Scan barcode
meganac's review
5.0
But I know one thing now:
I will not be
the pheasant
quivering
hiding
from the hunter
who crushes the slender reeds
to flush out
his prey.
I will never
cower
like this
again.
Although some have said the way this historical novel was written in free verse was distracting and difficult for them, I thought it was a beautiful way to tell this thinker's story and made it quite a quick read. I get it, though. Sometimes it just comes down to writing style.
I didn't learn much about the early women's unions in school. I remember hearing Clara's name, but more attention was given to the women's Suffrage movement as a whole than to the women who worked in sweatshops and demanded better treatment and pay. That's sad. Clara's work, and the work of the women by her side, changed the way capitalism works in America for the better. These women were beaten, arrested, jailed, and blacklisted by employers because they peacefully protested the standard of the time - long hours, pathetic pay, sexual harassment. We owe much of what is "normal" for women in the workplace to the determination of these women. We should know their stories.
I loved seeing Clara's point of view as a Russian Jew immigrating to America. I often wonder how women of different personalities deal with living in oppressive settings, and this book did not disappoint. I highly recommend it.
I will not be
the pheasant
quivering
hiding
from the hunter
who crushes the slender reeds
to flush out
his prey.
I will never
cower
like this
again.
Although some have said the way this historical novel was written in free verse was distracting and difficult for them, I thought it was a beautiful way to tell this thinker's story and made it quite a quick read. I get it, though. Sometimes it just comes down to writing style.
I didn't learn much about the early women's unions in school. I remember hearing Clara's name, but more attention was given to the women's Suffrage movement as a whole than to the women who worked in sweatshops and demanded better treatment and pay. That's sad. Clara's work, and the work of the women by her side, changed the way capitalism works in America for the better. These women were beaten, arrested, jailed, and blacklisted by employers because they peacefully protested the standard of the time - long hours, pathetic pay, sexual harassment. We owe much of what is "normal" for women in the workplace to the determination of these women. We should know their stories.
I loved seeing Clara's point of view as a Russian Jew immigrating to America. I often wonder how women of different personalities deal with living in oppressive settings, and this book did not disappoint. I highly recommend it.
jennifermreads's review
4.0
As a Russian-Jew, Clara is witness to horrific violence against her people. When her family immigrates to New York City, she observes a new kind of violence: substandard working conditions in garment factories. Rather than run, as she feels her family did from Russia, Clara decides to take up the fight and become a leader in the labor movement.
From the section titles (tinder – spark – flame – fire – blaze) to the beautiful verse, this is an eloquent story of a regular girl that became an extraordinary leader. Prior to reading this novel, I had not heard of Clara Lemlich and this was an expressive way for me to learn of her and of the labor movement.
From the section titles (tinder – spark – flame – fire – blaze) to the beautiful verse, this is an eloquent story of a regular girl that became an extraordinary leader. Prior to reading this novel, I had not heard of Clara Lemlich and this was an expressive way for me to learn of her and of the labor movement.
readcover2cover's review
3.0
3.5 stars. First, I think this is a good, important book. Clara Lemlich was an inspiring historical figure that I hadn't heard about before I read this book. I'm so glad to have learned about this fascinating time period and the strikes that Clara led. She was impressive in the story and must have been even more so in real life.
I liked the subject matter of this book and the fact that it was such a quick read. However, I did find it to be somewhat lacking for some reason. The writing in verse was fine, but I don't know if it added much to the story. I guess it was good because it made it a faster read, but I felt like her character wasn't as well-developed as I would have liked. There were some lines that were poignant, but not enough and not as I would have expected for a novel written in verse. It told her story, but I think it left too much out. I would have loved to see more of her. It left me wondering if there were any other books (fiction or nonfiction) written about her life and I will probably look that up after finishing this review. Overall I felt that it was a decent book, but a little underdeveloped. It just left me wanting more!
I liked the subject matter of this book and the fact that it was such a quick read. However, I did find it to be somewhat lacking for some reason. The writing in verse was fine, but I don't know if it added much to the story. I guess it was good because it made it a faster read, but I felt like her character wasn't as well-developed as I would have liked. There were some lines that were poignant, but not enough and not as I would have expected for a novel written in verse. It told her story, but I think it left too much out. I would have loved to see more of her. It left me wondering if there were any other books (fiction or nonfiction) written about her life and I will probably look that up after finishing this review. Overall I felt that it was a decent book, but a little underdeveloped. It just left me wanting more!
kiperoo's review
5.0
This book absolutely consumed me. Gripping from its very first pages, the story of this oppressed girl comes to life in the beautiful images on the page. It's so easy to identify with Clara's plight and wish the best for her while knowing that the odds are against her in the early 20th century factories that threaten to break her. Far from being a downer, Clara's story is filled with hope and promise through lovely writing that highlights moments of beauty that give her strength. Historical verse at its best!
lieperjp's review
4.0
Was a good read, and went by fast! I feel like the first half was much better--more poignant, poetic-- than the second. Cover mentioned Triangle Shirt Factory fire... And the fire is not mentioned in the book, though the factory is. However, the heroine is definitely strong and relatable, and rooted in the real life Clara Lemlich. Enjoyed the read!
dlberglund's review
4.0
Well written fictionalized history, written in poetic verse, showing us the possible perspective of one of the original union organizers in 1900s NYC garment factories. An excellent and relatable introduction for someone who doesn't know the history, and a personal perspective for someone who does.
nursenell's review
4.0
I wasn’t sure I would enjoy a book written in verse but I did. I found the story itself very interesting and I enjoyed the change from a regular work of fiction.