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Angels Make Their Hope Here
From the author of the bestselling River, Cross My Heart-a compelling and lyrical new novel about a young black woman in the Civil War era who finds refuge in a racially tolerant community. Russell's Knob is not paradise. But already in 1863 this New Jersey highlands settlement is home to a diverse population of blacks and whites and reds who have intermarried and lived in relative harmony for generations. It is a haven for Dossie Bird, who has escaped north along the Underground Railroad and now feels the embrace of the Smoot family: Duncan (so much older than Dossie; could he expect her to be his helpmeet?), his reticent sister, his exuberant nephews, and a circle of friends that includes the local spirit woman, Noelle. Tentatively, Dossie begins to lay down roots-until an act of violence propels her away from Russell's Knob and eventually into the mayhem of New York City's mean streets.
With the same storytelling brio that distinguished the acclaimed novels River, Cross My Heart and Stand the Storm, Breena Clarke weaves the richly dramatic story of one woman's triumph in the crucible of history.
With the same storytelling brio that distinguished the acclaimed novels River, Cross My Heart and Stand the Storm, Breena Clarke weaves the richly dramatic story of one woman's triumph in the crucible of history.
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First published January 1, 2014
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About the author
Breena Clarke
10 books81 followersBreena Clarke's fourth novel, ALIVE NEARBY, is an epistolary novel that weaves back stories of characters from ANGELS MAKE THEIR HOPE HERE (July 2014), her sweeping novel about an imagined mixed-race community, and brings them and their stories into the 21st century. Breena is the author of two historical novels set in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Her debut novel, RIVER, CROSS MY HEART (1999), was an October 1999 Oprah Book Club selection. Clarke’s critically reviewed second novel, STAND THE STORM, is set in mid-19th century Washington, D.C., and was chosen by the Washington Post Book Review as one of the 100 best for 2008. Breena Clarke is co-author with Glenda Dickerson of the play "Re/Membering Aunt Jemima: A Menstrual Show" and is an advisor to the board of A Room Of Her Own Foundation. She has served on the fiction faculty of The Stonecoast MFA program at The University of Southern Maine. Her short fiction has appeared online at Kweli, The Nervous Breakdown, Catapult, and others. She is co-editor of Chicken Soup For The Soul I’m Speaking Now: Black Women Share Their Truth in 101 Stories of Love, Courage, and Hope. She is a co-founder and organizer of The Hobart Festival of Women Writers since 2013 and is an editor of HFWW’s online journal, NOW.
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July 25, 2014
Although Breena Clarke has previously written two highly regarded historical novels – including an Oprah pick, River, Cross My Heart – her latest was my first experience with her work. Based on the author's research into legends of the Ramapo Mountains of northeastern New Jersey, Angels Make Their Hope Here hones in on a secluded pocket of civilization called Russell's Knob, an imagined setting whose racially mixed residents – blacks, whites, Indians, and their "jumble children" descendants – live in harmony and fiercely defend one another against outsiders.
The perspective shifts among a medium-sized cast of characters, much like a camera might pan across a scene. Although the effect could be jumpy and awkward in a less skilled writer's hands, the transitions feel remarkably seamless here.
In 1849, Dossie is a young dark-skinned girl who was sent north from Maryland along the Underground Railroad by caring relatives. Unfortunately, she had fallen into the hands of an unscrupulous ring of people who worked her like a slave. That is, until a man named Duncan Smoot, who was to be her next conductor along the line, burns her captors' house down and secrets her away to Russell's Knob in the mountain highlands. One poignant image of her first night in her new home sees Dossie stretched out “in a comfortable curl on the well-worn floor,” refusing to acknowledge the possibility that she has a bed of her own.
Over the next decade or so, as she adjusts to her new circumstances, she cares for Duncan's chickens and keeps his house tidy while becoming part of his extended family: his sister Hattie, her German-born husband, their son, his handsome cousin, and the local spirit woman. Taught to read and write, Dossie grows into young adulthood hoping Duncan, whom she idolizes, will come to see her as a woman worthy of his attention.
