Iola Leroy (Penguin Classics)

Creole text. Great themes. Fast shipping.

It has been some time since I read this book. I have positive feelings from reading it and I certainly learned a lot more than I once knew about the trials and tribulations of our African American fellow citizens. I am also reminded of the bias and cruelty of many of our citizens toward minorities and other less fortunate people.

This historical novel poigniantly illustrates one woman's struggle for racial identity and the reunion of her family. Set during upheaval of the US Civil War, Iola leroy; or, shadows uplifted is written from a point of view never before, or since acknowledged. Written in the late 1800's, Frances E.W.Harper was the first famous black-woman novelist in US history. A "must read" for all Americans interested in our shared past; our untold story.

This love story was just that, a love story with predictable results. Being a female, I enjoy a good get- to- gether ending, but this was sappy all the way through.

Trials of the fairer complexioned and their efforts to overcome the horrors of slavery and uplift the race.Temperance, old-time religion featured. Morality tale.

Iola Leroy is a novel that shows the plight of slaves and former slaves around the time of the Civil War. Through stories of several generations, Harper shows how different segments of society react to the notion of freedom. With all the turmoil and strife in this period, Harper still manages to end on a note of hope and optimism.

I like this book is set pre and post Civil War. It opens up a very important conversation about the African American’s place America. Somewhat bold to presume what people should do, but very introspective. I felt this is more an essay than a novel. Many of the topics are relevant today as race relations are a direct result of slavery. Harper is very much in tuned with her race. The writing reminds me of Victorian era writing.

Beautiful story of love and family.