3.75 stars. I think the book was good for its purpose, but it is super long and tedious to read. If you are into history, this one is for you!!

I loved this book. Four generations of strong black women born into slavery and how they lived their lives.

3.5 stars. There is so much to like about this book: the factual history each story is bound to, the practical resilience of the women of each generation, the constant push for just a little bit of respect. I gave it three stars though because I felt the linear structure was a left me wanting more complexity. But I’m not an author and it may have been too difficult follow the journey of so many characters.

Good.

Truly beautiful writing but I wasn't drawn in so completely to be obsessed but I do love a good multi generation story.

I listened to this excellent, gut-wrenching story over a couple of days. While there are many great books giving a glimpse into the evils of slavery, such as Frederick Douglass' autobiography, none I've read do so in such a way that leaves the reader feeling the helplessness of their situation. In particular, this one focuses on the stories of women, which gives a unique and totally different perspective.

I really enjoyed reading through the 4 generations of women. I was continually disappointed in the human race for treating people as property, though. The notion that one race is better than another is devastating to me (and to God). Tragedy after tragedy after tragedy yet these women remained strong.

A multi generational story told from pre-civil war through the early 1900’s. I like how life is seen through the eyes of slaves, then freed slaves, and then to free blacks who still have no rights. Such a powerful story and you get to know each generation as the story goes on. A must read for fans of Deep South history. Also, the author is an ancestor of the family she is writing about. She found many documents, wills, contracts, as well as her own family’s words to lay out this true account of her family.

A rich book that opened my eyes in a more personal way than any other I’ve read about the atrocities of slavery. The character development was tremendous and I really appreciated the family portraits. I wholeheartedly agree with its review that it was meticulously researched and beautifully written.

This might make my top books (already!) for this year. While it was released in 2001, it just came up for me as a book to read for Black History Month. The author Lalita Tademy weaves a story of her own female ancestors that were born enslaved in the Cane River area of Louisiana. It tells the very real fears and realities these women had to face as time went on. Four generations of African American women trying to build their families and seek elusive freedom. I learned a lot from this book, and would recommend it to anyone.

This book isn’t graphic but does deal with the atrocities of enslavement, rape, war, colorism, and racism.

GOOD!

Cane River is an example of why I like to read historical fiction. Imagination married to facts creates wonderful reading. It certainly did in this book!