Reviews

Carolina Built by Kianna Alexander

breeranae's review against another edition

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challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.5

This book is a fictionalized novel about the life of Josephine Leary iykyk !!
It was interesting to learn about her life & success. Unfortunately it was boring if I’m being honest. If you’re looking for a dramatized version of her life this is not it. It’s definitely more educational & woman empowering. Nothing is wrong with that @ all I just wasn’t expecting that. 

Over all it was an a quick read. Just not entertaining!!!

zikeyag's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved it! Very inspirational!

readincolour's review against another edition

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3.0

It lacks the depth I would have expected for the amount of research done and references included.

lit_vibrations's review against another edition

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4.0

Finished the audiobook for this yesterday. While it wasn’t really filled with a lot of excitement a bit boring at some points I still enjoyed it. What I think I loved most was that although based during a time were slavery was still prevalent. The novel wasn’t centered around black trauma or racism. Both topics were presented throughout but the author never really dwelled on the hardship any of them experienced before receiving their freedom.

It was quite satisfying to see Josephine succeed as easily as she did. Most times in historical fictions involving slavery we always see the trials and tribulations many of them face especially as black women. So, this was refreshing in my opinion.

I also loved Josephine’s character she was independent, strong-willed, and driven. Unlike many women during that era she wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted. She was very ambitious about creating a legacy for her family so they’d have the opportunity to truly enjoy their freedom.

The only thing I didn’t like was her husband’s unsupportive behavior or the fact it nearly resulted in physical abuse because his manhood felt threatened. He really seemed insecure and intimidated by Josephine. According to her mother, “Men are fragile they need to feel useful.” He should’ve been happy considering most of what they obtained was because of her.

Overall, this was a decent read a bit slow-paced but still worth reading‼️‼️

jimijeffersonreads's review

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informative
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

litagentsaritza's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a great "memoiresque" approach to a historical fiction novel about the remarkable woman who established so much of Edenton, North Carolina that her legacy remains today. The attention to detail coupled with engaging storytelling makes for a quick, enjoyable read.

liznc's review against another edition

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3.0

I was especially interested in this story since it’s based on a character in Edenton, NC. I enjoyed it, but it felt shallow in spite of the number of references sourced as research.

carriewnettles's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0


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elizabeththebookwoman's review against another edition

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3.0

Lacked depth; had great potential but fell short. Interesting story, though.