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powellen's review
5.0
Dreams of Savannah was my first Roseanna M. White book, and as the stars suggest, I liked it. Immensely.
I wasn't sure what to expect, of course, except that it would be more of a romance... and then it wasn't really, I found out, and perhaps that made me like it even more. To be sure, it dealt with love between a man and a woman - this story belongs to them in many ways. But I was surprised with how rich it was in other themes besides the romance, woven into their lives both individually and as a couple. This was to me a very complete book, exploring hearts and minds that grappled candidly with the Civil War, and with the entwined issues of duty and slavery. Yet also, in the midst of the larger conflict and harsher realities, we learn what it means to love truly and honestly, to respond in the face disappointment and bitterness, to see people for who they are... in the pages of this beautifully-crafted book, in more ways than these, we learn in a fresh way what it means to live well.
I would be pleased to own a bound copy of this lovely book on my shelf. It's a worthy contribution to the world of books... at least, I found it so : )
I wasn't sure what to expect, of course, except that it would be more of a romance... and then it wasn't really, I found out, and perhaps that made me like it even more. To be sure, it dealt with love between a man and a woman - this story belongs to them in many ways. But I was surprised with how rich it was in other themes besides the romance, woven into their lives both individually and as a couple. This was to me a very complete book, exploring hearts and minds that grappled candidly with the Civil War, and with the entwined issues of duty and slavery. Yet also, in the midst of the larger conflict and harsher realities, we learn what it means to love truly and honestly, to respond in the face disappointment and bitterness, to see people for who they are... in the pages of this beautifully-crafted book, in more ways than these, we learn in a fresh way what it means to live well.
I would be pleased to own a bound copy of this lovely book on my shelf. It's a worthy contribution to the world of books... at least, I found it so : )
esmeralda's review
3.75
I didn’t have very high expectations going into this book, but seeing as White is one of my favorite authors, I expected to enjoy it somewhat – and I did, enjoy it in a way, and appreciate the valuable messages within its pages.
I liked the main characters, Phin and Delia – her imagination made me smile – but the (barely) secondary characters, Salina and Luther were simply far more compelling. Phin’s and Delia’s growth was well-written, but I felt that we weren’t really shown a “before” version of them, only a growing and “after” version.
I appreciated White’s focus on the fact that each human being is worthy of respect, simply because they are human, and the fact that through her characters, she reminds the reader to be aware of the fact that everyone has their own story.
As far as the portrayal of Confederate soldiers…I mostly appreciated how White portrayed them, but it felt rather incomplete. I also found myself frustrated by Mr. Owens and the lack of consequence that he faced for his actions.
Overall, this is a decent read, but not one that I would recommend to everyone.
eressea's review
4.0
Dreams of Savannah by Roseanna M. White takes place during the Civil War in Savannah, aka the South. That sure made a quite interesting point of view, as Roseanna managed to describe how complicated it actually was, instead of good versus bad. Oh now I spoiled what I liked most about this book lol! LAYERS. So many layers! And I’m not talking about female fashion in that era though that seems really complicated too...
Anyway, we have a very dreamy and imaginative heroine, Delia, who sees stories everywhere. And Phin, the hero, though he doesn’t view himself that way. They are in love, but haven’t declared anything as Phin leaves for the war, and he goes missing from his ship. Meanwhile Delia is pushed by her parents towards another man who she dislikes, but she clings to her promise to Phin. But can promises survive when reality does a backflip? As Phin washes ashore an island, a Black reverend takes him in and tries to nurse him back to health, but he’s a changed man because of what he’s seen. And he’s about to change some more when he promises to help the vicar find his illegally sold wife in Savannah.
Besides Phin and Delia, there is a third POV, of a slave girl named Salina. I liked her best actually, she cared so much for everyone and tries so hard to make everyone feel loved. She’s really close to Delia, but isn’t as naive as she has obviously seen the darkness that is slavery.
I already mentioned I loved the layers in this novel. There are many themes, and I feel like the author did a really good job to bring nuance to the story. To show how people grow both in character and faith. There was darkness, but also romance and love, and Delia is a shining light throughout the novel. The north versus south debate was very delicately handled, and it shed some light on motivations from both sides. I felt the author did justice to the complicated history, but as I’m European I can’t say for sure.
While I loved 95% of the book, one thing bothered me a bit. I felt like the trope where the father wants to marry his daughter to an evil guy to expand his fortunes was a bit... well, tropey. I felt that such a book as this, with the themes of slavery and freedom, could have had a better villain. For me it was very hard to believe how her parents turned 180 degrees where Phin was concerned. And the evil guy was truly evil, there was no redeeming quality at all, where the rest of this book is so very complicated and grey. Maybe that was needed for the story, to truly have a villain (maybe two actually) as opposite of all the people trying to do the right thing, but it didn’t work for me.
The three point of views were very well done, the pacing was very good and the action got nicely distributed this way, and when it all comes together... perfect. This is not a light read, though there is much lightness, but it is a very good read that will leave an impression.
I’ve got a free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion, thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House.