In this era of racial strife and intolerance, however, whites and white-only locales pose a grave danger to the safety of Russell’s Knob. As the plot moves forward and occasionally back in time, Clarke reveals several jaw-dropping back stories for Smoot family members. And when the realities of being a black woman in a white-centered world hit Dossie in a very personal way, she's forced out of Russell's Knob and into New York's notorious Five Points district to save herself and her loved ones.
Rather than drawing readers carefully into her story at the beginning, Clarke drops them headlong into her characters’ thoughts and actions. I found it hard to situate myself at first, entranced by the rich setting and folksy dialect but unsure of exactly what was happening and what everyone's role was. Everything coalesced several chapters in, though, and I came to appreciate her nuanced characters. Each of them has faults, sometimes major ones, but also many redeeming qualities.
Dossie is an impressionable and sensual young woman who doesn't understand her power initially, or the effect her beauty has on other people. Her circumstances force her into emotional maturity by the end, and as a coming-of-age tale, the novel is effective and satisfying. More than that, though, Angels Make Their Hope Here is an empowering story about community, self-realization, and freedom of choice, something every person deserves.
The perspective shifts among a medium-sized cast of characters, much like a camera might pan across a scene. Although the effect could be jumpy and awkward in a less skilled writer's hands, the transitions feel remarkably seamless here.
In 1849, Dossie is a young dark-skinned girl who was sent north from Maryland along the Underground Railroad by caring relatives. Unfortunately, she had fallen into the hands of an unscrupulous ring of people who worked her like a slave. That is, until a man named Duncan Smoot, who was to be her next conductor along the line, burns her captors' house down and secrets her away to Russell's Knob in the mountain highlands. One poignant image of her first night in her new home sees Dossie stretched out “in a comfortable curl on the well-worn floor,” refusing to acknowledge the possibility that she has a bed of her own.
Over the next decade or so, as she adjusts to her new circumstances, she cares for Duncan's chickens and keeps his house tidy while becoming part of his extended family: his sister Hattie, her German-born husband, their son, his handsome cousin, and the local spirit woman. Taught to read and write, Dossie grows into young adulthood hoping Duncan, whom she idolizes, will come to see her as a woman worthy of his attention.
In this era of racial strife and intolerance, however, whites and white-only locales pose a grave danger to the safety of Russell’s Knob. As the plot moves forward and occasionally back in time, Clarke reveals several jaw-dropping back stories for Smoot family members. And when the realities of being a black woman in a white-centered world hit Dossie in a very personal way, she's forced out of Russell's Knob and into New York's notorious Five Points district to save herself and her loved ones.
Rather than drawing readers carefully into her story at the beginning, Clarke drops them headlong into her characters’ thoughts and actions. I found it hard to situate myself at first, entranced by the rich setting and folksy dialect but unsure of exactly what was happening and what everyone's role was. Everything coalesced several chapters in, though, and I came to appreciate her nuanced characters. Each of them has faults, sometimes major ones, but also many redeeming qualities.
Dossie is an impressionable and sensual young woman who doesn't understand her power initially, or the effect her beauty has on other people. Her circumstances force her into emotional maturity by the end, and as a coming-of-age tale, the novel is effective and satisfying. More than that, though, Angels Make Their Hope Here is an empowering story about community, self-realization, and freedom of choice, something every person deserves.
September 24, 2014
Russell's Knob is a haven - a place where free people of any color have made a community. Dossie arrives there very young, having been sent along via the underground railroad by her parents, who hoped she'd find freedom, and by Duncan Smoot who, by stealth, got Dossie away from the family who intercepted her and enslaved her. But is Dossie free? Too young to understand much about her situation and her surroundings, she sees Duncan as a savior, almost God. She is highly influenced by the words of her evangelical last conductor, who assured her that God had a plan for her. As a little girl in Smoot's house, Dossie learns to cook and care for animals, and is only too happy to do whatever Duncan asks of her. Life with him is, after all, much better than any place else she has lived thus far.
