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lisasoucy's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.25
suvata's review against another edition
3.0
#OUABC Once Upon A Book Club Adult November 2017 selection
colleengeedrumm's review against another edition
4.0
This book made me want to visit Charleston, SC someday.
Never was a city so sweet on itself than Charleston.
It is our unfortunate characteristics that make any of us interesting. Those of us, I might add, who are interesting.
The past is never dead. It's not even past. - William Faulkner
Hard not to spend up the life we've got now railing at what we wish hadn't been.
The most important votes, dear, that one ever places are with one's feet.
Sometimes the people with the softest hearts can't quit beating themselves for any hurt they've caused somebody else. Keep things churned up like that, there's no place forgiveness can take a deep root.
Gullah - groan in the spirit
A life worth living is one of compassion. And a life of compassion will include many tears.
Never was a city so sweet on itself than Charleston.
It is our unfortunate characteristics that make any of us interesting. Those of us, I might add, who are interesting.
The past is never dead. It's not even past. - William Faulkner
Hard not to spend up the life we've got now railing at what we wish hadn't been.
The most important votes, dear, that one ever places are with one's feet.
Sometimes the people with the softest hearts can't quit beating themselves for any hurt they've caused somebody else. Keep things churned up like that, there's no place forgiveness can take a deep root.
Gullah - groan in the spirit
A life worth living is one of compassion. And a life of compassion will include many tears.
jnowal's review against another edition
2.0
This could have been so much better. The core of the story is good, but the way it's told was disappointing to me. Most of the main characters are one-dimensional and implausible, and the minor characters come off as cringe-worthy caricatures rather than human beings. And although the author acknowledges both through her self-insert Kate and in the afterword that she is writing from a place of privilege, it doesn’t erase the bad taste of the story revolving around a white woman who is smart enough to be a Harvard grad student yet acts remarkably dumb throughout most of the book, and who tries to be stand-offish yet is adored at first sight by most of the other characters. The historical storyline is a little better, but I was bothered that the only black female character in the whole story exists solely for other characters - a black man and a white woman - to project their heroic impulses onto.
kpbq81's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book. It's not without merit; I learned a lot about historical events and people that I had never heard of and will further research. And I liked the writing style, most of the time. Her descriptions were lovely and evocative.
It is too much of a fantasy about white savior syndrome to be worth a mention as a book about racism. Rose who is white overrides the explicit wishes of three generations of a black family, simply because she does what she wants. Emily is a benevolent slave owner, and I found her story along with Dinah and Tom, the most compelling. Kate is a white woman who somehow manages to say all the right things about the experience of black people, even though she seemingly has had no interactions with any in her life.
Drawing the Dylann Roof massacre into the story was too much for me. I understand why other people liked this story, but I don't think heavy issues of racism can genuinely be written about by white people and contain true introspection. This feels like whitewashing a serious subject in order to portray a happy ending.
It is too much of a fantasy about white savior syndrome to be worth a mention as a book about racism. Rose who is white overrides the explicit wishes of three generations of a black family, simply because she does what she wants. Emily is a benevolent slave owner, and I found her story along with Dinah and Tom, the most compelling. Kate is a white woman who somehow manages to say all the right things about the experience of black people, even though she seemingly has had no interactions with any in her life.
Drawing the Dylann Roof massacre into the story was too much for me. I understand why other people liked this story, but I don't think heavy issues of racism can genuinely be written about by white people and contain true introspection. This feels like whitewashing a serious subject in order to portray a happy ending.
deedralapray's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, Charleston. You beautiful, tragic city. Matt started this book before we headed to Charleston. Even though I had done a lot of reading beforehand on history and attractions in Charleston, Matt seemed to have a better grasp of their connections. I decided to go ahead and read this one, too.
It is told in alternative perspectives - oscillating between the story of Tom Russell, who was a slave and a blacksmith in 1822, and Kate Drayton, who has ties to Charleston that go back to the ugly time of slavery. As I was reading this book, I could clearly imagine both the current day setting and that of the one based in 1822. It's amazing how much, yet how little, the city has changed. Many of the homes and history are still present today. What has changed is the spirit and love that abound in Charleston.
It is told in alternative perspectives - oscillating between the story of Tom Russell, who was a slave and a blacksmith in 1822, and Kate Drayton, who has ties to Charleston that go back to the ugly time of slavery. As I was reading this book, I could clearly imagine both the current day setting and that of the one based in 1822. It's amazing how much, yet how little, the city has changed. Many of the homes and history are still present today. What has changed is the spirit and love that abound in Charleston.
