Mitiblende reads like the story of a Black American family in its quest
to sell or partition an heir's property legacy of 56 acres of undivided
interest. The term Mitiblende (translation, make the brains grow
smarter) was coined by Robert M. Pittman. The late Mr. Pittman was
Joe Harris' uncle. Joe Harris is the novel's protagonist. The storyline
is cast around property located in a small town rural Texas setting.
Heirs property essentially represents generational wealth that has
been transferred to multiple family members by inheritance, usually
without 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 monetary
compensation and represented repayment for services rendered by
Joe Harris' ancestors.
In many ways, the Mitiblende story can be characterized as
semi-autobiographical. Several aspects of Joe Harris' childhood to
adolescence to adulthood passage (such as names, places, and other
identifying descriptors) may be fictional. However, many aspects
of the journey, such as his efforts in structuring the Harris Family
Tree, are factual and historical. Intertwined between the story is an
evolving collage of clues presented in the form of letters, emails,
teleconferences, and dialogue. For example, a letter written in 1986
by Joe Harris' Aunt Maude (the late Maudell Williams) provided
clues that highlighted issues such as (a) the landlocked perimeter
and (b) the lack of easement rights.
