Ona Judge

Ona Judge: I Am Free is a re-imagined account of a true and painful story with a soul, told generations on. It tells the story of Ona Judge, known as Oney, Martha Washington's ‘favorite servant,' in Oney's own words. At the height of George Washington's presidency, Oney boldly defied orders and expectations, slipping past the watchful eyes of the nation's capital and finding refuge in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Despite their best efforts to reclaim her, Oney remained a specter of freedom that eluded the Washingtons. Embracing a life of liberty, Oney navigated trials and tribulations, from marrying sailor Jack Staines to enduring life's profound losses, yet always maintaining and cherishing her freedom. In the face of adversity and poverty, Oney's resilient spirit and declaration in 1847, "I am free now and choose to remain so," stands as a testament to her unbreakable will. In a modern world where cultures and histories collide, this novel is a timely reminder of perspectives that we may have become blind to.