I won this in a Goodreads giveaway, so I was interested in the information. I don't always do well with biographies, but knowing this was a YA made it better. Too, I've heard about Paul Robeson in bits throughout the years (mainly through a song from The World/Inferno Friendship Society) and wanted to learn more about him.
I realized about halfway through that there was almost no emotion coming through. I read as quick as I usually do, but I know I also missed a lot of information along the way. The way in which the information was given felt like a much larger biography, those that drag me down.
That could be me.
But there are also random segues, like in one sentence talking about his doctors feeling positive about a recovery but the US Embassy in a country was less positive about it. It was just an abrupt shift and the next paragraph began.
That happens a lot.
Still, I am very glad to have learned more about Robeson.
This is based on the biography written in 1989 by Duberman, and shows how much he wanted to fight against racial inequality from the start. Robeson is in the history of the arts--sports, singing, and theater--as well as justice reform. He used his status as a singer and actor to be focal and lead profound discussions.
Robeson grew up in Princeton, moved to NYC (Queens), and then bounced between London and Russia. He visited a lot of places around the world.
Because no Princeton high school would allow blacks, he had to be bussed to "nearby" Somerville.
Somerville isn't nearby, it's almost an hour away....
Anyway, he kept a lot of his pain inside and that eventually turned to anger, rage, and resentment, as it does.
We learn how he gained interest in African culture, especially the influence of Central Africa on other countries.
I love his Rutgers coach.
He was turned on by Communist theory, though not the practice. To be fair. a lot of things are better in theory.
He had very interesting insights on gradualism regarding desegregation (towards the end of chapter 12).
The aforementioned anger led to irrationality, depression, and mania. And eventually a very sad decline.
I realized about halfway through that there was almost no emotion coming through. I read as quick as I usually do, but I know I also missed a lot of information along the way. The way in which the information was given felt like a much larger biography, those that drag me down.
That could be me.
But there are also random segues, like in one sentence talking about his doctors feeling positive about a recovery but the US Embassy in a country was less positive about it. It was just an abrupt shift and the next paragraph began.
That happens a lot.
Still, I am very glad to have learned more about Robeson.
This is based on the biography written in 1989 by Duberman, and shows how much he wanted to fight against racial inequality from the start. Robeson is in the history of the arts--sports, singing, and theater--as well as justice reform. He used his status as a singer and actor to be focal and lead profound discussions.
Robeson grew up in Princeton, moved to NYC (Queens), and then bounced between London and Russia. He visited a lot of places around the world.
Because no Princeton high school would allow blacks, he had to be bussed to "nearby" Somerville.
Somerville isn't nearby, it's almost an hour away....
Anyway, he kept a lot of his pain inside and that eventually turned to anger, rage, and resentment, as it does.
We learn how he gained interest in African culture, especially the influence of Central Africa on other countries.
I love his Rutgers coach.
He was turned on by Communist theory, though not the practice. To be fair. a lot of things are better in theory.
He had very interesting insights on gradualism regarding desegregation (towards the end of chapter 12).
The aforementioned anger led to irrationality, depression, and mania. And eventually a very sad decline.
March 13, 2021
I had not read the original version of Martin Duberman’s autobiography of Paul Robeson, but if this adaptation for young adults is anything to go by, it is a great read! Complete with a foreword by Jason Reynolds, Paul Robeson: No One Can Silence Me provides us with a detailed and interesting account of the highly inspirational artist and civil rights icon. I love how the author seamlessly introduces contextual sidebars and explanations for different terms, events, and other important factors - they are super helpful and fit into the narrative perfectly. I also love the comparisons between Robeson’s time and nowadays, showing areas where things have not advanced as much as we may think.
While I knew a little about Paul Robeson before I picked up the book, I really had no idea of the extent of his accomplishments, or the extent of how he was persecuted for his convictions. I also really appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from portraying Robeson as the complicated character that he was, making him all the more human, inspiring, and relatable.
