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hoit's review
5.0
I listened to the audio version of the book, narrated by Adenrele Ojo. This is one of those books which captivates the reader in the first page and holds it steadily all the way through the epilogue and author's notes. The story is filled with characters that weave into our memories and demand "remembrance", and the narrator Adenrele Ojo portrays their spirit, dilemma, anguish, struggles and joy fantastically!
loliver100's review
5.0
Vivid characters and a fascinating, well-researched story about plantation life. Fans of THE HELP may like this one. Watch the book trailer: http://youtu.be/Rr6M3SSQOqU
freeformlady's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I highly recommend the audiobook. There is an author interview with a 91-year-old midwife who served as a bit of inspiration for the book.
latoyabereading's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
I loved this book and I’d read it again.
lynnski723's review
5.0
Another book to add to my favorites!!! Not only did I enjoy the story, I loved the way it was written. It was beautifully insightful and deep; heartwarming and yet at times upsetting. I think this story will stay with me for a long time.
I hadn't paid attention to the authors name going into it so was extremely surprised to find it was written by a man and doubly surprised to see it was a white man. He did, at least, grow up in the south :)
I hadn't paid attention to the authors name going into it so was extremely surprised to find it was written by a man and doubly surprised to see it was a white man. He did, at least, grow up in the south :)
marialouise16's review
5.0
I loved this book -- read it nonstop. I liked it from the beginning, but it definitely gained momentum as the story progressed. By the end, I was anxious to finish and gasped with delight when it all came together. Goosebumps :) This is definitely a book I would like to read again -- the mysterious elements left me guessing on many occasions! This is a book with many layers.
jheckman324's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this book - it had a refreshing story and great characters
kkilburn's review
5.0
I have to admit that I was a little worried that a middle-aged white southern male might have, shall we say, certain difficulties writing credibly from the point of view of a female slave. But other reviews convinced me to take the plunge, and I'm glad I did. I followed the recommendation of one reviewer and read Odell's Note to the Reader to understand his personal background and something of the work he did gathering oral histories before writing this book; I recommend the same to other readers.
As the stars indicate, I loved this book. It's a beautiful coming of age story, but it's also a terrific piece of historical fiction told from the perspective of strong, compelling female characters (and not a few males). Given the time and place, the stories can't help but be full of cruelty and tragedy, but they're also full of strength, wisdom, dignity, honor, and plenty of humor. It is, in the end - and for lack of better words - uplifting and heartwarming. It's also full of absolutely gorgeous prose.
If you want a fuller and more academic review, check out Aisha Down's from The Harvard Crimson (http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/3/5/the_healing_review/); she does a good job of addressing some of the weaknesses of the book as well as its many strengths. But the bottom line is still that it's a lovely book, and you should read it :)
As the stars indicate, I loved this book. It's a beautiful coming of age story, but it's also a terrific piece of historical fiction told from the perspective of strong, compelling female characters (and not a few males). Given the time and place, the stories can't help but be full of cruelty and tragedy, but they're also full of strength, wisdom, dignity, honor, and plenty of humor. It is, in the end - and for lack of better words - uplifting and heartwarming. It's also full of absolutely gorgeous prose.
If you want a fuller and more academic review, check out Aisha Down's from The Harvard Crimson (http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2012/3/5/the_healing_review/); she does a good job of addressing some of the weaknesses of the book as well as its many strengths. But the bottom line is still that it's a lovely book, and you should read it :)