Gene Hewett
Mitiblende reads like the story of a Black American family in its questto sell or partition an heir’s property legacy of 56 acres of undividedinterest. The term Mitiblende (translation, make the brains growsmarter) was coined by Robert M. Pittman. The late Mr. Pittman wasJoe Harris’ uncle. Joe Harris is the novel’s protagonist. The storylineis cast around property located in a small town rural Texas setting.Heirs property essentially represents generational wealth that hasbeen transferred to multiple family members by inheritance, usuallywithout a will. The deed to the property was dated August 2, 1898,from Sallie Simpson to Rosie Burse Edwards (Joe Harris’ greatgrandmother).The granting of the land was instead of monetarycompensation and represented repayment for services rendered byJoe Harris’ ancestors.In many ways, the Mitiblende story can be characterized assemi-autobiographical. Several aspects of Joe Harris’ childhood toadolescence to adulthood passage (such as names, places, and otheridentifying descriptors) may be fictional. However, many aspectsof the journey, such as his efforts in structuring the Harris FamilyTree, are factual and historical. Intertwined between the story is anevolving collage of clues presented in the form of letters, emails,teleconferences, and dialogue. For example, a letter written in 1986by Joe Harris’ Aunt Maude (the late Maudell Williams) providedclues that highlighted issues such as (a) the landlocked perimeterand (b) the lack of easement rights.