This would be a great addition to any school or classroom library, and for anyone with middle and/or high school aged kids!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
While I knew a little about Paul Robeson before I picked up the book, I really had no idea of the extent of his accomplishments, or the extent of how he was persecuted for his convictions. I also really appreciated how the author didn’t shy away from portraying Robeson as the complicated character that he was, making him all the more human, inspiring, and relatable.
This would be a great addition to any school or classroom library, and for anyone with middle and/or high school aged kids!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 24, 2024
Definitely brief, as biographies go, so I’m eager to read more of them detailing this incredible person.
“He was never a complete socialist or anarchist—or, for that matter, Christian. He once wrote that it was delusional to think “that the way out of bondage lay in deliverance by some act of a God who has been curiously deaf for many centuries; for certainly if prayer and song and supplication could effect a release, the Negro in America would long ago have been free.””
“He was never a complete socialist or anarchist—or, for that matter, Christian. He once wrote that it was delusional to think “that the way out of bondage lay in deliverance by some act of a God who has been curiously deaf for many centuries; for certainly if prayer and song and supplication could effect a release, the Negro in America would long ago have been free.””
October 20, 2021
This was a very thoughtful and enjoyable book. Don't be put off by the "young adult" label as this book is certainly for all readers. In fact, having read my share of dense scholarly biographies, this was a breath of fresh air. The reader gets the sense of Paul Robeson's remarkable life and legacy in a "documentary" style prose.
Paul Robeson was a stage and screen actor known for his booming voice and strong presence. He notably played Othello in many productions and often sang spiritual music to the delight of global audiences. His fame emerged from his acting and musical abilities. However, his political views were under constant scrutiny of the US government. He was accused of being a member of the Communist Party (although he insisted that he was not). He spent much of his life fighting for African American rights in the first half of the 20th century.
Robeson seems to be one of the unheralded members of what has become known as the Civil Rights Movement. While he did not fit the mold of the more popular members of the movement, he was an iconic figure who fought for African Americans to be treated with equality. His lifestyle as a successful artist who often lived in London and traveled to Russia gave him a reputation that contrasted with others within the movement.
The book does a great job of highlighting Robeson's remarkable life. While his politics do not necessarily take center stage in the book, they are certainly important to understand and, frankly, do not feel particularly progressive or outrageous to 21st century readers. Robeson's life and legacy deserves reconsideration and Duberman's writing does a nice job of helping readers pursue it.
I would definitely recommend this book for high school readers. It would be perfect for a biography project. I would also suggest it even at the college level in a course such as African American history or a Race in American Culture style class. Like I said initially, do not let the Young Adult label deter you from reading or assigning this book. The readable prose only helps in propelling the narrative of Robeson's life along. The book has sufficient footnotes showing archival and secondary research as well as an accessible index. This is an ideal book for both lay readers to learn about a remarkable American character as well as students to better understand the complexity of race in 20th century America.
Paul Robeson was a stage and screen actor known for his booming voice and strong presence. He notably played Othello in many productions and often sang spiritual music to the delight of global audiences. His fame emerged from his acting and musical abilities. However, his political views were under constant scrutiny of the US government. He was accused of being a member of the Communist Party (although he insisted that he was not). He spent much of his life fighting for African American rights in the first half of the 20th century.
Robeson seems to be one of the unheralded members of what has become known as the Civil Rights Movement. While he did not fit the mold of the more popular members of the movement, he was an iconic figure who fought for African Americans to be treated with equality. His lifestyle as a successful artist who often lived in London and traveled to Russia gave him a reputation that contrasted with others within the movement.
The book does a great job of highlighting Robeson's remarkable life. While his politics do not necessarily take center stage in the book, they are certainly important to understand and, frankly, do not feel particularly progressive or outrageous to 21st century readers. Robeson's life and legacy deserves reconsideration and Duberman's writing does a nice job of helping readers pursue it.
I would definitely recommend this book for high school readers. It would be perfect for a biography project. I would also suggest it even at the college level in a course such as African American history or a Race in American Culture style class. Like I said initially, do not let the Young Adult label deter you from reading or assigning this book. The readable prose only helps in propelling the narrative of Robeson's life along. The book has sufficient footnotes showing archival and secondary research as well as an accessible index. This is an ideal book for both lay readers to learn about a remarkable American character as well as students to better understand the complexity of race in 20th century America.
