“[A] truly astounding tale…Say Anarcha is an important book and deserves to be widely read…In the introduction, Hallman tells us that his goal is ‘to subvert every aspect of the fraudulent narrative’ connected to Anarcha and to ‘excavate the life story of a young, enslaved woman who changed history, only to be forgotten by it.’ He has accomplished that and more.” The New York Times

“Throughout U.S. history, Black women have been the hidden figures behind advancements in science, math, and so much more. I recommend ‘Say Anarcha’ – a compelling nonfiction reckoning with the birth of women’s health that illustrates the world-changing sacrifices of a young Black woman, who should be recognized as the centerpiece of the creation story of modern women’s health care.” Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-NY 9th District)

“When you ask for this one at the bookstore, you raise a cry for justice….[a] new masterpiece of revisionist history….Say Anarcha goes far beyond anything else [Hallman]’s accomplished. A fresh crack of light across the grim shadows of slavery and race hatred….Now thanks to Hallman’s instant classic, [Anarcha]’s back in the skies and burning more brightly than ever.” The Brooklyn Rail (review)

“Hallman learned from his research that Anarcha was a midwife, nurse and ‘doctor woman’ who changed countless lives herself and was never awarded her due — until now.” Los Angeles Times

“Mr. Hallman’s biography is phenomenal, remarkable…Sims was a man of his time, frail and unsure of his masculinity, who thought it “manly” to operate on fistulas and cancers that often returned with a vengeance never visited on the man himself — until, of course, in what Mr. Hallman is able to disclose in his haunting, poignant, and ultimately uplifting book.” The New York Sun

“Riveting…Hallman movingly conveys the endurance and compassion with which Anarcha and the other ‘cursed women’ cared for each other and eventually assisted with each other’s surgeries.” Starred review, Shelf Awareness.

“[Hallman’s] righteous passion and galvanizing prose are commanding and affecting; the realities he reveals are harrowing, tragic, and grimly relevant.” Starred review, Booklist

“Innovating and riveting….Hallman successfully transforms Anarcha from historical object to subject, and shines a light on the contentious rise of medical ethics in the 19th century. It’s a must-read.” Starred review, Publisher’s Weekly

“A staggeringly researched book that serves as an indictment of Sims’ hubris and an homage to Anarcha.” Kirkus Reviews