Clarke's writing is unusual and unsettling. At first, Duncan Smoot is the narrator, and we get a picture of him as a dedicated (if possibly addled) participant along the underground railroad. Then the writing shifts, and we are no longer inside any character's head. Clarke describes Russell's Knob, its history and its inhabitants, and details a place in which there is more kindness and equality than all the other places around. But then she writes with language so coarse and hard -- You know all is not how it seems and something awful must be coming. But what?
I am trying to decide, as I am reading this, whether or not I like it. There's an emotional superficiality that I'd like to get under.
In the end, I liked this book for what it was about and not for character development. The author just didn't let us get close to any of them. Still, Clarke highlights some really important stuff -- Life (and this story) has a constant undercurrent of danger and fear for folks at the bottom of the power structure. Even during happy times, those 'above' you can turn on you at any time, and the law will be on their side, not yours. It was true for free blacks and "amalgamators" in the civil war era, and it's true for so many today, including in the United States.
Clarke's writing is unusual and unsettling. At first, Duncan Smoot is the narrator, and we get a picture of him as a dedicated (if possibly addled) participant along the underground railroad. Then the writing shifts, and we are no longer inside any character's head. Clarke describes Russell's Knob, its history and its inhabitants, and details a place in which there is more kindness and equality than all the other places around. But then she writes with language so coarse and hard -- You know all is not how it seems and something awful must be coming. But what?
I am trying to decide, as I am reading this, whether or not I like it. There's an emotional superficiality that I'd like to get under.
In the end, I liked this book for what it was about and not for character development. The author just didn't let us get close to any of them. Still, Clarke highlights some really important stuff -- Life (and this story) has a constant undercurrent of danger and fear for folks at the bottom of the power structure. Even during happy times, those 'above' you can turn on you at any time, and the law will be on their side, not yours. It was true for free blacks and "amalgamators" in the civil war era, and it's true for so many today, including in the United States.
November 29, 2022
I read this quickly. Kept thinking something interesting would happen. What was the point of this book? There was no character growth from my perspective. There was no big hurdle to overcome. The characters were all a bit creepy. There seemed to be an incestuous undertone to the relationships of the Smoots. The lewd language added nothing to the story. Was the tiny part in NYC the event that categorized this book as Historical Fiction?
April 17, 2015
From the opening lines of this book you can tell Duncan Smoot is a wielder of power. He often considers whether he will wield that power with benevolence or malevolence and the results of his decisions shape the narrative of this fine novel by Breena Clarke. When we first meet Smoot he is thinking about whether he will simply liberate the slave girl Dossie and make a clean escape with her, or if should burn down the property of the people who enslaved her. How he comes to his decisions is hard to determine--he's almost godlike in this--and indeed Dossie comes to see him as God. He takes her to his home, Russell's Knob which does seem like a heaven where black, Native American and mixed race or "jumbled" people live in a kind of harmony unknown in other parts of 1840s America. Indeed Smoot rules over the lives of his sister, nephews, and even his white brother-in-law while inciting the outsized mix of love, admiration, fear and resentment one would have for such a figure. Observing this led me to question: The residents of Russell's Knob show great mistrust for the outside world, but are the true dangers outside or within the boundaries of their idyllic community?
Clarke weaves her book lovingly with a kind of omniscient voice that speaks in the Russell's Knob accent. It's comforting to hear it. What's meant to be beautiful (descriptions of Dossie's bird calling) is definitely so, and what's meant to be ugly--the violence when it happens--is rendered in such a clear, matter of fact way that the results are heartbreaking. Reading this book was an unforgettable experience.
Clarke weaves her book lovingly with a kind of omniscient voice that speaks in the Russell's Knob accent. It's comforting to hear it. What's meant to be beautiful (descriptions of Dossie's bird calling) is definitely so, and what's meant to be ugly--the violence when it happens--is rendered in such a clear, matter of fact way that the results are heartbreaking. Reading this book was an unforgettable experience.
