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The Secret Life Of Mary Bowser (2012)

by Lois Leveen(Favorite Author)

3.92 of 5 Votes: 4

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Harper Collins

review 1: Good historical fiction based on a real African-American woman who was a spy for the union during the Civil War. Such a different perspective from what I've read previously- a former slave being freed, educated and then returning to the South to care for her ailing father and work as a spy in the home of Jefferson Davis. Gave me much to think about and broadened my knowledge of this time in history.
review 2: This is a wonderful story! Mary Bowser and the arc of her life is fascinating and powerful and Leveen captures the force of her story fully. This is a compelling narrative and Mary is a fully formed character. Not only that, but the characters around her feel real and complicated. In so many ways this is a 4-star read. And it is made all the more compelli... moreng by the historical work Leveen put into it.But there's a but, of course. Leveen is not a terrifically good author. Her plot and characters are wonderful, her research seemingly outstanding. But her writing? Pretty weak. Her choices -- especially the incredibly cheesy ending -- novice. I'd love to see her turn her hand on history or biography and out of fiction. And I'd like to see a sterner hand from an editor. Pet peeve --- Mary has a photographic memory. So why does Leveen have her stumbling over things? Why must she carefully remember when she is known to have the ability to artfully master? Such inconsistencies interrupt the story. Also, kudos to the author for so complicating the relationship between Mary and Bet. She did not portray them as easy allies, as they could not possibly have been. And kudos also for making plain the violence that a black woman in the south would be constantly afraid of - even without being a spy. Definitely worth the read for anyone who loves historical fiction. Not worth the read if you just love a well written book. less

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