February 13, 2014

The House Girl


"Freedom was a curious thing." ~ pg. 160

Another remarkable tale about two extraordinary women! The story alternates between Josephine narrating in antebellum Virginia and Lina in modern-day New York. In 1852, Josephine is a slave to an aspiring artist on a tobacco farm. Fast forward to 2004, Lina is a young lawyer working on a historic class-action lawsuit involving reparations for descendants of American slaves. There is also controversy in the art world whether the paintings of Lu Anne Bell were really the work of her slave, Josephine. While looking through old letters and plantation records to find a lead plaintiff, Lina uncovers family secrets of her own.

"This lawsuit has the potential to, quite literally, rewrite history." ~ pg. 51

Themes include art, history, justice and morals. The House Girl was published one year ago. Why I waited this long to read it is beyond me (well, my taller-than-life TBR list may be a reason). But I am sure glad that I finally found the time for Lina and Josephine's story. If you have not read this bestseller, please do so soon.

Title: The House Girl
Author: Tara Conklin
Published: February 2013
Pages: 301
Edition: eBook
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

2 comments:

  1. I was curious about this book -- you have convinced me to check it out.

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    Replies
    1. Yay! Let me know how you like it. Great to read while snuggled inside this winter.

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