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halkid2's review
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This historical novel relates another hidden but fascinating episode from U.S. history. THE AMERICAN QUEEN tells the story of a group of formerly enslaved people, who successfully established an independent settlement, straddling the border between North and South Carolina.
In the years immediately following the American Civil War (1861-65), as angry and impoverished former slave owners tried any means to maintain control over the workers they used to “own”, a group of newly freed Black Americans recognized the limitations they faced as sharecroppers in Alabama. Eager to move North, where they could establish new lives with greater opportunity, they set off on a year long journey — under the leadership of William and Louella Montgomery.
William, the Black son of his former master was educated as a minister, always guided by his deep faith. His wife, Louella, was more visionary and, despite the trauma she experienced being enslaved, was able to imagine a place where people lived and worked collectively and cooperatively under the motto “one for all and all for one.” You might even label their Kingdom of Happy Land as an early socialist experiment.
Not surprisingly, their efforts faced many challenges — part of why this story is so engaging. But I so admired the perseverance they demonstrated. And what I most valued was the greater insight I gained into some of the longer lasting effects of this country’s shameful history of slavery and racism, including:
• The difficulty of tracking family members who were sold off during the years of slavery.
• The intense PTSD suffered by ALL enslaved people and the different ways that trauma impacted their lives long after slavery ended.
• The stark differences in both opportunities and treatment, based on the darkness or lightness of one’s skin color.
• The deep and pervasive faith in Christianity that still sustains the Black community.
THE AMERICAN QUEEN tells a story that I wish had been taught to me in school. Because this is not a story of victims. Instead these Black Americans were active agents bravely trying to determine a new and independent way forward. It’s quite inspirational and well worth reading.
In the years immediately following the American Civil War (1861-65), as angry and impoverished former slave owners tried any means to maintain control over the workers they used to “own”, a group of newly freed Black Americans recognized the limitations they faced as sharecroppers in Alabama. Eager to move North, where they could establish new lives with greater opportunity, they set off on a year long journey — under the leadership of William and Louella Montgomery.
William, the Black son of his former master was educated as a minister, always guided by his deep faith. His wife, Louella, was more visionary and, despite the trauma she experienced being enslaved, was able to imagine a place where people lived and worked collectively and cooperatively under the motto “one for all and all for one.” You might even label their Kingdom of Happy Land as an early socialist experiment.
Not surprisingly, their efforts faced many challenges — part of why this story is so engaging. But I so admired the perseverance they demonstrated. And what I most valued was the greater insight I gained into some of the longer lasting effects of this country’s shameful history of slavery and racism, including:
• The difficulty of tracking family members who were sold off during the years of slavery.
• The intense PTSD suffered by ALL enslaved people and the different ways that trauma impacted their lives long after slavery ended.
• The stark differences in both opportunities and treatment, based on the darkness or lightness of one’s skin color.
• The deep and pervasive faith in Christianity that still sustains the Black community.
THE AMERICAN QUEEN tells a story that I wish had been taught to me in school. Because this is not a story of victims. Instead these Black Americans were active agents bravely trying to determine a new and independent way forward. It’s quite inspirational and well worth reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Murder
ninaw2's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
this book was amazing. the main character was so strong and bold. i love her strength and perseverance. it was an emotional rollercoaster but because there was always hope you kept going just like these people kept going. the story takes place around the end of the civil war and into reconstruction so it discusses slavery, lynching, passing, jim crow laws, death etc. idk how people did anything back then, simply amazing. what made this books even better was the authors note and learning this was based on a true story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Miscarriage, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Pregnancy
pm_me_book_recs's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a deeply moving dedication to Louella Montgomery, and the historical note at the end! The list of resources! This history student is so appreciative!
I read this as part of my lineup for Black History Month and quickly added it to my list of staple historical-fic recommendations. This is a story of hope and resilience, dignity and great love. There are parts that will be painful to read, but as our US history is inseverable to brutality, it is vital to not turn away.
Narrator Angel Pean not only embodies characters with dynamic animation, but performs the soulful songs and brings the story to absolute life. Thank you Libro.fm for the advance listening copy.
I read this as part of my lineup for Black History Month and quickly added it to my list of staple historical-fic recommendations. This is a story of hope and resilience, dignity and great love. There are parts that will be painful to read, but as our US history is inseverable to brutality, it is vital to not turn away.
Narrator Angel Pean not only embodies characters with dynamic animation, but performs the soulful songs and brings the story to absolute life. Thank you Libro.fm for the advance listening copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury
bread_loaf_star's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞
This is a stunning book, wrenching at my heart. I admit I even cried at one point. But there are also many heartwarming and joyous moments as well.
This story is a beautiful retelling of Queen Louella, coming from slavery and building her kingdom on american soil. The story is based on real events and I really liked that the author explained at the end the differences from her work and historical events.
There were songs in the book and the narrator sang them that was a cool experience, in general the narrator had a mesmerising voice and her accent fit well with the premise.
This book was so emotional, inspirational and informative, I would recommend everyone to read this, especially to learn a part of American history that few know.
Long live Queen Louella in our hearts and minds!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Miscarriage
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, and Violence
gracescanlon's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
carmluvs2read's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery, Violence, and Grief