A sequel to Cane River, taking place during Reconstruction, unfolds a captivating story.

It delves deep into the complex web of life during that era, highlighting the importance of family and community. In the face of the evil of white supremacy, the characters in this story must fight to hold onto what they hold dear.

Ms. Tademy has once again proven her prowess as a writer of historical fiction. Her vivid descriptions and well-developed characters bring this time period to life.

The sequel builds upon the foundation laid in Cane River, adding new layers of depth and complexity. Readers will be drawn into the story, experiencing the joys and sorrows of the characters as they navigate the challenges of Reconstruction.

Overall, this is another must-read historical fiction by Ms. Tademy that will leave readers with a greater understanding of the past and a deeper appreciation for the power of family and community.

I didn't realize that there was a book titled "Cane River" that I probably should have read first.

"Red River" is an amazing story that chronicles the author's family from the era of Reconstruction all the way through the 1930s.

Even though the story is presented as a novel, its foundation lies in the family lore that has been passed down from one generation to the next.

It repeatedly emphasizes the importance of BLM (Black Lives Matter) and shows how this family worked diligently to ensure that this principle was upheld throughout the time frame of the story.

It is truly a wonderful and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on history and family.

It makes one reflect on the struggles and triumphs of the past and how they have shaped the present.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about African American history and the power of family.

Bestselling author Lalita Tademy delves back into her family history, shining a light on a dark incident during the Reconstruction period in the antebellum South.

Her latest novel, Red River, zeroes in on the atrocities that took place on April 13, 1873, in Colfax, Louisiana. The majority of those affected were ex-slaves, who were the overwhelming majority in an area surrounded by former plantations and fertile farmland.

After a lifetime of servitude, these newly freed men exercised their right to vote, ousting the long-entrenched bigoted Democratic county sheriff and judge. They embraced their newly granted voting rights and elected residents who either sympathized with their plight (scalawags) or those who had recently arrived from the North (carpetbaggers) after the Civil War.

The election results did not sit well with local white supremacists, who refused to recognize the newly elected officials. When their pleas to the governor to uphold the election results went unanswered, the freedmen stood up for their rights, only to be shot down at the Colfax courthouse while waiting for federal assistance that never materialized.

The end result was the death of three white men and the mass murder of over a hundred African Americans, most of whom were lynched after surrendering. To this day, no one has been held accountable for their deaths.

Despite the carnage and the encroaching era of Jim Crow, Tademy shows that her family's dream did not die that day. Their vision, determination, and resourcefulness to educate the area's Negro children endured, despite the violent threats and racial hostility. Their family values of education, self-reliance, and self-respect were instilled in each generation and continue to survive today.

She celebrates their lives, loves, and births, and mourns their losses, sacrifices, and deaths. Readers will admire the family's love, commitment to each other, and loyalty to friends that sustained them through both good and bad times.

The essence of the story lies in Tademy's ability to create authentic images and scenarios using her naturally candid storytelling approach. She gains reader empathy by opening the novel with the reflections of Polly, her feisty paternal great-great-grandmother, reminiscing about the event.

The author skillfully weaves a believable tale of her family's involvement during that fateful moment - fathers, sons, and friends were wounded, maimed, and others died defending their rights, beliefs, and dignity. The novel, supported by credible artifacts and sources, chronicles the events leading up to, during, and after the massacre.

As in Cane River, the author softens the facts with a personal touch - actual photos of her family who are the novel's key characters. Although I didn't find this offering as immediately engaging as the previous novel, it is still a wonderful tribute to the Tademy family. More importantly, I appreciate its value as an educational tool for this seemingly forgotten incident in American history.

Admittedly, I had never heard of the Colfax Massacre before reading this book and was surprised that so little has been published about such a major tragedy. For this alone, I say - Well Done!

By the same author as Cane River - Another excellent true account book.

This book is truly a remarkable piece of work. It is hard hitting, presenting the reader with raw and unfiltered truths that may not sit easily. However, despite this, it is incredibly gripping and thought compelling.

The author has a unique ability to draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what will happen next.

Moreover, the book forces you to think deeply about the issues it presents. It challenges your assumptions and makes you question the world around you. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a book that is both engaging and thought-provoking, then this is the one for you. It is an excellent addition to the author's body of work and a must-read for anyone interested in true accounts.

So Grateful

I am truly and extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to read both “Cane River” and “Red River”. These books have had a profound impact on me. Tademy's work has inspired me in more ways than one. It has not only motivated me to conduct in-depth research on my own family history but also to encourage the younger generation to embark on the same journey. Understanding our roots is of utmost importance. Only by knowing where we have come from, can we have a better grasp of where we are headed. It is through this knowledge that we can make more informed decisions about our future and preserve the rich heritage that has been passed down to us. I am forever grateful for the inspiration and wisdom that these books have imparted.

I have to say that this is yet another mark of history that remains untaught.

As I delved deeper into the middle of the book, I found myself compelled to look up the Calfax Massacre online.

Throughout my educational journey in school, I was exposed to a variety of massacres in history. However, this particular one had never been mentioned.

