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Summary: An excellent Read
Review: This novel reaches the heart and soul. It occurs during slavery yet it is not a typical 'slavery book'. It tells of the bond between a generation of four remarkable women. Their ups and downs and their determination to keep their family together. It captivates anger, hatred, compassion, history and love. A must read.
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Summary: very detail very good storyline
Review: I really enjoyed the book I first saw Lalita's story on Oprah I went out the same weekend and purchased the book I myself came from a very mixed family and I'm of dark descent this book really hit home for me andmade me open my eyes about things in my own life.
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Summary: required high school and college reading
Review: This was not only one of the best books I've ever read it should be a required history book for all high school and college students.
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Summary: Pages Readers Group Reads Cane River
Review: Pages Readers Group had the pleasure of reading this wonderful novel and hosting a January meeting with Chapters Book Club from Houston, TX. Held at the Café Soul in Los Angeles, CA, the group of 40 women united in an enjoyable and lively discussion of Cane River. Both book clubs agree that what moved them was how Tadeny's story demonstrated strength, love and loyalty for family through the lives of her ancestors Elisabeth, Suzette, Philomene and Emily.More than just an account of the old South during slavery times, Cane River presented a thought provoking lesson in African American History through what was endured by Tadeny's ancestors during the times which they lived. Joy was felt for the achievements which were accomplished by each women whom had little to no resources as well as sorrow for the hurt which was endured. Cane River is a must read for young adults as a reminder of the hardships of slavery and inequalities in American History.
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Summary: Great book a must read
Review: This is a great book. I enjoyed the story and the way the story was told. I also enjoy the pictures and the family tree it helped a lot through the story.
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Summary: You must read this one...
Review: This novel was simply incredible. You truly get lost in the story and feel as if you know these people. After reading this book I started thinking of my own ancestors and how little I know of them. I applaud the author for quitting her job in search of her roots. Very gutsy. I liked the fact that she included the family tree and actual pictures of the people. One just can't help but go back to look at their pictures and think of them and the situation they were in. A family that stuck together through slavery and freedom. True fighters, true heroes and true survivers.
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Summary: Awesome and amazing
Review: This book was such a page-turner for me that I had to put it in the next room to keep from staying up all night just to finish. It follows generations of women through their lives as they struggle with surviving slavery and the brutality of the men in their lives. I kept getting sucked into the story of each character only to be devastated as the character was sold away from her family. I thought the author did a marvelous job of capturing the terrible heartbreak that these women went through.
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Summary: A must Read for True History Lovers
Review: The real history of the south is not always pretty, and this true account of the author's family demonstrates some of the not talked about facts of life as a slave. But, what really struck me was that though family was sometimes separated and hardships were endured... the most important thing to the matriarchs of this family remained FAMILY. The women in this book were so inspiring to me and I admire their courage and perserverence. Such pride and strenghth of character! I felt that I knew each one of them and looked back often at the pictures of the proud women depicted. The author has not only a well written book to be extremely proud of, but a great family tradition as well! This was one of the best books I've read in years.
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Summary: Cane River
Review: This was the most moving book I have ever read. I could not put it down. The charicters were so real. I felt I knew them personally. I worried for them, cried for them and bonded with them. My family is from this part of Louisiana and of mulatto blood. I felt as if these women could have been my ancesters. I could really relate to their struggle, strentgh and courage. This is a book every women should read regardless of color.
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Summary: Move Over Roots!
Review: This is another labor of love that connects the dots for future generations. It is dejavu for some and a history lesson for others. Lalita Tademy is to be commended for this great novel that is based upon her ancestors. After reading it, I certainly see why it was one of Oprah's book club selections. Lalita Tademy's family tree has been traced back seven generations. The story is set in Louisiana. Without overkill the Author depicts slavery, Civil War, plantation life, class struggles between White/French/Creole/Mulatto/Quadroon/Black, race mixing, the different bonds between slaves & slave owners and FREEDOM. The primary focus is on four generations of women...Elisabeth born 1799, Suzette born 1825, Philomene born 1841 and Emily born 1861. I took away with me respect for each woman's tough decisions in life. Each generation had it's can of worms to deal with, but through the kaleidoscope of hope, youth, family, pain, hurt, suffering, humiliation, inferior treatment, servitude, love, lost love, sex on demand for slave owners, money, power, land, education, murder, obsession with "good hair", being "color struck", catholic religion, selling away of family members...the following was steadfast for each generation: strength, determination, sacrifice, family and dreams for a better life for their children. Photographs of family members, actual documents such as tax receipts, supreme court records, newspaper articles, census data, actual handwritten letters and excerpts from Cousin Gurtie Fredieu validate and help breathe life into Cane River. Do you know what it feels like to be considered better than dark skinned, but not good enough for white skinned? How a son can be aware of his beloved father's murder plot, but helpless to save his life? How a woman feels to have psychic visions and see them all come to pass? Have youthful hopes budding, but have them cut off before they bloom? Can you imagine the feel of outsmarting what is suppose to be superior over you? How far would you go to help better your family? Can you imagine having been told that your baby is dead and twenty plus years later being told that it was an outright lie? Well experience the answers to these questions and MUCH MORE when you read Cane River. This is an excellent book club selection. I would personally love to see this made into a TV Movie like "Roots".
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