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
A TANGLED MERCY by Joy Jordan-Lake interweaves the painful stories of two different time periods and two different sets of characters. A captivating tale. A place of contrasts. Pain and beauty. A city both vulnerable and resilient.
A hauntingly beautiful story of dual-timelines— a moving Southern tale: 1822 dark family secrets of slavery, and present-day Charleston, SC. From the Denmark Vesey slave revolt, and those who courageously fought for freedom.
The strong and courageous characters who stood out to take a stand against slavery to the more recent tragic shooting at Emanuel AME in Charleston —of rage, injustice, discrimination, and violence.
“A time for every season, you know —a time to mourn and a time to dance. Only here in the Low Country, we sometimes do both at the same time.”
Kate Drayton’s mother has passed and as a struggling Harvard grad student in New England, she decides to return to Charleston, SC — the place where her parents met. There are unanswered questions plus she needs to salvage her career in academia using her mom’s research.
Kate’s attempts to discover what drove her mother’s dangerous obsession with Charleston’s tumultuous history are derailed by a horrific massacre in the very same landmark church. In the unimaginable aftermath, Kate discovers a family she never knew existed as the city unites after horror and outrage.
A well-researched meticulous blending of fact and fiction, the author eloquently outlines why this story is so important to her. Her passion shines through each word on the page. It is critical to be tuned into how the “past bleeds through the present at every corner.”
As the author reiterates, it is her hope that this story of tragedy, brutality, beauty, and courage across two hundred years might be a least a small part of a conversation to have between our races.
Where not talking is also dangerous. “Make some noise” on behalf of those whose voices aren’t being heard. Promote respectful conversations.
I appreciate the author’s specific notes how she loved American history and the South. I can envision her packing up her eight-month daughter and her adventurous husband and driving to Charleston where she fell in love with the city. There was a story to be told. And back again later with three children and a husband to finish her work.
Engrossing! It is important to show the historical characters have changed the course of American history and why their message still matters today, particularly in a cultural moment in which people of common goodwill but different racial, ethnic and political backgrounds and perspectives are trying to be heard, and understood while attempting to move forward together.
Astounding, the author began this journey some twenty years ago; however, rings true today in our complex world of understanding people, their roots, their past, and their hearts.
As a reader, I find these components of fact and fiction make for a powerful and insightful read. The reason I myself find historical fiction so fascinating, you have a foundation of real people, vivid places, and experiences rich in history and character.
The skill of the author is to be able to put themselves in the minds and hearts of their characters —portray which could have happened or their most intimate thoughts. Feel what they are feeling.
Joy-Jordan Lake and her words will empower you. You cannot read this tale and not be moved in some way. A story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. (have you read her bio)? Highly impressive.
If you have grown up or spent time in the Low Country, you may know of its historical architecture, beauty, and charm today.
However, as depicted in the novel, beneath the façade, there has been a turbulent history. Darkness and ugliness in contrast to the beauty. Even today in our world and cultural climate of today, we see the pain of racial injustice and a world of violence. We cannot read any news feed without devastation.
As the author mentions her intent is not only to tell a story worth reading (which she does masterfully); but equally and more importantly to honor the memory of those in the nineteenth and twenty-first-century Charleston who have set an example of courage, conviction, and a spirit of love far stronger than hate. They need a voice.
From outrage, pain, and horror to love, unity, forgiveness, and strength. A poignant and inspiring story of how people come together, even in their darkest hours. Crossing lines of race, income, social class, and religion. Seeking justice.
I loved the author’s reference to a foundation from a portion of the proceeds of the novel to go towards serving the families of victims, administered by Mother Emanuel.
Beyond the harrowing depths of human brutality and betrayal, their lives redemption, freedom, and forgiveness.
A highly recommended choice for book clubs and further discussions (Reading Group Questions Included).
For fans of well-researched historical and Southern fiction and readers who enjoy Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, Charles Martin, Karen White, Lisa Wingate and Susan Meissner. (all favorites of mine).
My first book by the author, and look forward to reading more (and her backlist of those I missed) from this talented and gifted writer! My Top Books of 2017 and my featured Top 20 Books for Nov.
JDCMustReadBooks
A hauntingly beautiful story of dual-timelines— a moving Southern tale: 1822 dark family secrets of slavery, and present-day Charleston, SC. From the Denmark Vesey slave revolt, and those who courageously fought for freedom.