April 3, 2015
A good novel that hums along at a nice pace, with good character development and exceptional prose. The historical nature of this novel is the draw and author Breena Clarke tells an interesting story about the fictional Russell's Knob, a mountain community in NJ, not far from Paterson. In drawing out the life and closeness of this community that houses mainly African Americans, but also some Native Americans and whites as well, she details the exploits of the Smoots and how this community has survived generations in this Civil War period. She does an excellent job of painting a realistic portrait of what such a community would look, sound and feel like. That is the beauty of this novel.
August 2, 2015
2.5 for me. I seriously wished I would have liked this one more. I did receive an ARC. I loved the cover and summary, and was excited to give it a go! I didn't connect with ANY of the characters and ended up greatly disliking the main one by the finish of the book. I struggled at times to follow the story of the family's lineage...not sure if that was on purpose, or if it was just me. Also, the story felt slow and like it wasn't really going anywhere, and in the end it just kind of circled back to the start. Don't get me wrong there were a few main events, but none of which totally captured my interest.
July 18, 2014
This is the first book that I have read from Goodreads Givaway. I was very excited to receive the book and start reading it.
I love books that share glimpses of what life may have been like in the past. This is a book that I normally would devour and enjoy. Although the storyline was intriguing, I found it hard to understand the motives of the characters and the dialogue was confusing and hard to follow. I felt the plot had so much potential, but when I finished the book I was left disappointed. The one highlight of the book was witnessing the progression and growth of Dossie.
I love books that share glimpses of what life may have been like in the past. This is a book that I normally would devour and enjoy. Although the storyline was intriguing, I found it hard to understand the motives of the characters and the dialogue was confusing and hard to follow. I felt the plot had so much potential, but when I finished the book I was left disappointed. The one highlight of the book was witnessing the progression and growth of Dossie.
November 13, 2014
This novel of love and lust, of degradation and dignity claimed packed a powerful punch. The characters vibrated with life. The rhythmic language went beyond story-telling to create atmosphere by the very sound of the words strung together. The unique setting of a semi-isolated community of run-away slaves and mix-race families was intriguing.
January 3, 2015
I was pulled in and found this novel quite satisfying. For me, one of the most striking aspects of the story was the delineation of how extremely treacherous life was for African-Americans during the pre-civil war era in the supposedly "free northern states".
July 19, 2021
This is pre-Civil War New Jersey; a unique community in the highlands near Paterson. Dossie as she is sent by her parents (slaves) on the underground Railroad to a better life. We follow her life from young child to lovely woman. The community of Russel's Knob is tucked safely in the mountain and is home to freed men, runaways, American Indians and whites. All are pledged to protect each other.
A wonderful story, lots of detail. A different, hopeful look at this time in our history.
A wonderful story, lots of detail. A different, hopeful look at this time in our history.
January 24, 2021
Beautifully written. A story about a community of refuge for non-whites in the pre- civil war years. Shines a spotlight on the particular vulnerabilities of women of color whose status (slave vs. free) is uncertain.
January 14, 2022
This story took place before/during the civil war and therefore also during slavery. We still live in a country that treats blacks, indigenous. Chinese, or anyone who does not fall in the "white" category.
January 17, 2019
Warning! This book is a great example of why books need ratings! Only adding to my list to let others who care about that know it's unnecessarily inappropriate.
March 13, 2019
Did not finish. I cannot read a book where a grown man rescues a little girl only to end up in a relationship with her. I think it’s highly inappropriate.
March 26, 2020
This book was just ok for me.
April 20, 2020
This was a good read - especially if you’re into historical events
April 13, 2021
Totally enjoyable.
Read
April 16, 2023DNF
September 1, 2025
Tragically sad during a horrific era of US history.