March 2, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
No One Can Silence Me is a biography written for older teens and young adults adapted from Duberman's 1989 biography covering the life of Paul Robeson. Due out 9th March 2021 from The New Press, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a very well written and plainspoken recounting of the life of Paul Robeson. The author has chosen to cover the subject roughly chronologically from Robeson's early life and upbringing, his time at Rutgers, through his burgeoning career, his wartime efforts, and his eventual declining health. The book is illustrated throughout with photos and is very well annotated with ample chapter notes and resources for further reading.
There was a great deal about Robeson's life about which I was unaware. I knew him mostly in his role as advocate and activist writer. He was a renaissance man, a talented entertainer, intelligent and well spoken activist, a man with a definite eye for the ladies, well educated, athletic, urbane, and very intelligent.
He was (and continues to be) an important American in history and worthy of study. The content contained here is mostly written in age appropriate language for older tweens/teens (12-18ish). He was a complex man and not a saint and I think the author gives a good overview of the highlights of his life and society at the time.
Four stars. I would recommend it for public or home library acquisition, school use, supporting resource for American culture/history and allied studies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
No One Can Silence Me is a biography written for older teens and young adults adapted from Duberman's 1989 biography covering the life of Paul Robeson. Due out 9th March 2021 from The New Press, it's 288 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a very well written and plainspoken recounting of the life of Paul Robeson. The author has chosen to cover the subject roughly chronologically from Robeson's early life and upbringing, his time at Rutgers, through his burgeoning career, his wartime efforts, and his eventual declining health. The book is illustrated throughout with photos and is very well annotated with ample chapter notes and resources for further reading.
There was a great deal about Robeson's life about which I was unaware. I knew him mostly in his role as advocate and activist writer. He was a renaissance man, a talented entertainer, intelligent and well spoken activist, a man with a definite eye for the ladies, well educated, athletic, urbane, and very intelligent.
He was (and continues to be) an important American in history and worthy of study. The content contained here is mostly written in age appropriate language for older tweens/teens (12-18ish). He was a complex man and not a saint and I think the author gives a good overview of the highlights of his life and society at the time.
Four stars. I would recommend it for public or home library acquisition, school use, supporting resource for American culture/history and allied studies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 10, 2021
{Digital copy provided by NetGalley and The New Press}
Having never heard about Paul Robeson, I couldn’t help requesting this book with its vivid cover and promising title. What I received was a fascinating and accessible biography about one of the most prominent black actors, singers, and activists of the early 20th century, a complex, persecuted, and resilient man.
The writing style of this book is very lively and easy to grasp, if at times a little too explanatory on concepts that should be familiar even to a young adult audience. While Robeson and various other characters who appear are not always sympathetic or relatable, great pains were taken to present a complete and overall fitting overview of the circumstances surrounding not only Robeson’s life in particular, but the general political and societal climate of the times.
This is a great books for readers who seek to gain a broader understanding of the civil rights movement and general fight for black equality in the early to mid 20th century as well as offering a new personal perspective.
Having never heard about Paul Robeson, I couldn’t help requesting this book with its vivid cover and promising title. What I received was a fascinating and accessible biography about one of the most prominent black actors, singers, and activists of the early 20th century, a complex, persecuted, and resilient man.
The writing style of this book is very lively and easy to grasp, if at times a little too explanatory on concepts that should be familiar even to a young adult audience. While Robeson and various other characters who appear are not always sympathetic or relatable, great pains were taken to present a complete and overall fitting overview of the circumstances surrounding not only Robeson’s life in particular, but the general political and societal climate of the times.
This is a great books for readers who seek to gain a broader understanding of the civil rights movement and general fight for black equality in the early to mid 20th century as well as offering a new personal perspective.
May 14, 2021
This is a book adapted for young readers from Duberman's longer biography. We live in Princeton, New Jersey and drive down Paul Robeson Place so I thought I should learn more about this man. I am so glad I did. Now I need to go to Youtube and listen to him sing.
