, 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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This book is exceptional. I loved the weaving of past and present and the evolution of the truth. It’s not a squeaky clean perfect ending but it’s the right ending for the stories of the characters.
I loved reading this book. It switches back and forth between a female slave and a present day African American working woman. Definitely a page turner.
Very moving book about a time in US history that is very difficult to accept.
I like it. I liked Josephine’s & Lena’s inner monologues etc. The other’s in their lives were repulsive or attractive based on their interactions. I loved the use of letters for historical detail etc. The images were vivid and full of sensory appeal. However, at about 75% complete, I was tired of the back and forth between Lena’s life and …
I like stories of the old south & the history. This was a different story than most. I really enjoyed it.
3.5 stars. Intriguing and made you feel for the characters, but truly sad.
Great read… kept me interested. Josephine is a heroic and historical figure. Well done.
Although the plot transfers among several characters, the historical details ring true and the characters are multi-dimensional.
I have read stories with this same dual of time
and character , but never have I been so impacted by the finality of Josephine’s part of the story. Being white I know I do not have any concept of the black person’s world. With all the violence of today with young black men seemingly the target, the distance from 1852 feels small. So I come away …
This book really showed what life was like for many slaves pre Civil War. The characters were realistic. Brought one of the dark periods of our history to life. Couldn’t put it down.
I am not sure why there are so many negative reviews about this book. This was a good solid read. Nothing over the top or deep, just a good book that makes you reflect on slavery and the idea that reparations and an apology to a group of people that helped to form the basis of this nation are in order.
Conklin, a lawyer herself, weaves a tale …
What a great story! Realistic, tenderly presented characters. Well researched.
Riveting! Absolutely beautiful sentences and a remarkable story. I highly recommend this book. I couldn’t put it down.
I couldn’t put it down. Loved the characters and story development, felt the settings though disparate, were characters themselves. Very emotional, and the research was well done.
Historic, engaging – great characters.
The characters in this book caught my attention and kept me reading (even when I should have gone to sleep). It has a great dual story line that is easy to follow – even when crossing centuries. This is a book that I will recommend to my friends.
Good book
interesting characters and story
It was kind of disappointing. Predictable.
A smart contemporary woman lawyer helps us look into the life and times of a slave woman from the past (the “House Girl” of the title) and imagine the times, personalities and pervasive horrors of slavery in a brand-new way. Unforgettable.