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magsmcwelch's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Really good! Well researched historical context with a compelling story. I both learned and enjoyed throughout.
slflorence99's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Quick review. I am a sucker for great historical fiction, and I would put this one in that category. Took me a minute to connect, but when I did, I was 100% in.
darcy_kummerow's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
chulandonmarcum's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am giving this book 4 ⭐️’s because I believe that it gives the reader a better look at what it was like to be black back in the times that this book was set in. I however do not agree with some of the decisions made in this book I think that this book was a good read and I can honestly see some of myself in the main character or at least when the main character was younger.
emilyb_chicago's review against another edition
4.0
I found this fascinating and was shocked when I learned it is based on a true story. The book was occasionally more detailed than I needed, but the details were interesting. I do wish there was more still in first person writing from this astounding woman.
khaliah's review against another edition
2.0
Belle da Costa is a fascinating historical figure. Perhaps this is why the writing felt so stilted. I wish it had been a novel inspired by the story of….the narrators grappling with race felt like an afterthought whenever it was mentioned.
allie847's review against another edition
Written in present tense, thought it would be a nonfiction
misskaylajean's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I enjoyed this book a lot considering it is far out of my normal genre. It was super interesting to learn about this incredible woman and everything that she endured while pretending to be white in America at the beginning of the 20th century. There was also some intrigue with her romantic relationships which I was personally invested in. The only thing I struggled with was the way in which some of this was written. I didn’t need everything spelled out for me. I feel they did this to make it as accurate to the true story, but it felt redundant to me. Otherwise this was a very enjoyable historical fiction book.
jaylene's review against another edition
DNF'd after pushing a bit past 20%. The writing was flat which lead to slightly unlikable characters whose stories lacked depth.