August 2, 2014
"Angels Make Their Home Here" which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is a touching and gripping historical romance from the pen of Breena Clarke. It begins when Duncan Smoot,a respected hunter and haulier of people and goods, rescues a young girl from the clutches of a nasty lowland couple who've been abusing her. In 1863 when Dossie arrives at Russell's Knob in the New Jersey highlands she thinks it's paradise. But this hidden refuge for a hodgepodge of black, white and jumble children is far from the blissful haven she's conjured in her mind. Yet, in this racially tolerant settlement Dossie begins to lay down roots with the Smoot family- Duncan, his sister Hattie, the local healer Noelle, and two mischievous teenage boys
With maturity Dossie grows in cleverness and beauty which doesn't go unrecognized by her rescuer and his two nephews. But when Duncan, a much older man takes her as his wife, all hell breaks loose. With an act of violence and murder Dossie flees with Jan Smoot to New York City only to have her life turned upside down again in the chaos and death of race riots.
This is the story of one woman's struggle from childhood after her parents sent her to freedom through the underground railroad only to be kidnapped by ruthless men and sold to a lowland farmer and his wife. When liberated by Duncan Smoot she finds refuge and acceptance in Russell's Knob which is eventually snatched away. The plot is rich in description and its wealth of informal and unpretentious dialogue, giving spirit not only to the period, but to the personalities of these highland settlers. In an age when Abraham Lincoln struggles with the issue of black slavery and the nation is poised on the precipice of Civil War, Breena Clarke gives voice not only to the prejudice and hatred, but to the injustice and philandering that rules men's minds and hearts. It is a tale of secrets and lies that once unravelled bring pain and heartache, but also enlightenment and joy.
The characters like the plot are well-developed and starkly realistic in all their brokenness. Duncan Smoot, a strong and respected leader in the community can be haughty and proud but also caring and protective. Demanding and uncompromising he shoulders the responsibility not only for Dossie but his family, and is often weighed down with intense guilt when he can't shield them from the trials of life. Dossie Bird Smoot a sensual and impressionable beauty tends to be self-effacing, hardworking and obedient. Only when violence tears her life apart and she's forced to escape her haven does Dossie begin to mature into an intelligent, self-confident and defiant young woman, who's no longer willing to be meekly compliant in her life or marriage. Hattie Smoot Wilhelm is Duncan's good-natured and frank sister who's burdened by a loveless marriage. Her husband Ernst is a lusty, voracious philander while her half-white, spoiled son Petrus evolves into a determined and clever young man. A prankster and talented dancer, Jan Smoot son of Duncan's murdered sister Cissy is willful and irresponsible but longs for the love and security of a family Noelle Beaulieu the community's healer is a self-possessed free spirit. All these characters and more add power, drama and spice to a story you can't put down.
Although the language can be explicit, the story is compelling and brings realism to the chaos of this turbulent time. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
With maturity Dossie grows in cleverness and beauty which doesn't go unrecognized by her rescuer and his two nephews. But when Duncan, a much older man takes her as his wife, all hell breaks loose. With an act of violence and murder Dossie flees with Jan Smoot to New York City only to have her life turned upside down again in the chaos and death of race riots.
This is the story of one woman's struggle from childhood after her parents sent her to freedom through the underground railroad only to be kidnapped by ruthless men and sold to a lowland farmer and his wife. When liberated by Duncan Smoot she finds refuge and acceptance in Russell's Knob which is eventually snatched away. The plot is rich in description and its wealth of informal and unpretentious dialogue, giving spirit not only to the period, but to the personalities of these highland settlers. In an age when Abraham Lincoln struggles with the issue of black slavery and the nation is poised on the precipice of Civil War, Breena Clarke gives voice not only to the prejudice and hatred, but to the injustice and philandering that rules men's minds and hearts. It is a tale of secrets and lies that once unravelled bring pain and heartache, but also enlightenment and joy.
