“Masterfully written, The Secrets of Mary Bowser shines a new light onto our country’s darkest history.”—Brunonia Barry, bestselling author of The Lace Reader “Packed with drama, intrigue, love, loss, and most of all, the resilience of a remarkable heroine….What a treat!”—Kelly O’Connor McNees, author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May AlcottBased on the remarkable true story of a freed African … on the remarkable true story of a freed African American slave who returned to Virginia at the onset of the Civil War to spy on the Confederates, The Secrets of Mary Bowser is a masterful debut by an exciting new novelist. Author Lois Leveen combines fascinating facts and ingenious speculation to craft a historical novel that will enthrall readers of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and acclaimed works like Cane River and Cold Mountain that offer intimate looks at the twin nightmares of slavery and Civil War. A powerful and unforgettable story of a woman who risked her own freedom to bring freedom to millions of others, The Secrets of Mary Bowser celebrates the courageous achievements of a little known but truly inspirational American heroine.
more
I read this book many years ago, and it has remained one of my favorites. I was also lucky enough to meet the author while at a writer conference, and she talked a little bit about her research. If you want to get lost in an inspirational story about a remarkable woman who helped shape our world, this is one to read.
I read this book to see if it would be appropriate for my book group. I had never even heard of Mary Bowser, though I have read many historical fiction books about early U.S. particularly the Civil War. I found the issue of slavery well presented. Mary was a compelling character. Yes, it goes on my book club’s list.
Written from the perspective of a young woman, born a slave and freed then, given education and opportunity. What she chose to do with that opportunity was remarkable… I can only hope I would have been half as courageous as Mary was.
It has been a few months since I read this book. I remember little to none of it’s content. I found myself reading to the end as a requirement, not at all like a really good book that encourages you to hold your eyes open to read just one more page.
A little long for me
A really great book about a real person, born a slave, was given freedom, obtained an education and became a teacher in the North, then returned South to spy for Union Army during the Civil War. Though written as a novel & liberties taken, it still contains a lot of history that really did happen.
A good book about a really interesting couple of people. It illuminates how heroic some not at all famous people were. It also showed the morbid evil of the leaders of the confederacy and those who wished to keep the institution of slavery.
I learned so much reading this book about Mary Bowser, a freed slave who served as a Union spy in the Confederate white house. Chock full of historical goodness that is clearly the result of extensive research and gives an eye-opening account of life for enslaved and free blacks before and during the Civil War. A must read for fans of Civil War novels or African-American and Women’s history.
Good piece of historical fiction. Reflective. What drives our choices in life?
Loved this book. Very moving and about true people.
Great insight into the slavery issues & underground railroad
Very interesting story of a freed slave, her education and later role as a spy during the Civil War.
Entertaining and insightful historical fiction
I thought it was a good read, with lots of information about urban slavery I never knew. Some of the actions of the main character, Mary, seemed a little contrived, in regards to her actions starting the Civil War and other things she did in spying for the North. I did enjoy the book, especially the interplay of Mary and Miss Bet – actual people from history. I would certainly recommend it to other readers. You will learn things you never knew about slavery and the Civil War.
The Secrets of Mary Bowser
by Lois Leveen was a wonderful book. Stories like this, about real people and the brave decisions they choose to make, force me to look at myself and wonder how I would react. At the risk of their own lives and those of the people they love, they do the right thing. I recommend this book.
Very good book
I enjoyed the fact that a black woman acting as a slave played such an integral part in the Civil War.
It was a good read