Scan barcode
melohpa's review against another edition
4.0
See my review at
http://topplingbookpile.blogspot.com/2018/03/a-tangled-mercy-by-joy-jordan-lake-once.html
http://topplingbookpile.blogspot.com/2018/03/a-tangled-mercy-by-joy-jordan-lake-once.html
std052774's review against another edition
5.0
Well written
It was a slow read at first, but quickly picked up. The author’s way of blending history and modern facts kept me enthralled and hungry for the next chapter. I love books that incorporate current events in a historical context. Well done.
It was a slow read at first, but quickly picked up. The author’s way of blending history and modern facts kept me enthralled and hungry for the next chapter. I love books that incorporate current events in a historical context. Well done.
karnaconverse's review against another edition
3.0
Two storylines told in alternating chapters—one set in 1822 and one in 2015, both in Charleston, South Carolina. 3.5 stars.
I was drawn into each storyline—the (50) chapters are short and engaging, the dialogue captivating—but found the constant back-and-forth between the two a bit irritating. I especially enjoyed reading how the 1822 storyline came together and can see how Lake's own post-graduate work in the cultural battle over slavery influenced these chapters.
The 1822 story explores how Charleston blacksmith Tom Russell became involved in a slave revolt being planned by Denmark Vesey, a former slave who had won his freedom in a city lottery, and how future abolitionist Angelina Grimké watched it unfold. The 2015 story is structured around a grad student and her research about whether or not Tom Russell actually died in the revolt and—even more important to her--research into family secrets that intersect with many of Charleston's prominent, and former slave-holding, families.
A Tangled Mercy was published in 2017 and named to several "best read" and "hottest book" lists of that year.
I was drawn into each storyline—the (50) chapters are short and engaging, the dialogue captivating—but found the constant back-and-forth between the two a bit irritating. I especially enjoyed reading how the 1822 storyline came together and can see how Lake's own post-graduate work in the cultural battle over slavery influenced these chapters.
The 1822 story explores how Charleston blacksmith Tom Russell became involved in a slave revolt being planned by Denmark Vesey, a former slave who had won his freedom in a city lottery, and how future abolitionist Angelina Grimké watched it unfold. The 2015 story is structured around a grad student and her research about whether or not Tom Russell actually died in the revolt and—even more important to her--research into family secrets that intersect with many of Charleston's prominent, and former slave-holding, families.
A Tangled Mercy was published in 2017 and named to several "best read" and "hottest book" lists of that year.
smderitis's review against another edition
3.0
An interesting story that includes tons of southern history and a tiny bit of mystery. The writing sometimes felt jumbled and overall the story was a bit long, but otherwise an alright read. Definitely made me want to visit Charleston and learn more about its past.
zieleniewo's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
scent_of_the_rain's review against another edition
4.0
This book positively surprised me, as I didn’t think I will like it as much as I did. It was on my TBR list for at least two years before I decided to actually read it. I remember liking the synopsis of it when I put it on the TBR, but since so much time have passed I was afraid that I won’t like it anymore. Because my taste have changed. I was wrong.
The story is quite good but a little slow paced. It’s told from the perspective of many characters but mostly Kate, a white woman in the present day, and Tom, a slave in times before American Civil War. For a change I liked both storylines the same. Both of them are compelling and the ends are not as predictable as I initially thought. Just a small disclaimer: there is some graphic description of violence and an terrorist attack from the perspective of a young child.
I would say that the weak point of this book are the characters, not that they are badly written, but rather we didn’t have an opportunity to get to know them better, maybe with exception of Kate. But I really liked Rose, I wish she was my grandmother, and not because she is rich.
I really need such a good surprise at the time so I’m grateful.
The story is quite good but a little slow paced. It’s told from the perspective of many characters but mostly Kate, a white woman in the present day, and Tom, a slave in times before American Civil War. For a change I liked both storylines the same. Both of them are compelling and the ends are not as predictable as I initially thought. Just a small disclaimer: there is some graphic description of violence and an terrorist attack from the perspective of a young child.
I would say that the weak point of this book are the characters, not that they are badly written, but rather we didn’t have an opportunity to get to know them better, maybe with exception of Kate. But I really liked Rose, I wish she was my grandmother, and not because she is rich.
I really need such a good surprise at the time so I’m grateful.
jodinicole2023's review
4.0
I struggled in the beginning because of the switch back and forth from the past to the present day, but once I got into both story lines I was engrossed. Great read.
katreadsalot's review against another edition
4.0
Charleston came to life in this novel. I really appreciated the diverse ways that the author portrayed white women in the south prior to the Civil War. A white woman was an enslaver, another was a mostly silent participant in slavery (with some growth of the character), and another was a famous abolitionist who actively spoke out against slavery. No doubt there were white women in all of these roles during that time.
Kate was not a great historian, but was a likable character and I appreciated her grappling with her own white privilege at points in the book. I loved her supporting cast - particularly Gabe and Daniel. The author's note at the enhanced the reading experience.
Kate was not a great historian, but was a likable character and I appreciated her grappling with her own white privilege at points in the book. I loved her supporting cast - particularly Gabe and Daniel. The author's note at the enhanced the reading experience.
hjdutton's review against another edition
4.0
Starts off a little slow, but stick with it through the first few chapters and it's well worth it. An absorbing, honest novel that wrestles with America's dark racial history and the ties that bind us all to that past.