Reviews

Indigo by Beverly Jenkins

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miraya's review

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challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

arthur_pendrgn's review

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inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

1.0

There really are logic errors in this book.
1. How is Hester, educated and land rich, so poor? No chickens or garden? How is she feeding all of these passengers on the underground railroad? Is she buying that much food and no one is suspicious?
2. Why is Galen, who helps slaves escape, insistent on going outside knowing slave catchers are in the area hunting him?
3. Why would Hester leave her papers in an empty house?
4. What is the purpose of meeting Ginette or the entire ball scene in terms of the plot?
5. Nothing happens to Bea, who betrayed all of the townspeople, but Lem is killed?
6. Why would Hester trust Jenine / Foster in that climactic scene?
7. Why does Gerrold, who knows someone is trying to kidnap Hester, leave her?
8. What information could Gerrold get at the house that he couldn't get by going with Hester to the jail?
9. Hester believes that love makes you lose your mind, yet has no problem with a man who humiliates her into marriage / ruins her reputation if she doesn't say yes and keeps sneaking into her house at night?

Then the suspension of disbelief is strained to the point of breaking that Hester, at 9, did not realize the evils of slavery or what enslavement meant as well as Galen's "Christmas surprise."

Content Warnings

mundinova's review against another edition

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3.0

I should have read Indigo before Jenkins's more recent books, because I've been spoiled by her later books.

I see why Indigo is listed as a good example of a non-traditional "bodice ripper" romance. It features an important historical setting and characters with gumption, but there's a couple nagging things I can't ignore. In comparison to Jenkins' other, more recent, novels, Indigo isn't strong. But that could be me comparing it to the other books set in a similar setting Jenkins has written that are better.

Hester Wyatt is one of my favorite Jenkins heroine. She's a realist and doesn't easily fall for Galen's advances. But her character is the strongest thing about Indigo. Galen doesn't have any depth as a character and there's no story. A series of events strung together with some quick drama at the end that quickly ties up all loose ends. I wish there had been more story or exploration into Galen as a character. He should have some faults, but instead he was "perfect."

I still enjoy Jenkin's books and will read anything new she publishes. I may stay away from her earlier books if they're more like Indigo.

Story: 2 star
Character Development: 3 stars for Hester
Writing/Prose: 3 stars

readingwithhippos's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh my gosh, I knew this book was going to be phenomenal and it still totally blew me away. Beverly Jenkins is the master (mistress?) of historical romance and I need to get into her backlist pronto. She’s an amazing talent and an incredibly thorough researcher. Indigo is set before the Civil War, and it’s a grim time for people like Hester, a free woman who shelters people on their way to freedom on the Underground Railroad. When Galen becomes her newest houseguest, he brings both danger and temptation to her door. I love class difference pairings, and this one is especially nuanced. Also Hester is a badass not to be trifled with, and I loved her strength and integrity.

lunashie23's review

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5.0

I loved this book so much, it is a masterpiece.. and so full of Black Americans history.

rosh's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional lighthearted 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

4.25

ladysadiereads's review

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5.0

Galen has exactly zero chill and Hester takes him zero percent seriously. Their banter is top tier! There are soft nicknames, size difference and a heroine who doesn’t believe in falling in love. All while they are tested by real and horrifying issues (please check CW before reading) I had to take multiple breathers to prepare for it. The incredible history that is included is amazing - also this takes place in Michigan! I have never seen a historic romance take place there!