hullomoon's review
medium-paced
4.0
I appreciated the way the story discussed passing and colorism and how making the decision to pass as white wasn't an easy decision.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny
Minor: Homophobia
susanlanigan's review
emotional
inspiring
slow-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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Because of the subject matter and time period, there are some characters who are very racist. This is not unexpected, but still worth mentioningthenovelbookshelf's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
This is a historical fiction story about Anita Hemming, the first African-American student that graduated Vassar College in 1897.
Set during the Guilded Age, where old monied families (and traditions) met with modern ideas, such as women's college education, more freedom for women outside of the family situation, and the beginning of African-American college education.
This compelling story about a true, yet very unknown brave intelligent woman, who just wanted to strive for the best college education she could get, despite her ambiguous skin colour.
Although this is only part of Anita's story, you will want to know more, research the history of novel and of the times, and will be left with an appreciation for all the people who have paved the way for all of us throughout the years.
Set during the Guilded Age, where old monied families (and traditions) met with modern ideas, such as women's college education, more freedom for women outside of the family situation, and the beginning of African-American college education.
This compelling story about a true, yet very unknown brave intelligent woman, who just wanted to strive for the best college education she could get, despite her ambiguous skin colour.
Although this is only part of Anita's story, you will want to know more, research the history of novel and of the times, and will be left with an appreciation for all the people who have paved the way for all of us throughout the years.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Classism
Minor: Alcohol and Slavery
f18's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Minor: Sexism, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
kimveach's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
An interesting story built on the true story of the first Black woman to attend Vassar. I especially loved all the details of what it was like for women to attend college just before the turn of the 20th century.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Dysphoria and Racism
shgmclicious's review against another edition
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Racial slurs
knitterscasket's review against another edition
informative
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? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
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