Sign in with Facebook
Annette's Reviews > The Secrets of Mary Bowser
The Secrets of Mary Bowser
by
by
“This story is of a real person, Mary Bowser. Born a slave in Richmond, Virginia; freed and educated in the North, but returned to the South and became a Union spy during the Civil War.” A few details are known about her, therefore the author had to fill the gaps with her imagination.
I reached for this book as I was very impressed by this author’s second book, Juliet’s Nurse, with her skills of writing. This book starts interesting and is for about 2/3 of the book. In the third part I felt disconnected with the main character as the story seemed to be more about the Civil War than Mary.
As the story starts it is rich in interesting details of Mary’s life, including a detail of her incredible memory and how it surfaced in her life. Descriptions of places make the reader truly experience the place. The voice of the main character is very real.
The first part of the book is about her life in Richmond and the second in Pennsylvania.
In the third her work is being revealed for which she became known. The author painted a good portrait of hardship of a war, shortage of food and other goods and its effect. But as I mentioned before, I felt disconnected with the main character in this part. I think the author concentrated too much on the Civil War rather than the main character.
Overall, it is an interesting read, but towards the end I had to force myself to finish this story.
I reached for this book as I was very impressed by this author’s second book, Juliet’s Nurse, with her skills of writing. This book starts interesting and is for about 2/3 of the book. In the third part I felt disconnected with the main character as the story seemed to be more about the Civil War than Mary.
As the story starts it is rich in interesting details of Mary’s life, including a detail of her incredible memory and how it surfaced in her life. Descriptions of places make the reader truly experience the place. The voice of the main character is very real.
The first part of the book is about her life in Richmond and the second in Pennsylvania.
In the third her work is being revealed for which she became known. The author painted a good portrait of hardship of a war, shortage of food and other goods and its effect. But as I mentioned before, I felt disconnected with the main character in this part. I think the author concentrated too much on the Civil War rather than the main character.
Overall, it is an interesting read, but towards the end I had to force myself to finish this story.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
The Secrets of Mary Bowser.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
October 1, 2014
– Shelved as:
to-read
October 1, 2014
– Shelved
April 15, 2015
–
Started Reading
April 26, 2015
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-4 of 4 (4 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Sherril
(new)
-
added it
Sep 19, 2021 05:20PM
Interesting review. Would you recommend it for book club?
reply
|
flag
Thank you Sherril. Honestly, I had to read my review, because I don't remember this book and now I'm puzzled. Because if 2/3 was good, then I'd probably rate it 4 stars now and would recommend it, but now if I rate something 3 stars, then that's not something I'd recommend. Sorry, but with this one I don't remember if I'd recommend it or not.
Interesting review, Annette, and your comments with Sherril. I'm still pondering as to whether or not to add Juliet's Nurse to my WTR list!?!
Debbie wrote: "Interesting review, Annette, and your comments with Sherril. I'm still pondering as to whether or not to add Juliet's Nurse to my WTR list!?!"Thank you Debbie. Juliet's Nurse was a very strong read for me, but it doesn't mean you will feel the same way. Sorry, can't help more with it. Go with your gut-feeling :)