The characters like the plot are well-developed and starkly realistic in all their brokenness. Duncan Smoot, a strong and respected leader in the community can be haughty and proud but also caring and protective. Demanding and uncompromising he shoulders the responsibility not only for Dossie but his family, and is often weighed down with intense guilt when he can't shield them from the trials of life. Dossie Bird Smoot a sensual and impressionable beauty tends to be self-effacing, hardworking and obedient. Only when violence tears her life apart and she's forced to escape her haven does Dossie begin to mature into an intelligent, self-confident and defiant young woman, who's no longer willing to be meekly compliant in her life or marriage. Hattie Smoot Wilhelm is Duncan's good-natured and frank sister who's burdened by a loveless marriage. Her husband Ernst is a lusty, voracious philander while her half-white, spoiled son Petrus evolves into a determined and clever young man. A prankster and talented dancer, Jan Smoot son of Duncan's murdered sister Cissy is willful and irresponsible but longs for the love and security of a family Noelle Beaulieu the community's healer is a self-possessed free spirit. All these characters and more add power, drama and spice to a story you can't put down.
Although the language can be explicit, the story is compelling and brings realism to the chaos of this turbulent time. I enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
November 8, 2014
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5
There are ways to broaden your knowledge and fuel curiosity simply by reading fiction. While it isn’t a substitute for research, little gems of knowledge and inspiration for further research can come in the midst of a fictional story that transports and entertains. Breena Clarke creates the fictional town of Russel’s Knob New Jersey: a gathering place for those running from the slavery and oppression of the pre-civil war south, a community comprised of people who are more tolerant and less inclined to follow societal norms.
Character driven, with events that range from heartwarming to heartwrenching, Clarke’s portrayals of the people we meet, and most especially Dossie, are fully living and breathing. Completely perfect in their imperfections, their traits and predilections, prejudices and hopes are clearly displayed and ad a fullness to the reader’s experience. While you don’t need this book to explain the complexities of human nature: good or bad, Clarke doesn’t hold back in presenting all sides in clear and evocative imagery.
Narration for this story is presented by Love Carter and her delivery and performance were the perfect accompaniment to the story: never over-reaching for emotional impact, nor underplaying the moments of horror to spare the listener. Clear enunciation, smooth and steady delivery and high quality production values all lead to a pleasant experience.
While I was excited about this book, I was completely unprepared for my reactions to it when I finished. This is one of those stories that stays with you, long after the end. While there is love and hope, there is murder, violence and betrayals here: highlighting the fact that people, even 150+ years ago, weren’t all that different from today.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall 5 Narration 5 Story 5
There are ways to broaden your knowledge and fuel curiosity simply by reading fiction. While it isn’t a substitute for research, little gems of knowledge and inspiration for further research can come in the midst of a fictional story that transports and entertains. Breena Clarke creates the fictional town of Russel’s Knob New Jersey: a gathering place for those running from the slavery and oppression of the pre-civil war south, a community comprised of people who are more tolerant and less inclined to follow societal norms.
Character driven, with events that range from heartwarming to heartwrenching, Clarke’s portrayals of the people we meet, and most especially Dossie, are fully living and breathing. Completely perfect in their imperfections, their traits and predilections, prejudices and hopes are clearly displayed and ad a fullness to the reader’s experience. While you don’t need this book to explain the complexities of human nature: good or bad, Clarke doesn’t hold back in presenting all sides in clear and evocative imagery.
Narration for this story is presented by Love Carter and her delivery and performance were the perfect accompaniment to the story: never over-reaching for emotional impact, nor underplaying the moments of horror to spare the listener. Clear enunciation, smooth and steady delivery and high quality production values all lead to a pleasant experience.
