Fortune's Bones

Fortune's Bones is a collection of poems that tells the true story of Fortune, an enslaved man who lived in 18th century Connecticut. After his death, Fortune's skeleton was preserved by Dr. Preserved Porter, who used the bones for medical study and teaching. The poems trace Fortune's journey from life through death and into the centuries that followed, as his remains became a museum specimen. Nelson writes from multiple perspectives, including Fortune himself, Dr. Porter, Porter's descendants, and others who encountered Fortune's bones over time. Through six formal poems and accompanying historical documents, the book reconstructs Fortune's existence and legacy in colonial America. The verses examine medical ethics, racial history, and the complex relationships between enslaver and enslaved. The collection raises questions about memory, human dignity, and how society chooses to preserve or forget its past. Nelson's work transforms a historical record into a meditation on identity and the ways humans can be both remembered and erased.

Readers describe Fortune's Bones as a powerful collection of poems that brings humanity and dignity to a difficult historical subject. Many found the short length (14 poems) allowed for focused reflection on Fortune's story and legacy. Readers appreciated: - The incorporation of medical and historical details - Nelson's respectful handling of sensitive material - The varied poetic perspectives and voices - Its use in teaching slavery and medical ethics - The included historical context and photographs Common criticisms: - Some found it too brief - A few readers wanted more biographical details about Fortune - The format can be challenging for younger readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (337 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (21 ratings) Notable reader comment: "These poems give voice and humanity back to someone who was denied both in life and death. The medical details make it real without being grotesque." - Goodreads reviewer

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🦴 Fortune's skeleton was displayed for nearly 200 years at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury, Connecticut, where it was known as "Larry" before his true identity was discovered. 📚 Author Marilyn Nelson was named the Poet Laureate of Connecticut from 2001-2006, and she wrote this book during her tenure in that position. ⚕️ Dr. Preserved Porter, who performed Fortune's dissection, kept meticulous notes about the skeleton's bones, which later helped historians verify Fortune's identity. 🏺 In 2003, Fortune's remains were finally given a proper funeral and burial at Riverside Cemetery in Waterbury, with both his descendants and Porter's descendants in attendance. 🎭 The book is written as a series of poems from different perspectives, including Fortune himself, his wife Dinah, and Dr. Porter, creating a multi-voiced narrative about slavery and medical ethics.