|
By: TAUP 006
|
2022-07-15 14:42:09 |
|
|
It was a detailed insight into the era of slavery, then freedom, in Jamaica. Perhaps a little too long, and the tempo varied from when it really seemed to drag, but then suddenly went leaping ahead. We had a lively discussion but no-one felt as enthusiastic about it compared with some of her earlier books. The format of going backwards in time did become quite confusing at times. |
|
|
By: AUCK 116
|
2022-07-15 14:38:47 |
|
|
Group enjoyed the book - it took a while to get used to her language and style. |
|
|
By: KATIK 001
|
2022-07-15 14:37:07 |
|
|
|
Heated discussion, but most felt it was well worth reading and that we had learnt a lot about the other side of slavery. |
|
|
By: UPHU 002
|
2022-07-15 14:35:48 |
|
|
We really disagreed on this one. Some could not manage to see past the cruelty and indifference to the slaves by the plantation owners, which turned them off the book. Others just concentrated on the progress made through the life of the main character, Miss July. |
|
|
By: CHCH 099
|
2022-07-15 14:33:18 |
|
|
A thought provoking book - to be recommended. |
|
|
By: PAPA 001
|
2022-07-15 14:32:18 |
|
|
|
Our group had a mixed response to the book. Some enjoyed the historical content, and others felt it was too predictable. Some members felt engaged by the writing style, while some felt detached. The book generated a reasonable discussion. |
|
|
By: MATAM 001
|
2022-07-15 14:29:07 |
|
|
|
We all enjoyed this book - felt that the way the story was plotted (through Miss July's voice) gave a really good insight into the hopes/fears/joys/sorrows and passions of the slaves, showing them as real people, not just chattels of their masters. We liked the humour although it took a little time to get used to the different cadence in the voices, but this gave the story more authenticity. The book also gave a realistic picture of the events which followed when the slaves got their freedom. An excellent read! |
|
|
By: WHITBY 002
|
2022-07-15 14:24:31 |
|
|
|
We all enjoyed this book, and once we got used the the 'patois', found it very interesting and informative. We all know of the terrible treatment of slaves but the horrors mentioned do not seem to have the same impact due to the style in which it is written. It's more a story of strong character, resourcefulness and good humour. We shall be adding more Andrea Levy to our list! |
|
|
By: UPMO 003
|
2022-07-15 14:17:11 |
|
|
|
We enjoyed the historical aspects, and the fact that it was written from the slaves' point of view was enlightening. The complexity was well portrayed. |
|
|
By: WANG 011
|
2022-07-15 14:13:11 |
|
|
|
The subject was horrifying, but the author's treatment of it was deft and admirable. In our group there were those who concentrated on the historical and factual parts of the novel, while others preferred to consider the story and its writing. Despite the brutality and ignorance and dirt and inhumanity, the author's clever use of language frequently caused one to laugh out loud. To some of us the book was unputdownable; one or two didn't finish it. |
|
|
By: NEWP 013
|
2022-07-15 14:08:42 |
|
|
|
This book was enjoyed by the group in general, and nearly everyone finished the book. We felt that the method of telling the story, through her son as the writer, was very clever and pulled us into the story. The telling was often very sad but made us think about the time and the difficulties. Loved the description of mixed race and distinction by colour. Highly recommended and enjoyed. |
|
|
By: GOVER 005
|
2022-07-15 14:05:38 |
|
|
|
We enjoyed this book. Convincing, authentic and poignant voice - very well researched. informative and moving. Strongly written characters. |
|
|
By: AUCK 143
|
2020-06-29 14:52:08 |
|
|
|
Beautifully written, especially the use of Miss July's vernacular. Andrea Levy illustrates so well the unfair treatment of the slaves. She outlines the violence leading up to the abolition of slavery very vividly. Educational and enlightening. |
|
| |
