I really liked this book. However, it didn't quite reach the level of excellence that Cane River had. Cane River was truly outstanding.

This book follows the same family, starting from the post Civil War period and continuing all the way to the 20th Century. It provides an interesting perspective on how the family evolved and faced various challenges and changes over the years.

The story is engaging and well-written, but compared to Cane River, it just didn't have that extra something that made it truly remarkable. Nevertheless, it was still an enjoyable read and gave me a better understanding of the historical context and the lives of the characters.

I would recommend this book to others who are interested in historical fiction and family sagas, but I would also suggest that they read Cane River first to get a taste of what a truly great book in this genre can be.

I began reading this book way back in 2016. The initial reason I chose it was because of its title, Red River. At that time, I was completely smitten with a particular boy. However, due to various life events - I got married to that very boy, and now I'm apparently a Military Spouse - I had to stop reading it. But I always have this urge to finish the books I start. And since I'm about to leave for South Korea and wanted to reduce the number of books I have, I came back to it. Finally, on 10/11/2020, I considered it done, although I had to skip several pages and chapters along the way. In my opinion, this book would have been much better if it had been written as nonfiction instead of fiction.

It seems that the fictional elements didn't quite engage me as much as I would have liked. Maybe if it had been based on real events and experiences, it would have held my attention more firmly. Nevertheless, I'm glad to have finally completed it, even if it wasn't in the most traditional way.

Now that it's done, I can move on to other books and continue my reading journey. I wonder what the next book will bring and if it will capture my interest from start to finish. Only time will tell.

The sequel is not as good as the original, but it is still good.

It may not reach the same heights as its predecessor in terms of certain aspects, such as the freshness of the story or the impact of the characters. However, it still manages to offer an enjoyable experience.

The movie retains some of the elements that made the first one popular, like the engaging action sequences and the charming chemistry between the main characters.

The special effects are also top-notch, adding to the overall visual appeal.

While it may have its flaws, the sequel is still worth watching for fans of the franchise and those who enjoy a good entertainment.

It provides a continuation of the story and gives us more to explore in the fictional world that has been created.

So, although it may not be a perfect follow-up, it still has enough to offer to keep us entertained and satisfied.

In Red River, Lalita Tademy skillfully weaves her paternal side of the family's history into a second novel, much like she did in her debut, Cane River, which focused on her maternal side.

Red River is divided into two distinct parts. The first part delves into the detailed horror of the Colfax Massacre of 1873 during the Reconstruction era. It vividly描绘s the events and the chaos that ensued.

The second part explores the aftermath on the lives of the survivors and their descendants, starting in the 1930s. Similar to Cane River, Tademy incorporates her lineage documents and photos. This unique approach makes it difficult to distinguish every detail that is true to her family's history from what has been included to classify it as a historical "fiction" novel.

Tademy's writing style in Red River is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the complex and often tragic story of her family. Through her words, we gain a deeper understanding of the past and the impact it has had on generations.

I thoroughly enjoy reading this book and following the family.

The characters within it were so engaging that they truly captured my attention from the very beginning.

Although it is classified as fiction, I firmly believe that the author did an excellent job of attempting to recreate incidents that actually happened to her own family.

The way she brought the story to life made it feel as if I was right there with them, experiencing their joys, sorrows, and everything in between.

Each character had their own unique personality and flaws, which made them all the more relatable.

I found myself invested in their lives and eager to see what would happen next on every page.

This book is a testament to the author's creativity and ability to tell a compelling story that keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

This was an outstanding follow-up to "Cane River."

"Red River" centers on Tademy's father's family, whereas "Cane River" is entirely about her mother's family.

By the conclusion of "Red River," I was left in a state of uncertainty as to whether I was more appalled by the sexual exploitation endured by Tademy's female relatives or the dreadful violence that her male relatives witnessed in the segregated South.

Although I believed that "Cane River" held greater emotional allure due to its emphasis on women and their unwavering determination to do whatever it takes to survive, "Red River" is filled with numerous action-packed and suspenseful moments.

Both books are truly excellent reads for individuals who have a passion for historical fiction.

They offer a captivating glimpse into the past, exploring the complex lives and experiences of different families during a significant period in American history.

Whether it's the harrowing tales of survival in "Cane River" or the thrilling adventures in "Red River," these books are sure to keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Read "Cane River", and now this one.

The author's ancestral connections to the characters truly fascinate me. It makes me deeply wonder about my own family history.