The strong and courageous characters who stood out to take a stand against slavery to the more recent tragic shooting at Emanuel AME in Charleston —of rage, injustice, discrimination, and violence.
“A time for every season, you know —a time to mourn and a time to dance. Only here in the Low Country, we sometimes do both at the same time.”
Kate Drayton’s mother has passed and as a struggling Harvard grad student in New England, she decides to return to Charleston, SC — the place where her parents met. There are unanswered questions plus she needs to salvage her career in academia using her mom’s research.
Kate’s attempts to discover what drove her mother’s dangerous obsession with Charleston’s tumultuous history are derailed by a horrific massacre in the very same landmark church. In the unimaginable aftermath, Kate discovers a family she never knew existed as the city unites after horror and outrage.
A well-researched meticulous blending of fact and fiction, the author eloquently outlines why this story is so important to her. Her passion shines through each word on the page. It is critical to be tuned into how the “past bleeds through the present at every corner.”
As the author reiterates, it is her hope that this story of tragedy, brutality, beauty, and courage across two hundred years might be a least a small part of a conversation to have between our races.
Where not talking is also dangerous. “Make some noise” on behalf of those whose voices aren’t being heard. Promote respectful conversations.
I appreciate the author’s specific notes how she loved American history and the South. I can envision her packing up her eight-month daughter and her adventurous husband and driving to Charleston where she fell in love with the city. There was a story to be told. And back again later with three children and a husband to finish her work.
Engrossing! It is important to show the historical characters have changed the course of American history and why their message still matters today, particularly in a cultural moment in which people of common goodwill but different racial, ethnic and political backgrounds and perspectives are trying to be heard, and understood while attempting to move forward together.
Astounding, the author began this journey some twenty years ago; however, rings true today in our complex world of understanding people, their roots, their past, and their hearts.
As a reader, I find these components of fact and fiction make for a powerful and insightful read. The reason I myself find historical fiction so fascinating, you have a foundation of real people, vivid places, and experiences rich in history and character.
The skill of the author is to be able to put themselves in the minds and hearts of their characters —portray which could have happened or their most intimate thoughts. Feel what they are feeling.
Joy-Jordan Lake and her words will empower you. You cannot read this tale and not be moved in some way. A story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption. (have you read her bio)? Highly impressive.
If you have grown up or spent time in the Low Country, you may know of its historical architecture, beauty, and charm today.
However, as depicted in the novel, beneath the façade, there has been a turbulent history. Darkness and ugliness in contrast to the beauty. Even today in our world and cultural climate of today, we see the pain of racial injustice and a world of violence. We cannot read any news feed without devastation.
As the author mentions her intent is not only to tell a story worth reading (which she does masterfully); but equally and more importantly to honor the memory of those in the nineteenth and twenty-first-century Charleston who have set an example of courage, conviction, and a spirit of love far stronger than hate. They need a voice.
From outrage, pain, and horror to love, unity, forgiveness, and strength. A poignant and inspiring story of how people come together, even in their darkest hours. Crossing lines of race, income, social class, and religion. Seeking justice.
I loved the author’s reference to a foundation from a portion of the proceeds of the novel to go towards serving the families of victims, administered by Mother Emanuel.
Beyond the harrowing depths of human brutality and betrayal, their lives redemption, freedom, and forgiveness.
A highly recommended choice for book clubs and further discussions (Reading Group Questions Included).
For fans of well-researched historical and Southern fiction and readers who enjoy Jodi Picoult, Diane Chamberlain, Charles Martin, Karen White, Lisa Wingate and Susan Meissner. (all favorites of mine).
My first book by the author, and look forward to reading more (and her backlist of those I missed) from this talented and gifted writer! My Top Books of 2017 and my featured Top 20 Books for Nov.
JDCMustReadBooks
treparker73's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent
Went into this pretty blind, sometimes that’s the best way to start a book. The story takes place in two time periods and it works well. Interesting and based on some true events.
Went into this pretty blind, sometimes that’s the best way to start a book. The story takes place in two time periods and it works well. Interesting and based on some true events.
carolynfc's review against another edition
4.0
I had trouble getting into this - I think the narrative at times is a little obvious and overdone, which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 - but by the end I could barely put it down. This book - the second half, in particular - is beautiful. The writing, the story, Charleston itself...a MUST READ.