Juanita Harrison - Critical Reception

Critical Reception

Although Harrison only published one book, she has received some critical attention. The encyclopedia African American Authors, 1745-1945 A Bio-Bibliographical Critical Sourcebook edited by Emmanuel S. Nelson includes an entry on Harrison written by Debra J. Rosenthal. According to Barton, Harrison is a woman “who is not concerned about all the whys and wherefores of her past life but who only wants to convey her immediate joys to the readers.” Rosenthal argues that the book concentrates on the “here and now.” For example, Harrison uses the present tense throughout the book in her conversational tone and carefree manner. While in Belgrade, a passing girl carrying food caught Harrison’s attention and she wrote, “where ever you go I'll flower it smelled so good I flowered Her 2 blocks” (88). Although the girl was a stranger to Harrison, the writer did follow the food seller to some extent, demonstrating that the “here and now” could be at anytime and in anyplace for Harrison. This allows, as Barton says, the readers to gather Harrison’s immediate joys, thus sharing in her journeys vicariously.

Juanita Harrison was a woman ahead of her time, traveling alone and not timid about requiring respect for her morals and living conditions. Yet, her book reads as a humble comment on issues still relevant to women today. Rosenthal also mentions that the times Harrison lived in were marred by racism and that she unlike so many others “easily melds into any society and seems to be accepted by all.” Harrison herself says that while “at the Aleppo they thought I was Chinese. Here they think I am Aribian” (65). However, the issue of race is not soon forgotten in times like Jena 6 in Louisiana, U.S.A. which is a more recent example of racial tension. Yet, Harrison leaves all those troubles behind to find herself immersed in the new cultures she so loves. While visiting Madrid, she remarked, “Bull fighting and ice cream are the two best things on earth” (99). As a lone traveler, Harrison had indeed seen many parts of the earth.