Tademy has masterfully brought to life the era of Reconstruction, with all its hopes, injustices, and the remarkable perseverance of the people.

As I read, I am transported back in time, experiencing the struggles and triumphs of those who lived during that tumultuous period.

The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative make it easy to imagine the hardships faced by the characters and the strength they must have possessed to endure.

It makes me reflect on how our own family histories are intertwined with the larger historical events of the past.

Perhaps there are hidden stories and legacies within my own family that I have yet to discover.

This book has not only entertained me but also inspired me to explore my roots and learn more about where I come from.

It serves as a reminder that our personal histories are an important part of our identity and that we should strive to preserve and understand them.

This book delves into a tragic and woefully overlooked era in US history.

It does so with a remarkable voice and an unwavering gaze. Ms. Tademy truly has a gift for vivid description and nuanced characterization.

I find the first half of the book more engaging than the second, but when considered as a whole, it is still a deeply moving and significant work.

It shines a light on a part of history that has often been forgotten or brushed aside, and in doing so, it offers valuable insights and perspectives.

The author's ability to bring the characters to life and make the reader care about their fates is truly remarkable.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in US history or in powerful, well-written stories.

Since it is now a widely accepted fact that history is written by the winners, I wasn't surprised to learn that an incident named "The Colfax Riot" could actually have been more accurately termed a massacre.

The few facts I managed to retain from the incredibly long-winded description of events shows quite clearly that the event was a bloody and shameful example of racial sentiments in the Deep South immediately after the Civil War.

So I'm a little sorry I couldn't bring myself to care much. When the action in the book begins, I hadn't had enough time to empathize with the characters involved, and even had a little trouble keeping them straight as they raced around the besieged courthouse.

Then, by the time I knew enough about them to care about their fate, they were just pages from passing the baton to the next generation.

In truth, there are two books here. One is the story of the events in Colfax and the other is the history of the Tademy family. Personally, I found the Colfax part tiresome, though I did need to know about it to understand the rest of the story, and the Tademy section too short.

The author's true gift is in bringing to life families, warts and all. But there just wasn't enough of that in this book. It seems that the author focused too much on the historical event and not enough on the characters and their relationships.

If the author had spent more time developing the Tademy family and their story, the book would have been more engaging and enjoyable. As it is, the book feels a bit disjointed and incomplete.

However, I do appreciate the author's attempt to shed light on an important and often overlooked piece of history. The events in Colfax were a tragic reminder of the deep-seated racial tensions that still existed in the United States after the Civil War.

Overall, while I had some issues with the book, I still think it is worth reading for those who are interested in learning more about this period in American history.

I really enjoyed the book I read recently. However, it didn't quite reach the level of my favorite, Cane River. I have also delved into Chiaverini's Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker, which was a captivating read. Currently, I am engrossed in Julia Grant and Madame Jule, also by the same talented author.

Both of these books are historical fiction that are firmly rooted in the events of the Civil War. They offer a unique perspective on that tumultuous period in American history, bringing to life the people and the stories that were a part of it.

The author's ability to blend historical facts with fictional elements in a seamless way is truly remarkable. It makes the reading experience not only entertaining but also educational. I can't wait to see what other historical fiction gems this author has in store for us.

In the Tademy family history, there is a remarkable story of good continuation.

The Tademy family has passed down their values, traditions, and skills from generation to generation.

This has created a sense of unity and purpose within the family, as each member feels a connection to their ancestors and a responsibility to carry on the family legacy.

Their history is filled with tales of hard work, perseverance, and love.

From the early days of the family's settlement to the present, the Tademy family has faced many challenges, but they have always come together to overcome them.

This spirit of cooperation and mutual support has been the key to their success and has allowed them to thrive in different times and circumstances.

The good continuation in the Tademy family history serves as an inspiration for future generations, reminding them of the importance of family, tradition, and hard work.

Hard to start this book, but then it became easier to read.

This is a story about the Colfax massacre that ended reconstruction in Louisiana in 1873 on Easter Sunday. It is a very sad story.

It is the story of two families and how they interacted over three generations in Colfax, the bottoms of Louisiana. The details of the massacre are truly heart-wrenching. The events that took place that day had a profound impact on the lives of the people in the area and on the history of the United States.

The story of the two families adds another layer of depth to the narrative. We get to see how their lives were intertwined and how the events of the massacre affected them on a personal level.

Overall, this book is a powerful reminder of a dark chapter in American history and the importance of remembering and learning from the past.