Selected Reviews of Comfort’s Rebellion

Jessica Tvordi

A timely portrait of historical nonbinary preacher

I have little knowledge of the Quakers around the time of the American Revolution and had never heard of Jemima Wilkenson, known as the public universal friend. E. Jax Willoughby’s fictionalization of Wilkenson’s life as “Comfort” not only provides a fascinating glimpse into the religious sectarianism of the period, but also into the life of a non-binary person who faces persecution for their gender nonconformity and religious heresy. I especially appreciated that Willoughby explored Comfort’s intimate relationships with both a woman and a man who were crucial in supporting their religious mission. I hope readers in the LGBTQ+ community will find—and enjoy—this book as much as I did

N. Lester

We “must first discharge the trappings of expectation”

Unique storyline during the Revolutionary War. This may be one book where I should have read the endnotes first as it was inspired by a true story. For me, knowing this upfront would have deepened my reading experience.

Mark White

Fascinating Treat of Early American History

This historical narrative of a nonbinary preacher in the revolutionary period, based closely on the actual life of Jemima Wilkinson, raises lots of intriguing questions along the way. Quite thought-provoking. It is interesting to juxtapose modern thinking about gender issues with how things were addressed in an earlier era. All this combined with an interesting and eventful plot makes for a good read.

Catskill Kaboy

Timely from another time

This story transported me out of the familiar. The description of the central character’s life journey had a genuine historical feel of her time and geography. Her struggle against society’s parochial forces and beliefs in a search for a unique identity echoed back to me as if from a distant mirror.
The author’s creative tale taught this old non-fiction reader that well-written fiction can entertain and make you thoughtful about many of your own “realities.”

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating read about a fascinating character
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2024
A well written tale about a fascinating person. It made me want to look more into the life and ministry of the Public Universal Friend. It’s also refreshing to read about a different subject matter than the normal standard fare that is written about the Revolutionary War Era.