Rating: 
Summary: Family History
Review: This book was VERY GOOD!! It made me reflect on my own family and why some of us see things differently. It also made me realize that some of the issues we (especially as black women) have today are very much related to our past. It's an excellent book. Everyone should open their minds and think about their own lives when reading this book
Rating: 
Summary: A pleasure to read
Review: If you liked Cold Mountain and are looking for a book that is written as well...read this. This book was a pleasure to read even though the stories of the women's lives were heartbreaking. The book gives a realistic, yet grasping view of these women's lives as slaves.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT
Review: I read this book within a week. I just could not put the book down. It was great to read a different version on slavery that occured during those times. The women portrayed in the book, just simply reminded me of the stories that I heard about my grandmothers, great-grandmothers and thier strengh. I'm looking forwarded to reading more books written by the author.EXCELLENT!!!!!
Rating: 
Summary: J.Goff/5th/Casserly
Review: Cane River, written by Lalita Tademy, is an engaging novel based on the author's actual historical roots. Her sheer determination resulted in a fascinating book that today not only helps the reader understand a little bit more on the perspectives of what both the white and the colored people perceived during times of the Civil War, but also almost forces us to think of where our personal roots were descended from. The first of following four generations of African-American women, beginning with Tademy's fourth greatest grand-mother Elisabeth, primarily concentrates on the relationship between the French-speaking white family, The Derbannes, and their servant, Elisabeth.
The passive attitude of Elisabeth resulted in a non-stop sexual relationship with an out of town French man named Monsieur Durrot. This pride-less man impregnated Elisabeth a few times, but only one, his youngest, was followed in the novel. Suzette, the second generation of the novel, learned the disappointment of expecting freedom in her time. She believed one day, she would have that freedom her mom so easily gave up on. Philomene, Suzette's strong-minded daughter, was one who was let down over and over again also, however, was different to the past two generations simply because she never gave up. She cherished family, just so her mother and grandmother did, therefore, fought for what it took to unite her family back together again. The last generation that Tademy shared, was Philomene's daughter, Emily, who also had the same characteristics as her mother, however, did not have to utilize them as much due to the difference in her skin tone and background. Philomene made it an obligation to make sure her daughter would not have to suffer as much as her grandmothers in the past had done.
Overall, the book was extremely educational, however, I felt that some scenes in the book dragged on forever. Maybe that is what it was actually like back then and Tademy wanted us to experience the same feelings as her historical roots did, but it felt quite tiresome to me. I also believe that this novel would make a fascinating movie, unless it's already been made into a film.
Rating:
Summary: An unpolitically correct review...
Review: If a reviewer failing to follow the partyline, the "conventional wisdom" of society upsets you, please don't bother to read this review. I am NOT going to repeat what you'll read in the other reviews printed here. Instead, I will tell you that altho "Cane River" is an enjoyable read & certainly was a worthwhile project for Lalita Tedemy to be involved in, it is not a particularly important book. Of course it will be compared to "Roots". "Cane River" is nowhere near the book "Roots" is, either in terms of writing, emotional impact or social importance. But coming only 2 years after Edward Ball's National Book Award-winning "Slaves in the Family" also begs that comparison; once again "Cane River" comes up short. The failures of "Cane River" are primarily the failures of a first-time author/novelist. Lalita Tedemy is a business executive, not a novelist. It is tempting to wonder how much better this book would have been had she followed Ball's lead & written it as non-fiction genealogical history instead of following in Haley's footsteps & attempting a novel. Tademy simply isn't a good enough writer to handle the finer points of characterisation or motivation. Additionally, she completely fails to transport the reader to the physical reality of back-country Louisiana, which is a major mis-step in a novel entitled for it's locale. As a fan of this sort of family memoir, I must ask a completely unpopular question: why is it that people who are of "mixed" blood, who physically look more Caucasian than not, perpetually insist on identifying with the minority inheritance in their family background? Why did Ms. Tademy choose to write the story of her "colored" family & not go to France to research the family backgrounds of the Fredieu's & Derault's? After all, they account for the majority of her genetic inheritance. Edward Ball, in "Slaves in the Family" took a much more balanced approach; even tho he is "white" & many of the Balls he uncovered are "black", as far as he was concerned, they were all one family. It's too bad more individuals on either side of the slavery background don't take his approach.
Rating:
Summary: Lou'siana Bayou Country!
Review: I finished CANE RIVER just last week and found it very interesting how 5 generations of slave women coped with their horrendous situation. I hope this book will inspire people to do geneological research about their families. Sincerely, K.A.
Rating:
Summary: A history lesson for us all!
Review: I have to admit that I wouldn't have considered this book if Oprah wasn't on television one particular late afternoon not too long ago. I happened to catch a glipse of the show, and the book "Cane River" was being discussed. I was hooked. I read the book, and I must say that I was both touched and educated at the same time. History was never portrayed like this when I was in grade school. The saga of the three women portrayed in this book was sad, eye-opening, and triumphant all at the same time. This is a wonderful book. Ms. Tademy did a great job.
Rating:
Summary: A CUT ABOVE THE REST
Review: I BROUGHT THIS WONDERFUL BOOK YESTERDAY AND I AM ON CHAPTER 9 ALREADY! THIS BOOK HAS ME THINKING ALL THE TIME ABOUT MYSELF, MY JOB, MY SEEMINGLY BIG/SMALL PROBLEMS, ABOUT HOW I SHOULD HANDLE MY PROBLEMS OR THE WAY ONE OF "MY OWN" WOULD HAVE, ABOUT MY FAMILY HISTORY, ABOUT THE SCAR I SEE ON MY GRANDMOTHER'S FACE...SOME FAMILY SECRET ABOUT SOMETHING SHE WOULD NOT DO AS A SHARECROPPER, ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE EXPECT FROM ME, WHAT THEY SAY I AM, AND SHOULD BELIEVE THEM AND WHAT I TRULY AM. THIS IS A TRULY A BOOK FOR ALL PEOPLES.
Rating:
Summary: A very satisfying reading experience!
Review: Recent literature has given us so many strong black female characters, but few compare with the women of Cane River. Tademy is absolutely masterful in the hugely human characters she so lovingly, but utterly unflinchingly portrays. Perhaps it's because they are her actual ancestors and there is certainly a very real sense of continuity and enduring presence in this amazing story. As the descendant of slave owners and having recently discovered the black side of my own family, her story resonates and resounds gloriously for me. I can only hope she has more stories to tell. A heart-wrenching and soul-sating great American novel.
Rating:
Summary: Cane River
Review: Cane River is a well written, interesting book on many levels.
It is an interesting historical novel and will appeal to those who are fascinated with the history of our country from ante-bellum to present. It is also a women's book- tracing generations of strong women through many changes. That this novel is based upon real people, and has pictures to remind you of that fact, makes it an even more particularly fascinating story. I highly recommend this book.
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