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kyootfaerie's review
3.0
I couldn't get into it, but it seemed well written. Maybe I'll try again later?
teriboop's review
3.0
A decent first novel of Tara Conklin. The House Girl centers around a mid-nineteenth century house slave named Josephine who may or may not be the actual artist behind a series of paintings thought to be painted by Miss Lu, the wife of a tobacco plantation owner. In present day, Carolina, an associate of a high powered law firm is tasked to find a slave descendant who could be the face of a reparations suit against the government on the issue of slavery. Carolina focuses on Josephine, since art is very near and dear to her heart as her estranged parents are both artists as well. While solving the mystery of Josephine's family line, she solves the mystery of her own parentage.
I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. I could tell it was a first novel, that there were too many "coincidences" and the story rushed. A lot of the story was told through letters, which was nice, but some went on too long. There were some unnecessary bits, like long lists of names that ultimately didn't matter to the story, and other areas that I thought could be expanded. I do hope Conklin will write more. I think there is talent there but needs some polishing.
I didn't love this book, but I didn't hate it either. I could tell it was a first novel, that there were too many "coincidences" and the story rushed. A lot of the story was told through letters, which was nice, but some went on too long. There were some unnecessary bits, like long lists of names that ultimately didn't matter to the story, and other areas that I thought could be expanded. I do hope Conklin will write more. I think there is talent there but needs some polishing.
pakastajaelvi's review
3.0
2-3 stars. The premise is interesting and I liked the mystery artist aspect . However, I was disappointed in how the end is structured, it even felt a bit of mockery towards Josephine. Her own voice should have been heard further towards the end.
inkwitchery's review
2.0
THE HOUSE GIRL by Tara Conklin
This started off great until about halfway when it branched off into various (sort of related), but not very believable subplots.
Josephine Bell’s story was well written and powerful. Her life’s experience, artistic eye, strength and determination to be free came across the page so vividly. What a disappointment it was when the rest of her journey was then told by a newly introduced character/witness via letter. Like, what?!
Lina Sparrow on the other hand was aggravating, spineless and severely lacking in sense for being a lawyer. The backstory/subplot about her dead mother was nonsensical and wholly unnecessary.
Overall, the individual stories/narratives, while related and compelling, was disjointed. The subplots didn’t add to the story and the long descriptive passages (and so many commas!) were tedious to read. It felt like I was reading three different books about one woman’s life.
Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️
This started off great until about halfway when it branched off into various (sort of related), but not very believable subplots.
Josephine Bell’s story was well written and powerful. Her life’s experience, artistic eye, strength and determination to be free came across the page so vividly. What a disappointment it was when the rest of her journey was then told by a newly introduced character/witness via letter. Like, what?!
Lina Sparrow on the other hand was aggravating, spineless and severely lacking in sense for being a lawyer. The backstory/subplot about her dead mother was nonsensical and wholly unnecessary.
Overall, the individual stories/narratives, while related and compelling, was disjointed. The subplots didn’t add to the story and the long descriptive passages (and so many commas!) were tedious to read. It felt like I was reading three different books about one woman’s life.
Rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️
micki1961's review
3.0
A story told in Antebellum south and modern day NYC. Reparations for enslavement of blacks the created this country and a slave artist whose works were attributed to her slave owner. Sad and interesting.