There are tragic aspects to Robeson's life. He was marked by Hoover's FBI and denied a passport for several years. He lived a long life but was not well in his later years--suffering from a bipolar disorder. He wanted equal treatment for Negroes above all but was betrayed at times by others in the civil rights movement because of their fear of his association with the Soviet Union. He said he never was a member of the Communist party but he affirmed the right of those who had political views on the left.
As I despair about some of the issues today about racial justice, I am saddened to read that 70 years after Robeson's death, some of the same battles are being fought.
There are tragic aspects to Robeson's life. He was marked by Hoover's FBI and denied a passport for several years. He lived a long life but was not well in his later years--suffering from a bipolar disorder. He wanted equal treatment for Negroes above all but was betrayed at times by others in the civil rights movement because of their fear of his association with the Soviet Union. He said he never was a member of the Communist party but he affirmed the right of those who had political views on the left.
As I despair about some of the issues today about racial justice, I am saddened to read that 70 years after Robeson's death, some of the same battles are being fought.
March 1, 2022
I won this in a giveaway on Goodreads and I was really excited to learn this man and the profound impact he had. I had no idea all he did for civil rights and how he suffered for his ideals. I’m glad people came back around before his death but wow, what he went through and how long he held it together is impressive. How he educated himself, held fast to his beliefs, and was focused on constant growth in those and his career was inspirational. I do feel bad for Essie and their son though, since he didn’t seem particularly interested in them except at certain times. I wish more people knew about him and his work in both acting and activism. This was well-written and I felt I knew the ins and outs of who he was, what his relationships were like, and what his mindsets might have been while things were going on. There were a few errors like missing a word here or there but other than that it was great and I’m so glad I won and got to learn about the late, great Paul Robeson.
November 22, 2022
Who knew? I didn't know anything about Robeson other than recognizing his name as a singer, but there was much more to him that this adaptation for young adults recognizes. I listened to the audiobook that flowed well, a compliment to the writing of the book itself that moved through his life chronologically showcasing both the historical context of the time he lived and the complexity of him as a man, artist, and activist.
It's easy to fall in to and keep reading/listening because of the stories chosen to highlight who he was in similar fashion to why I like Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter because it mines their lives in ways that only the cursory stories are told and never the deeper involvement and thoughts and actions.
It's easy to fall in to and keep reading/listening because of the stories chosen to highlight who he was in similar fashion to why I like Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter because it mines their lives in ways that only the cursory stories are told and never the deeper involvement and thoughts and actions.
April 5, 2021
Well done but more for a high school collection. I ended up skimming through this biography because I realized early on that it would not provide enough context for my middle school population to absorb the content. I had no idea who Robeson was prior to obtaining this ebook, so I can only imagine my students would be starting with the same blank page. Additionally, they have significantly less historical reference from which to lay a backdrop and gain context. I was hoping for more explanation and framework in the way of pictures and sidebars to guide the reader.
March 10, 2021
Paul Robeson: No One Can Silence Me
by Martin Duberman
I chose this book to read during Black history month for a reason. I did not know much about the life of Paul Robeson, an educated black artist in the film and music industry. His political stance and his willingness to put everything on the line for political change is remarkable. It was interesting to look into the history that made this well known remarkable man.
abandoned-dnf
April 11, 2021I first learned of Paul Robeson in college. Since then, I've read a few books about him and a book of his speeches. As much as I adore Paul Robeson, I could not get into this book; and abandoned it at 38%. The book does a great job addressing Robeson's career, beliefs on monogamy, marriage, and political leanings; however, it was dry to me. Although I personally did not like the book, I would buy it for my student library.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy for review.
Thank you Netgalley for providing a complimentary copy for review.
October 3, 2025
This book was very informational for me because this was the first time I ever heard of Paul Robeson. It did get a little slow towards the middle but I was still able to stay in the book and continue to read, it was not like I was forcing myself to try and finish the book. I would definitely recommend this book if people wanted to learn more about him specially but also about the other events in his lifetime.
March 6, 2021
A great read. Inspirational. Powerful. A biography for our times.
