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taralynn1107's review against another edition
slow-paced
2.5
This book could have been so good. There was such a great opportunity to tell a story about a unique and ambitious woman during a time in history when that was frowned upon. But instead it was about her chores and keeping house and occasionally we got some tidbits of Josephine “building her empire”. It could have been so much better.
taylersimon22's review against another edition
3.0
Josephine N. Leary is a powerhouse. Learning about her life through this fictionalized account was interesting. It’s always interesting learning about famous women in history who have had so much stacked against them and still managed to succeed as an integral part of society. It’s equally fascinating that a writer can distill a compelling story using only historical records, journal entries, and imagination.
Carolina Built is a compelling story of triumph and determination despite numerous setbacks. We learn more than Leary’s great feats, but other pivotal women in her community at the time. We get to see a thriving Black city during reconstruction and the contributions of inspirational Black people.
Listening to the audiobook, however, took away from the experience for me. I’m not sure if the narrator wasn’t engaging enough, or the material just felt too much like recounting events. The story felt a lot like “I felt like…” instead of powerful descriptions. I didn’t feel as if I were experiencing life through the characters’ eyes. It felt as if it were just another historical account.
I still would recommend this story because stories like Josephine Leary’s are so important. So often the historical accomplishments of Black women are erased and fade away through time.
Carolina Built is a compelling story of triumph and determination despite numerous setbacks. We learn more than Leary’s great feats, but other pivotal women in her community at the time. We get to see a thriving Black city during reconstruction and the contributions of inspirational Black people.
Listening to the audiobook, however, took away from the experience for me. I’m not sure if the narrator wasn’t engaging enough, or the material just felt too much like recounting events. The story felt a lot like “I felt like…” instead of powerful descriptions. I didn’t feel as if I were experiencing life through the characters’ eyes. It felt as if it were just another historical account.
I still would recommend this story because stories like Josephine Leary’s are so important. So often the historical accomplishments of Black women are erased and fade away through time.
kizzabell's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
amulholland6's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
newbeeplans's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ggrillion's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
3.75
carolynrasp's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The concept of historical fiction about someone with very little known about them, but with an impact somewhere, is fascinating to me. I didn't know about Josephine Leary, but I'm glad I do now! I did struggle with the writing a bit, it mostly felt too optimistic for me, but it is a more uplifting way to tell a Black woman who became a well known property owner in Edenton, NC. I really wish there was more focus on her properties and the build at the end to show her prowess.
ka_schulze's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75