Anyway, we have a very dreamy and imaginative heroine, Delia, who sees stories everywhere. And Phin, the hero, though he doesn’t view himself that way. They are in love, but haven’t declared anything as Phin leaves for the war, and he goes missing from his ship. Meanwhile Delia is pushed by her parents towards another man who she dislikes, but she clings to her promise to Phin. But can promises survive when reality does a backflip? As Phin washes ashore an island, a Black reverend takes him in and tries to nurse him back to health, but he’s a changed man because of what he’s seen. And he’s about to change some more when he promises to help the vicar find his illegally sold wife in Savannah.
Besides Phin and Delia, there is a third POV, of a slave girl named Salina. I liked her best actually, she cared so much for everyone and tries so hard to make everyone feel loved. She’s really close to Delia, but isn’t as naive as she has obviously seen the darkness that is slavery.
I already mentioned I loved the layers in this novel. There are many themes, and I feel like the author did a really good job to bring nuance to the story. To show how people grow both in character and faith. There was darkness, but also romance and love, and Delia is a shining light throughout the novel. The north versus south debate was very delicately handled, and it shed some light on motivations from both sides. I felt the author did justice to the complicated history, but as I’m European I can’t say for sure.
While I loved 95% of the book, one thing bothered me a bit. I felt like the trope where the father wants to marry his daughter to an evil guy to expand his fortunes was a bit... well, tropey. I felt that such a book as this, with the themes of slavery and freedom, could have had a better villain. For me it was very hard to believe how her parents turned 180 degrees where Phin was concerned. And the evil guy was truly evil, there was no redeeming quality at all, where the rest of this book is so very complicated and grey. Maybe that was needed for the story, to truly have a villain (maybe two actually) as opposite of all the people trying to do the right thing, but it didn’t work for me.
The three point of views were very well done, the pacing was very good and the action got nicely distributed this way, and when it all comes together... perfect. This is not a light read, though there is much lightness, but it is a very good read that will leave an impression.
I’ve got a free e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion, thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House.
booksoneveryshelf's review against another edition
5.0
I've been racking my brain trying to think of what to say about this book. . . It definitely left me with a hangover! And a lot to think about. Ms. White always does, though. I found much of it very timely and I'm not sure why that surprised me, but it did. It shares perspective of the Civil War that I've not seen/read before, as well as revealing opinions and misconceptions that some held regarding skin color and slavery.
As always, Ms. White's writing is both beautiful and at times, heart-wrenching. Her words drew me into the story from the first few sentences and I often found myself going about my day, wondering what was going to happen next! I loved that Cordelia is a storyteller with a colorful imagination! Her outlandish stories often made me laugh, while also revealing her heart and her desire for hope in a country at war. And though parts of it were painful for him, I greatly enjoyed following Phineas as his perception of the world changed, even so far as to how he viewed himself. In a time of great turmoil and unrest, he and Cordelia both had to decide if they would continue to fight for what they had been taught their entire lives, or if they would allow their change in perspective to also change their actions. I also really appreciated how the author showed that the conflict behind the Civil War wasn’t only in regards to slavery. That was something I remember being taught in history class, but didn't really understand as much until reading this story.
If you're looking for a book that might very well challenge your understanding of history and the people who lived it, I would highly recommend this book!
*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for in it any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
As always, Ms. White's writing is both beautiful and at times, heart-wrenching. Her words drew me into the story from the first few sentences and I often found myself going about my day, wondering what was going to happen next! I loved that Cordelia is a storyteller with a colorful imagination! Her outlandish stories often made me laugh, while also revealing her heart and her desire for hope in a country at war. And though parts of it were painful for him, I greatly enjoyed following Phineas as his perception of the world changed, even so far as to how he viewed himself. In a time of great turmoil and unrest, he and Cordelia both had to decide if they would continue to fight for what they had been taught their entire lives, or if they would allow their change in perspective to also change their actions. I also really appreciated how the author showed that the conflict behind the Civil War wasn’t only in regards to slavery. That was something I remember being taught in history class, but didn't really understand as much until reading this story.
If you're looking for a book that might very well challenge your understanding of history and the people who lived it, I would highly recommend this book!
*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for in it any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
nicole1's review against another edition
3.0
This was a book very rich in historical detail and it is one of those that I felt like I learned from.
I really appreciated the way the author explored the motivation and growth of the characters.
I will say that the two main characters really never spoke to me. I felt like I came into the story halfway and I would have loved to see how their relationship came to be. They were separated for so much of the book and I craved the interaction and romance I hoped for.
However, I adored Luther! Seriously I would have loved to have a book just about him and his devotion to his love! Likewise with Selina, I found myself more invested in the side characters then the main ones.
This book may appeal more to those who want more historical drama than romance.
Well written and it did feel like I saw the other in a new light.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions and thoughts are my own and completely honest.
I really appreciated the way the author explored the motivation and growth of the characters.
I will say that the two main characters really never spoke to me. I felt like I came into the story halfway and I would have loved to see how their relationship came to be. They were separated for so much of the book and I craved the interaction and romance I hoped for.
However, I adored Luther! Seriously I would have loved to have a book just about him and his devotion to his love! Likewise with Selina, I found myself more invested in the side characters then the main ones.
This book may appeal more to those who want more historical drama than romance.
Well written and it did feel like I saw the other in a new light.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally. All opinions and thoughts are my own and completely honest.
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