, the historical fiction debut by Tara Conklin, is an unforgettable story of love, history, and a search for justice, set in modern-day New York and 1852 Virginia.
Weaving together the story of an escaped slave in the pre–Civil War South and a determined junior lawyer, follows Lina Sparrow as she looks for an appropriate lead plaintiff in a lawsuit seeking compensation for families of slaves. … plaintiff in a lawsuit seeking compensation for families of slaves. In her research, she learns about Lu Anne Bell, a renowned prewar artist whose famous works might have actually been painted by her slave, Josephine.
Featuring two remarkable, unforgettable heroines, Tara Conklin’s The House Girl is riveting and powerful, literary fiction at its very best.
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If you love historical fiction, the Underground Railroad and/or have a penchant for art history this book hits the trifecta.
I don’t like to do spoilers in my reviews but as with all good things in life proceed with caution.
Upfront, I loved that the author doesn’t always make it clear who is black/African American or a descendant of slaves …
A finely tuned balance of dual timelines takes the reader between the lives of a contemporary young lawyer working on reparations of slavery and a young slave girl who works tending to the mistress of a large plantation, who is also an artist. A well told story of significance at numerous levels.
This story grabbed me from the opening paragraph. The details the history and the imagery all kept me enthralled. I could not turn pages fast enough but was trying to pave myself as I did not want the story to end. The characters were well developed and thoroughly Amazing! I look forward to more by
Josephine had my sympathy throughout the book. She was very brave and the book was spellbinding.
I nearly forgot to breathe after I read the last line…
Too wordy and rushed ending
Overall, I liked this book, but did not like the main modern day character (Lina) one bit. The Josephine story (the one in the past) is intriguing and engaging and I could have done with more of it. I felt like the author could have wrapped up Lina’s story in half the time but chose instead to fill page after page with overly long, tedious …
I always know a book is good when I think about it for days afterwards. This is just such a book
Thought this was a really good book. Great characters and well done pattern of jumping from slavery time to present
Josephine was born into slavery in Virginia. She doesn’t remember her mother and never knew who her father was. She was taken in as a house girl by her mistress Lu Ann Bell, where she learned to read and draw. But she was still a slave and her master never let her forget it. Freedom was only a dream, but there were whispers of an undertaker, a …
Really enjoyed this book. Only wish it didn’t end so quickly.
Halfway through and I’m hooked by the good storytelling. I love historical fiction and present day real life stories. This combines both. Great read!
I could easily recommend this book for my book club. I think the discussion would be interesting. I enjoyed seeing this author’s interpretation of the Underground Railroad.
This story takes place in two time periods. Part mid 19th century slave girl and present day young female NY lawyer. Then they mesh. Never say history doesn’t count.
Good read.
I loved this book. A compelling story of two women in two different eras. A must read.
I enjoyed the novel. It follows the formula of going from the past to the present to solve a
Mystery.
Great story. Loved the back and forth between times. Definitely makes you think!
This was an amazing read.
Wonderful story combining the past with the present. Couldn’t stop reading it.