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lattelibrarian's review
3.0
This was a really nice overview of Sarah Forbes, who is a forgotten figure in British history. Rescued as a young girl from being sacrificed, she travels to England where Queen Victoria takes a shine to her, paying for her education and membership to high society.
Walter Dean Myers had originally found letters detailing information about her, and her struggles growing up in a world so different than the one she was born in. They detailed her schooling, her friendships with royalty, and her eventual marriage of convenience. Inspired by these letters, Myers researched her and offered forth this book.
Definitely an interesting read!
Walter Dean Myers had originally found letters detailing information about her, and her struggles growing up in a world so different than the one she was born in. They detailed her schooling, her friendships with royalty, and her eventual marriage of convenience. Inspired by these letters, Myers researched her and offered forth this book.
Definitely an interesting read!
deviki's review
5.0
****I wanna re-read this book soon!!!****
Books I've read and provided detailed reviews over the years but all data is lost after accidental deletion and GD refuse to restore it back.
Adding books back to my library for my own reference and tracking purposes
wintermote's review
3.0
Started off strong but ended much weaker. The real meat of this book could’ve been shared in a much shorter form. I don’t see this as appealing to children/teens as written (past the first several chapters).
andrewfontenelle's review
4.0
The interesting true life story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta. Born in West Africa, she was adopted by Queen Victoria and her first child became the Queen's Goddaughter. Included are not only photographs but also extracts from a number of letters and correspondence. Yet another tale from Britain's hidden history!
kevinhendricks's review
3.0
A biography pieced together from letters about an African princess who was saved from being sacrificed and came under the protection of Queen Victoria. It’s interesting, especially the connections to the Queen, but it’s nothing earth-shattering or especially engaging.
mrremi's review
3.0
This book got three stars because I liked it but it isn't typical style of book and thus I was not destined to love it. But unlike the idea that the author found as much as he could about the subject and tried to tell the world her story so that her incredible history and story isn't forgotten. Interesting.
naomiha's review
4.0
I was amazed at this little known history. It poses a lot of questions and things to think about the Victorian Era. The writing is quite accessible. I am excited to read this with my students and hear their thoughts and ideas!
pussreboots's review against another edition
4.0
Walter Dean Myers in the introduction explains beautifully why I love old books and ephemera. I don't have the time or budget for the dedication that Myers. Therefore I am grateful that he was able to buy Sarah Forbes Bonetta's letters and bring her to life again in this short but fascinating biography, At Her Majesty's Request: An African Princess in Victorian England.
Sarah Forbes Bonetta was the daughter of the slain Egbabo leader as far as accounts go though there is no mention of Sarah's recollection of the first few years of her life. She was slated for ritual execution by her Dahomian raiders but saved as a "gift" for Queen Victoria by some quick thinking on Frederick Forbes's part. He was there attempting to stop the slave trade driven raids.
Frederick Forbes renamed the girl he had rescued to Sarah Forbes (his last name) Bonetta (his ship). The letters and other ephemera that track Sarah's life from her rescue show that she became friends with Queen Victoria. Her friendship though ended up being a major controlling factor in the events of her life.
Myers interjects his own thoughts and feelings on the events of Sarah's life as he understands them. Given how spotty her timeline is, Myers's text helps to segue between the facts. He also includes many of the photographs in the collection that he bought. The photographs though didn't print all that clearly on the paperback I have. They often times aren't much clearer than a black and white photocopy. I would have liked to see more detail on them.
Sarah Forbes Bonetta was the daughter of the slain Egbabo leader as far as accounts go though there is no mention of Sarah's recollection of the first few years of her life. She was slated for ritual execution by her Dahomian raiders but saved as a "gift" for Queen Victoria by some quick thinking on Frederick Forbes's part. He was there attempting to stop the slave trade driven raids.
Frederick Forbes renamed the girl he had rescued to Sarah Forbes (his last name) Bonetta (his ship). The letters and other ephemera that track Sarah's life from her rescue show that she became friends with Queen Victoria. Her friendship though ended up being a major controlling factor in the events of her life.
Myers interjects his own thoughts and feelings on the events of Sarah's life as he understands them. Given how spotty her timeline is, Myers's text helps to segue between the facts. He also includes many of the photographs in the collection that he bought. The photographs though didn't print all that clearly on the paperback I have. They often times aren't much clearer than a black and white photocopy. I would have liked to see more detail on them.