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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
This is a fictional account of the early accomplishments of a historical figure. I had not known about her or the indigo industry in South Carolina and that's what got my attention and why I picked up the book. However, it would have appealed more to me if there hadn't been so much "romance". The author also tries to soften the horrors of slavery by making Eliza a "good" kind slave-owner but we all know there is no such thing. There is plenty of tension and action that makes the story compelling and kept me interested until the end.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A very good blend of historical facts and artistic license.
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. Although this is historical fiction, there are many elements of this story that we know to be true. If I did not know that this novel was based on the writings of letters, journals, and prayers of Eliza Lucas, I don't think I could have believed that a woman, well girl really, in the 1700s could have done and accomplished so much, I would have never believed it.
Eliza was a remarkable character. She was driven and determined, but not at the sake of others. She was also compassionate, and although her family owned slaves, it was obvious that it was not in her to be an oppressor. I love reading books with strong female characters, and Eliza Lucas at the young age of 16, was a force to be reckoned with in a world where she had no rights. This needs to be a movie.
Eliza was a remarkable character. She was driven and determined, but not at the sake of others. She was also compassionate, and although her family owned slaves, it was obvious that it was not in her to be an oppressor. I love reading books with strong female characters, and Eliza Lucas at the young age of 16, was a force to be reckoned with in a world where she had no rights. This needs to be a movie.
Fantastic historical fiction set in the Carolinas! The audiobook had an excellent narrator and I was I spired by the tenacity and courage of Eliza as she persevered in her quest to make indigo. Definitely recommend!
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was really good! Definitely one worth recommending! The writing flowed well but the speech didn’t feel very consistent with the time. Some of the character relationships didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I also couldn’t decide if it was supposed to be a romance or just historical novel. It would often lean one way and then be so far off in the other direction.
I didn’t even realize until the end that it’s based on actual events and people.
I didn’t even realize until the end that it’s based on actual events and people.
I’m a sucker for stories based off true people and historical events. The fact that Eliza’s real letters are posted throughout the novel is extra neat. Love love love.
I was so disturbed by this book I didn’t finish it. The limited roles allowed to women despite their competence, the hint of romance between owner and slave, the rapey overseer, the inappropriate “protection” of the father’s friend…. It may have ended differently than I found the middle, but there was not enough joy for me to continue.
