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asburywrites's review against another edition
3.0
A weirdly whitewashed (pun regretfully intended) book, considering that it takes place in Harpers Ferry. Again and again we're told that John Brown, his insurrection, and the bloody battles of the Civil War are alive in this town and this complicated family saga. While the story is centered on the sins of the past, the war itself is usually depicted as a vague, senseless division. One character keeps asking which side others would have chosen--"the blue or the gray"--and the answers tend toward a romanticized South. Only one character ever places himself firmly on the side of abolition, and there's no mention of any of these wealthy families, who insist "blood" is very important, ever having slaves or not.
Whitney's books are often light romantic thrillers; I've read and loved many over the years. So maybe it's no surprise this one glosses right over the reality of slavery . . . But John Brown's body should be more than set dressing.
Whitney's books are often light romantic thrillers; I've read and loved many over the years. So maybe it's no surprise this one glosses right over the reality of slavery . . . But John Brown's body should be more than set dressing.
quietjenn's review against another edition
3.0
2 1/2, rounded up because it seems like Whitney was an interesting, accomplished lady. If anyone has recommended titles let me know please - I've read two so far and am lukewarm, at best, on them, but would like to read something by her that I loved.
jennyrbaker's review against another edition
4.0
This was a book that came in a grab bag with 2-3 other books when I went to a used book store in Florida. I had never heard of this author, but I'm glad I read it.
hollie313's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.25
yourjellyrollsoul's review against another edition
3.0
This is my second book by Ms. Whitney, and they are not terrible. However, I do feel like the ending has been very rushed and anti-climatic in both books.
thebrownbookloft's review against another edition
2.0
Adequate. I picked this up for nostalgia. When I was a teen, there were no YA books, so I used to read a lot of Phyllis Whitney, Marjorie Holt, etc. I wasn’t crazy about this one, but I would try again with one of her earlier, more typical novels. This one was her next to lady book published. I picked it up because of the Harper’s Ferry setting. I’ve been there many times and could picture it well.
2.5 stars
2.5 stars
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