It is truly astonishing how certain events can be overlooked or omitted from the curriculum.

The Calfax Massacre, whatever its details may be, surely holds significance and could provide valuable insights into the past.

By not teaching such events, we risk losing a part of our collective history and the lessons that can be learned from it.

It is essential that we strive to uncover and share these hidden aspects of history to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world we live in.

Perhaps it is time for educators to reevaluate their teaching materials and ensure that all significant historical events, including the Calfax Massacre, are given the attention they deserve.

I truly love the remarkable aspect that the author managed to uncover facts regarding her actual family and artfully intertwine those captivating stories into this piece of historical fiction.

The first part of the story, specifically the courthouse section, was so meticulously developed. It was truly engrossing. I found myself completely immersed in their plight, their arduous fight, and their very lives.

It was as if I was right there with them, experiencing every emotion and challenge. The way the author crafted this narrative was simply outstanding.

It was a very good story indeed, one that held my attention from start to finish and left me with a deep appreciation for the power of storytelling and the importance of family history.

Overall, I would highly recommend this work to anyone who enjoys a well-written historical fiction that combines real-life elements with a fictional narrative to create a truly engaging and unforgettable reading experience.

DMF is a very important chemical substance. It has a wide range of applications in various industries.

DMF, short for N,N-Dimethylformamide, is a colorless liquid with a faint ammonia-like odor. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents, which makes it an excellent solvent for a variety of chemical reactions and processes.

In the pharmaceutical industry, DMF is widely used as a solvent for the synthesis and purification of drugs. It can help to dissolve the reactants and products, facilitating the reaction and separation process.

In the textile industry, DMF is used as a solvent for the production of synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester. It can improve the solubility and processing performance of the polymers, resulting in better quality fibers.

In addition, DMF is also used in the electronics industry, the paint and coating industry, and the leather industry. Its unique properties make it an indispensable chemical in these industries.

However, DMF also has some potential risks. It is a toxic substance and can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Therefore, proper safety measures should be taken when handling DMF to avoid exposure and ensure the safety of workers.

In conclusion, DMF is a very important chemical substance with a wide range of applications. Although it has some potential risks, its importance in various industries cannot be ignored. We should continue to study and develop safer and more efficient uses of DMF to meet the needs of modern industry.

Though this book is well-written, I can't help but feel that I should have derived more enjoyment from it than I actually did.

I found it extremely challenging to get fully immersed in the story. Some parts managed to draw me in, but then almost as quickly, I would find myself getting bored again.

The narrative progresses at such a slow pace that it gives the impression that the most crucial elements are hidden beneath a mountain of uninteresting and unimportant day-to-day details.

Perhaps it's my own shortcoming in not being able to perceive the depth and significance of it all. After all, I do sense that there was a glimmer of something interesting there, just not developed in a manner that could truly captivate me.

Or perhaps it simply wasn't the kind of story that appealed to my personal tastes. In any case, I have to admit that I'm relieved to have finished reading this book.

Laila Tademy is a remarkable descendant of African Americans who were deeply affected by the Colfax Massacre.

She has dedicated herself to researching the events surrounding this tragic incident, and through her work, she has presented a fictional account that is both chilling and educational.

While there were moments in the story when the pacing seemed to drag a little, the overall emotional impact of hearing about the trials and tribulations of our African American people's history is truly unforgettable.

Tademy's work serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices that have come before us, and it helps to keep the memory of these events alive for future generations.

Her fictional account allows readers to step into the shoes of those who lived through the Colfax Massacre and experience the pain, fear, and hope that they felt.

It is a testament to her skill as a writer and her commitment to sharing this important piece of history with the world.

I didn't find this book as compelling as Tademy's first one.

The so-called riot took up the first half of the book, and I really felt that it dragged on.

It seemed to go on and on without much progress or excitement.

I was hoping for a more engaging and fast-paced narrative, especially considering the author's previous work.

The first book was so captivating that I had high expectations for this one.

However, the first half of this book just didn't live up to those expectations.

I found myself losing interest and having to force myself to keep reading.

I'm hoping that the second half of the book will pick up and redeem itself.

Maybe there will be some unexpected twists and turns that will make it a more enjoyable read.

But for now, I'm a bit disappointed with the first half of the book.

I almost didn't finish this BOOK.

And that would have been a first because I have a deep love for reading.

The Colfax Massacre, which encompassed the first half of this book, made me really sad.

It was truly violent and vicious what African-American Men, Women & children endured from the White citizens of Colfax.

It was unimaginable, although it was based on actual events.

I am proud that the folks who survived were able to carry on afterwards, building families and traditions that still exist today through Lalita Tademy's story.

The second half continued her ancestors' life stories, but the pain from the first half precluded me from really getting into these chapters.

I'm glad to have finished it!

I truly admire African-Americans from those times, as they endured such hardship because of their color.

Although racism still exists in America, I don't think it is to the degree those fine people experienced back then.

And, I'm even more thankful that I was not born during those times.