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zikeyag's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
βStart believing in good things, even before you see them.β
This is one of my favorite quotes from this book, because this entire story was based on a true test of faith and hope. I recently moved to South Carolina and am still new to the history here. I have never heard of The Happy Land and it was interesting to learn of the Happy Landers and their story in a now familiar place to me. King William and Queen Louella led the people to something of their own by believing in God, having compassion, determination and the will to succeed and be free. This story was great to read and to become knowledgeable of the America King and Queen. They walked, so others could run.
This is one of my favorite quotes from this book, because this entire story was based on a true test of faith and hope. I recently moved to South Carolina and am still new to the history here. I have never heard of The Happy Land and it was interesting to learn of the Happy Landers and their story in a now familiar place to me. King William and Queen Louella led the people to something of their own by believing in God, having compassion, determination and the will to succeed and be free. This story was great to read and to become knowledgeable of the America King and Queen. They walked, so others could run.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Child death, Hate crime, Racism, Death, and Slavery
bread_loaf_star's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ππππ«πππ«πππ€π’π§π ππ§π ππππ«ππ°ππ«π¦π’π§π ππ₯π₯ ππ π¨π§ππ
This is a stunning book, wrenching at my heart. I admit I even cried at one point. But there are also many heartwarming and joyous moments as well.
This story is a beautiful retelling of Queen Louella, coming from slavery and building her kingdom on american soil. The story is based on real events and I really liked that the author explained at the end the differences from her work and historical events.
There were songs in the book and the narrator sang them that was a cool experience, in general the narrator had a mesmerising voice and her accent fit well with the premise.
This book was so emotional, inspirational and informative, I would recommend everyone to read this, especially to learn a part of American history that few know.
Long live Queen Louella in our hearts and minds!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage and Death
Moderate: Slavery, Violence, and Racism
gracescanlon's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Classism, Death, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Confinement, Child death, Blood, Pregnancy, Murder, Torture, Racism, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, Animal death, Alcohol, Slavery, Violence, and Child abuse
carmluvs2read's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Miscarriage, Death, Slavery, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, and Grief
iamcaseyrkelley's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Once I got into this book, I could not put it down. Given that the current climate is either rewriting or erasing African American history, this is one of the most important works of our time. It is a story of perseverance and overcoming in spite of all the hardships that were presented to recently freed enslaved people. To know that people that were born enslaved built a community of over 500 families blew me a way. The amount of research the author did (included in the Authorβs Note) was phenomenal and reminded me why I loved Yellow Wife. I loved Louella so much. She is the epitome of βmen are the head but women are the neck and we can turn the head any way we wantβ. While both her and William are the king and queen, she is really the true leader of this kingdom. Learning that this was based on a true story has me wanting to visit South Carolina and pay respect to Happy Land.
If you liked Yellow Wife, Carolina Built, The Personal Librarian or The Great Mrs Elias, I highly recommend you read this one and learn about Queen Louella. It is another hidden secret of African American History that everyone should know and celebrate. You canβt call yourself an ally or advocate and not want to celebrate this beautiful fictionalized history of African Americans.
SN: this book does not include the graphic violence of Yellow Wife
If you liked Yellow Wife, Carolina Built, The Personal Librarian or The Great Mrs Elias, I highly recommend you read this one and learn about Queen Louella. It is another hidden secret of African American History that everyone should know and celebrate. You canβt call yourself an ally or advocate and not want to celebrate this beautiful fictionalized history of African Americans.
SN: this book does not include the graphic violence of Yellow Wife
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Slavery, Racism, and Child death
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