Did I know who Robeson was before reading this? Not a clue. It was still interesting... a story of one man, but the story of a people who need to be heard.
Did I know who Robeson was before reading this? Not a clue. It was still interesting... a story of one man, but the story of a people who need to be heard.
December 15, 2021
Excellent, concise account of Paul Robeson, a giant in entertainment and human rights. Reading about his triumphs and trials proves he was, as an obituary wrote. a "Gulliver among the Lilliputians." Although adapted for young adults, this is an excellent resource for all ages.
July 6, 2023
I had no idea who this man was but I’m really glad I read this biography. Robeson’s life was so interesting and inspiring in spite of great difficulties. His struggles definitely gave me a new perspective on lots of history.
August 11, 2023
I knew the man for his voice, and now I know him for his civil rights activision. Plagued by the government in his youth and in his later years by his bipolar condition. Although listed for young adults, this works well for all adults.
Want to read
April 29, 2021I've enjoyed his movie, stage and singing life, but this book makes his life more revealing. I knew nothing about his wife and son and this completes it for me.
August 7, 2024
Insightful exploration of a great man
January 12, 2021
Thank you #NetGalley for this #ARC
Adapted for young readers, the inspiring life and legacy of Paul Robeson is brought to life again. His legacy of a vocalist and great civil rights activist is created using sidebars, explanation of key terms and photos from Paul’s life and time. Paul Robeson from childhood was destined from greatness showing his great intellect, tenacity, boldness, conviction, complex temperament and passion for the rights and fairness of his people. Becoming an international public figure he encounter many racial defeats, but invested in the future victories for African Americans. Beating the odds his name became on the radar across country to country.
Reading this biography it became clear that the terms and outcomes that Paul experienced is very relevant today. His new role as an activist made him a target for persecution for his political views to which varied and changed as he traveled across the country and what he witnessed. As he merged into protesting Jim Crow segregation policies; his entertainment career begin to see the effects with cancelled bookings, no sales, travel bans, music restricted, concerts rioted and destruction. Over Paul’s lifetime he sacrificed himself, career, wealth and comfort he once enjoyed all for the wellness of his people.
I believe him to be such a selfless man, who stood against the cruelty of even his own race and white power to push America into recognizing that the Black race is here and isn’t going anywhere. I recommend this book to be apart of middle and high school required readings as it provided a great example of our real History. To read about an fascinating figure who story is inspiring yet complicated is indeed a thrilling new addition to literature.
Adapted for young readers, the inspiring life and legacy of Paul Robeson is brought to life again. His legacy of a vocalist and great civil rights activist is created using sidebars, explanation of key terms and photos from Paul’s life and time. Paul Robeson from childhood was destined from greatness showing his great intellect, tenacity, boldness, conviction, complex temperament and passion for the rights and fairness of his people. Becoming an international public figure he encounter many racial defeats, but invested in the future victories for African Americans. Beating the odds his name became on the radar across country to country.
Reading this biography it became clear that the terms and outcomes that Paul experienced is very relevant today. His new role as an activist made him a target for persecution for his political views to which varied and changed as he traveled across the country and what he witnessed. As he merged into protesting Jim Crow segregation policies; his entertainment career begin to see the effects with cancelled bookings, no sales, travel bans, music restricted, concerts rioted and destruction. Over Paul’s lifetime he sacrificed himself, career, wealth and comfort he once enjoyed all for the wellness of his people.
I believe him to be such a selfless man, who stood against the cruelty of even his own race and white power to push America into recognizing that the Black race is here and isn’t going anywhere. I recommend this book to be apart of middle and high school required readings as it provided a great example of our real History. To read about an fascinating figure who story is inspiring yet complicated is indeed a thrilling new addition to literature.
August 16, 2021
Received a free ARC from NetGalley
This book is very informative. However, the style in which it is written is very dry. The quotes and the photographs really add to the book, helping the reader to visualize the historical context of the information.
This book is very informative. However, the style in which it is written is very dry. The quotes and the photographs really add to the book, helping the reader to visualize the historical context of the information.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews