This is almost a 2nd chance love story set in Reconstruction Era Alabama, 1867.
For the most part I liked this. It was simple and not as good as her moThis is almost a 2nd chance love story set in Reconstruction Era Alabama, 1867.
For the most part I liked this. It was simple and not as good as her more recent stories but certainly worth reading.
My main gripe with this book is that the author did so little research.
The Black Codes don't come into effect until after the end of Reconstruction, 1877.
Reconstruction itself is a Golden Age in American history in which Black folks, voted, held office, owned property and during which interracial marriage was legal.
Anti-miscegenation Laws in Alabama are placed in the state constitution in 1901. During the time this story is set those laws did not apply.
Reconstruction is not taught in schools and very few Americans truly understand its importance and significance.
I highly recommend checking out Reconstruction on PBS hosted by historian Henry Louis Gates Jr.
For nonfiction history books I'd suggest: Black Reconstruction by W.E.B. Du Bois
Stony the Road by Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Reconstruction & The Second Founding by Eric Foner
I Saw Death Coming by Kidada E. Williams covers the fall of Reconstruction which brings about the well known Black Codes that usher in Jim & Jane Crow.
To offer a slight education to anyone interested I included just simple Google Search results.
This is a fictional Sci fi based retelling of Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI & and the French Revolution.
I'm extremely familiar wit3.5 Stars Rounded Down
This is a fictional Sci fi based retelling of Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI & and the French Revolution.
I'm extremely familiar with the details of the life of Marie Antoinette & Louis XVI. I highly recommend the biographies of both written by John Hardman to understand their personalities and the role Marie Antoinette played in the downfall of the French Bourbon Monarchy. The Road to Versailles by Munro Price is an excellent study into the events that led to the Revolution and whether Louis XVI needed to die.
This kinda sorta works. It's extremely simplified, drops many political aspects that could've strengthened the story, and focuses on the lack of sex life between Marie & Louis more than was necessary.
I liked how Fersen was handled, but frankly, the Princesse de Lamballe deserved better as she was the most loyal friend the Marie Antoinette had.
What doesn't work is that the couple are monarchs for decades before being beheaded. So this felt rushed, confused, and anticlimactic.
Also, I'm unsure if the author really understands what the first, second, and third estate are and how that impacted the revolution.
The low rating is for the suggestion that rebellion against unjust governments are unfair, corrupt, and doomed to failure.
France post revolution was fucking amazing. Women could divorce and did, after Napoleon French women will lose that freedom for almost 200 yrs. Haiti wins their freedom as do other French Caribbean islands. Jewish people are treated fairly. Napoleon is antisemitic and racist. He reinstated slavery across the Caribbean with the exception of Haiti because Toussaint Louveture beat the French Army.
The death of rich people isn't a big deal. 1 million french peasants starved to death when Louis XIV built Versailles. Less than 40,000 people died during the Revolution. Shit Napoleon killed millions during his wars.
We learn about those that died during the so-called reign of terror but ignore that they were much less than was regularly dying under 1st Estate Management.
The trials weren't 'unfair' except that rich people were never subject to the same laws as poor people. Like now. If I steal from my boss I'm arrested immediately. If my boss steals from me, via my check is short, it's not a crime and I have to jump through hoops to get satisfaction.
Laws protect rich folks at the expense of everyone else. So yes the courts were unfair but the nobility didn't care until that unfairness was applied to them. So their deaths were justified...more
This is a somewhat hostile biography of Anne Boleyn. The author chooses to use mostly Chapuys as a source for Anne and decides to present her in his vThis is a somewhat hostile biography of Anne Boleyn. The author chooses to use mostly Chapuys as a source for Anne and decides to present her in his view. It's uncomfortable. Anne is regularly referred to as a concubine after her marriage to Henry, and Elizabeth is often called the bastard during her parents' actual marriage. It's bizarrely hostile.
Of what value is a biography of Anne Boleyn that stresses Katherine of Aragon & Mary Tudor's point of view???
This is beyond a balanced look.
The author passes the usual sexist nonsense about Anne Boleyn but packages it ludicrously as if Anne was a 'modern' feminist.
I find it weird that a modern view is that Anne simply should've given up her future as a wife to be a mistress to Henry VIII out of misplaced loyalty to Katherine of Aragon. It's just a silly opinion.
Anne was within her rights to refuse to sleep with the same King who fucked her sister. It's just ridiculous to suggest otherwise.
People outside of a marriage do not need to prioritize or respect another couples marriage. They are free to make choices that benefit them solely. To suggest otherwise is just childish.
Anne had no power to tell Henry to leave her alone and the history agrees she wanted to marry Henry Percy. She made lemonade out of the lemons Henry gave her.
Anne is blamed for Henry's own behavior towards and treatment of both Katherine of Aragon & Mary Tudor. Which is bullshit. Henry was an ass to Mary after he murdered Anne. So clearly Anne wasn't influencing him from her grave. Henry murdered Margaret Pole and her whole family in a fit of horrible pique. She was his mothers cousin and friend. She was involved in raising him. He murdered her children and grandchildren, tried to genocide her whole family. He is sick as fuck and I hate that Anne has somehow more responsible for Henry being unfaithful than he's held accountable for.
It's basically told from Katherine & Mary's pov until Henry dies.
Then Mary is increasingly marginalized in favor of Elizabeth I's great rise.
Meh. This is a biased and limited view of these dynamic women.
I found much of the ways Elizabeth carried her mother into her adult life touching. At the same time this author is so biased I don't completely trust her narrative...more
This was very easy to read as a casual historian. This was very well researched and sited. This is a fun way to learn a very condensed version of ScottThis was very easy to read as a casual historian. This was very well researched and sited. This is a fun way to learn a very condensed version of Scottish Royal history....more
This was well done. A bit overly positive but I understand the desire given the many negative portrayals. This was short but surprisingly detailed. A nicThis was well done. A bit overly positive but I understand the desire given the many negative portrayals. This was short but surprisingly detailed. A nice edition in this series....more
3.75 rounded up This is a very detailed look at the close of the Elizabethen Era and the rise of the Stuarts. This is primarily about the players of not3.75 rounded up This is a very detailed look at the close of the Elizabethen Era and the rise of the Stuarts. This is primarily about the players of note in the court of England and Scotland. It covers how James is chosen to replace Elizabeth and how this is influenced to happen. I'm only passingly familiar with this period but the sources seem solid....more
Warner is my favorite historian on Edward II and I was interested to see what she had to say about Isabella of France.
I was not di4.5 stars rounded up
Warner is my favorite historian on Edward II and I was interested to see what she had to say about Isabella of France.
I was not disappointed. This is THOROUGH and I deeply appreciate the scholarly level resources provided throughout.
Her passion in dispelling myths and calling out the sexist and homophobia which impacted how history remembers both Isabella and Edward II is greatly appreciated.
I appreciate that Ms Warner includes other points of view and other possibilities. I don't necessarily believe that Isabella was involved in the Tour de Nesle Affair and while this author doesn't agree, she does leave open the possibility and I value that.
Isabella doesn't occur enough in this and that's really my only gripe. I know the sources are limited but it kinda feels like Isabella is a player rather than the main character.
This is well done and a much needed correction in the history of this fascinating woman....more
This is beautifully handled. The story is honest but light enough for a 3-5 yr old. My grandkids are 7, 6 and 15 mrhs. So none of them Stunning artwork
This is beautifully handled. The story is honest but light enough for a 3-5 yr old. My grandkids are 7, 6 and 15 mrhs. So none of them are the target ages. The 2 oldest liked the story. My granddaughter LOVED the pictures and artwork. I'll definitely read more from this author....more
5 solid stars This isn't just about Meghan at all. This is about British Racism and what it looks like. I was surprised to see that it's common in the UK5 solid stars This isn't just about Meghan at all. This is about British Racism and what it looks like. I was surprised to see that it's common in the UK to use an umbrella term of 'black' to apply to a visible marginalized people's. So Asian folks fall under a 'black' umbrella. I could immediately see how that doesn't work as Asian's tend to be quite antiblack and in the US have a history of murdering Black folks and getting away with it as if they're white. Google Latasha Harlins and you'll see what I mean.
The other designation is BAME which acts kinda like BIPOC does here.
I'm a US born citizen currently living in a Commonwealth country, which is largely white and considerably more racist than the US but the citizens can't hear that and are convinced they're the kindest country in the world. It's a fucking mess. I'm headed home to the USA and racism I can understand and attempt to navigate.
This is backed by science unlike the other gossipfest books and this book is able to both make and substantiate their case. Well done!...more
Whew, there's a lot in this memoir. It was divided into 3 parts: childhood, soldiering & Meghan.
I believe utterly that this is Harry's view of what haWhew, there's a lot in this memoir. It was divided into 3 parts: childhood, soldiering & Meghan.
I believe utterly that this is Harry's view of what happened. I believe just as fully both his brother & father would have many corrections to this narrative.
I think we do hear from the family in the press, especially his Dad (Pa) & Camilla, indirectly, which is cowardly. I believe 100% that William made the comment about the color of Archie's skin, though the memoir never addresses it.
One of the largest surprises was that William and Harry basically have had a nonexistent relationship since before Diana died. Long before Will met Kate and Harry met Meghan. Their fractured relationship really has nothing to do with either wife.
The 2nd largest surprise was the sheer level of animosity William appears to have harbored for Harry, which is suggested to have begun in their childhood. Maybe sibling rivalry exacerbated by trauma? It comes off as incredibly petty given how much more money and power William has.
William is an incredible bully. He never ever defends Harry but does call on him for help when he's being bullied by mutual friends of theirs.
Harry longs for a deeper connection to his big brother, but Will honestly wants nothing to do with him. Their relationship is so distant that Harry & Will go on tour or engagement in Lesotho together after Will has become engaged privately to Kate. Will never even mentioned it to Harry. Harry finds out when it's published in the papers with the rest of the world.
Also the family is so fucking cold that Harry's never hugged his own grandparents. It's implied he's never hugged his father's siblings either. Like you could melt ice on the asses of these cold hearted folks. I don't even understand this kinda relationship. Bizarre and unhealthy.
That weird story in the press about Harry inheriting his mom's engagement ring and Wills having to ask for it to pop the question to Kate are all lies. The brothers also weren't each others best men at their respective weddings, just more lies for the press.
I was surprised that Meghan's TV show had to have her scenes and dialogue approved by the palace before filming. Meghan was a fiance, not a wife, and already, her entire life was pretty much dictated by royal advisors at a palace she didn't even receive support from.
Both Harry and the late Queen seemed surprised that Harry needed permission to marry Meghan. This felt odd to me as I fucking know this. How do actual family members not? The Queen didn't know which family members needed her permission to marry?
Charles III does indeed suggest that he has no money to support Meghan after years of speaking about a 'slimmed down monarchy including his son's and their families'. This is shortly after setting up a trustfund for his Stepkids, Camilla’s children from her first marriage.
The leaking between the palaces was harrowing. The Queen leaks against her family. Charles leaks against his sons. William leaks against Harry. Harry goes public with private family knowledge in puzzling and unnecessary detail.
This entire family is a fucking mess.
Harry is relatable with all his cannabis consumption, psychedlic and recreational drug use, drinking etc. He even used a tank of laughing gas when Meghan was in labor with Archie which I felt was a bit unacceptable.
He talks about his penis, the todger, more than I'd like.
Camilla suggested to Meg that Harry become the Governor General of Bermuda as they're having trouble with press when their relationship first goes public. This is before they're even engaged. So, the plan was always for them to scuttle off out of the limelight.
Meg and Charles seem to get along well. Wills is put off Meg hugged him and didn't bow. Kate is unbalanced by Meg's Americanness. It's mostly manufactured nonsense.
The ludicrous disagreements between Kate & Meghan are very high school mean girl- esque. I don't understand why Kate can't speak up if she's upset about the hormone cooment? It's weird on multiple levels to call a meeting and demand an apology months later. Just weird. Wills gets confrontational with Meghan and she tells him politely to get his finger out of her face; suddenly Will hates Meg.
Wills struggles to control his temper in much of this narrative. He's petty, mean, bullying and fragile as spun glass.
The so-called 'Sandringham Summitt' was a joke. Before the meeting started the Queen's office had already drafted a press release saying Harry & Meghan were leaving. So the 5 options offered were never real options. Harry was effectively kicked out of the family. He was promised security and continued financial support for a year. It turns out that too was a lie. Security was removed suddenly and without advance warning. His own father wouldn't even take his calls regarding this. Then they moved to Tyler Perry's house but quickly needed to get their own set up and right then Charles cuts off financial help.
It's clear the family was trying to bully them back to the palace. See, removing security is what got Diana killed, no two ways about it. Her security detail would've never allowed what happened to her to happen. Charles knew that and William knew that. Not to mention his own Grandmother, the Queen. I'm shocked they gave so few fucks. Like whoa. Harry & Meghan's threat level was equal to the Queens. Higher than any other member of the family and still his own father didn't fight his loss of security or pay to replace it.
The base toxicity in misusing power so oppressively. Then the epic level gaslighting to back it up. Shit with family like this, who needs enemies?
I see why the couple is doing TV shows and writing books. Their security costs are outrageous, Harry has no marketable skills and little education. Meghan was basically a cable actress and only on 1 show at that.
I would assume Meghan could get tons of work, but Harry is uncomfortable with her romantic scenes. I also think it is a class issue with their current titles and roles.
So they sell access to their experiences, and honestly, I'm not mad at them. I think they are desperately trying to secure enough resources to raise their kids safely. They are also continuing philanthropic work which isn't as helpful as most think but can be noble I guess. Philanthropy is largely a tax haven but I digress.
At the same time, even after comparing his family to a death cult, Harry doesn't denounce monarchy. He gives a couple 'lip service' passages to the evils of colonialism, but overall, he's a proud Brit and a monarchist. I didn't expect anything less, and that's truthfully why I pirated this book. The Royals are OG colonists. I'm never willingly giving them money.
I wish Harry & Meghan and their little family the best. Meghan's the best thing that ever happened to Harry. They're a great couple and a happy family. They would've been a huge asset to Charles III and I do think in time their experiences will have a detrimental impact on the monarchy as an institution. The racism is obvious and epic. It will continue to echo through The Commonwealth. Ah may it all end soon:)
I'd give this a 3.75 probably rounded to a 4 but given the racists have been bombing the reviews I feel.honor bound to counteract that with a 5 star rating....more
Whelp as the top review on this site compares this to, 'White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain’s White Slaves in America.' a white supremacist Whelp as the top review on this site compares this to, 'White Cargo: The Forgotten History of Britain’s White Slaves in America.' a white supremacist fascist manifesto passing itself off as history bet you can guess what kind of a review I'm going to give this piece of shit book.
Britain didn't send enslaved white people to America, ever. It is however a popular white supremacist talking point and despite the awards this book won, I can see the comparison.
There is charm in his research and topic but it's incredibly white focused while at the same failing to mention whiteness or deal with it historically at the same time which gives this tome little value to folks interested in the history of America and not just white Americans. ...more
This is thorough as fuck and, while written in a tone that is easily accessible to lay readers of history, I feel like this dense gathering of facts cThis is thorough as fuck and, while written in a tone that is easily accessible to lay readers of history, I feel like this dense gathering of facts could possibly run a bit dry or boring. On the other hand if like myself you're tired of history lite, this is a treasure. I'll definitely need to read this again. Though this is showing as read in 1 day, I actually started this weeks ago....more
Yikes This is terrible. The first 30% is a rehash of Henry & Catherine of Aragon as well as Henry & Anne Boleyn. The treatment of Anne Boleyn is nasty, sYikes This is terrible. The first 30% is a rehash of Henry & Catherine of Aragon as well as Henry & Anne Boleyn. The treatment of Anne Boleyn is nasty, sexist, biased and largely historically inaccurate. The author/historian has a narrative for Jane largely based on disparaging Anne Boleyn. The truth is there's little info available about Jane and we have no idea how she felt. Furthermore the author ignores Jane's hypocrisy in using Anne Boleyn's supposed 'methods' to become the next queen while judging and slut shaming Anne for the very same behavior she engaged in herself. Furthermore Anne Boleyn is murdered by Henry VIII and its gross, historically inaccurate and sexist to blame her for her own murder. I would expect a woman historian to be less sexist but I've noticed this bullshit sexist treatment of Anne Boleyn is standard amongst British Historians. Sigh. This was a complete waste of my time. I don't know anything more about Jane than I knew before reading this hagiographical nonsense passed off as an actual biography....more