While I was excited about this book, I was completely unprepared for my reactions to it when I finished. This is one of those stories that stays with you, long after the end. While there is love and hope, there is murder, violence and betrayals here: highlighting the fact that people, even 150+ years ago, weren’t all that different from today.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Hachette Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
August 31, 2014
In "Angels Make Their Hope Here" author Breena Clarke has written a brilliant historic novel centering on Russell's Knob, a New Jersey highlands settlement that shelters African-Americans, Native Americans,and runaway whites who have intermarried and lived there in peace for generations.( Those who are familiar with the area will recognize Russell Knob as perhaps nestled in the famed Ramapo Mountains of New Jersey, northwest of New York City.)Main character Dossie Bird escapes through the Underground Railroad the cruelty of slavery in those pre-Civil War times and comes to live in Russell's Knob and marries it's leader, Duncan Smoot. But Dossie faces the unforgiving times that she lives in when she kills white man Emil Branch who was attempting to rape her. Dossie knows she must flee the security of Russell's Knob lest she be hanged for murdering a white man. In modern times when unfairness and prejudice seems to have arisen, it behooves all readers to read "Angels Make Their Hope Here", to tremble as it covers the 1863 New York City draft riots which threatened all its many African-American citizens and killed far too many of them for no reason whatsover, and mostly to read of life and living through African-American eyes. Don't even think of missing "Angels Make Their Hope Here"!
July 15, 2014
This was a Goodreads First Reads win. (My first!)
I have to admit, this is not generally the type of book I would read and only did so because I won it (thanks, Goodreads!). I don't know that my review will be "fair" since this isn't my "type" of book, but I'll try.
I think the actual story was a very good one, but I had trouble following since most of the language used was very outdated. I was also a little uncomfortable with the characters' lifestyles, although that's definitely not a criticism to the author. In fact, it's a compliment. She described their lives very well - I just had trouble identifying with the characters. I tend to like books that I can get lost in and feel what the characters are feeling. This, however, was such a far cry from modern day life that it was hard to do so. There was so much infidelity and philandering among the men and it just seemed acceptable in their little world. Perhaps that is the way it was in that time frame (1860s or so), but I still didn't enjoy reading about it much.
So, with that said, I can't say I 'enjoyed' this book, but I think that was more of my "personal" view more than that of a true critic. Definitely well written, and definitely a well thought-out, detailed story with a satisfying ending.
I have to admit, this is not generally the type of book I would read and only did so because I won it (thanks, Goodreads!). I don't know that my review will be "fair" since this isn't my "type" of book, but I'll try.
I think the actual story was a very good one, but I had trouble following since most of the language used was very outdated. I was also a little uncomfortable with the characters' lifestyles, although that's definitely not a criticism to the author. In fact, it's a compliment. She described their lives very well - I just had trouble identifying with the characters. I tend to like books that I can get lost in and feel what the characters are feeling. This, however, was such a far cry from modern day life that it was hard to do so. There was so much infidelity and philandering among the men and it just seemed acceptable in their little world. Perhaps that is the way it was in that time frame (1860s or so), but I still didn't enjoy reading about it much.
So, with that said, I can't say I 'enjoyed' this book, but I think that was more of my "personal" view more than that of a true critic. Definitely well written, and definitely a well thought-out, detailed story with a satisfying ending.
December 4, 2014
A very young girl is taken through the underground railroad to Russell's Knob in New Jersey. She thinks it is paradise. She believes she is saved by Duncan Smoot, who traveled with her. And she believes that she is ready to be his maid, cook, whatever he wants, she is happy with him.
Russell's Knob is a very mixed community of blacks, whites & reds who have intermarried & they are very loyal to each other. The story takes us through Dossie's young life. Only later does Duncan (a much older man) realize that he wants Dossie as a wife. She also is ready for this. The story introduces you to various characters close to Duncan's family, his sister, his sometimes wild nephews & a friend Noelle who has at one time been very close to Duncan.
Much later as Duncan's wife, Dossie encounters horrible violence which has her fleeing to New York with Duncan's nephew. Her motives are not in the best interest, yet she feels she is doing the right thing. When New York does not prove to be a good thing, she realized that Duncan & Russell's Knob are the best thing, the happiest thing for her.
I enjoyed reading this book.
Russell's Knob is a very mixed community of blacks, whites & reds who have intermarried & they are very loyal to each other. The story takes us through Dossie's young life. Only later does Duncan (a much older man) realize that he wants Dossie as a wife. She also is ready for this. The story introduces you to various characters close to Duncan's family, his sister, his sometimes wild nephews & a friend Noelle who has at one time been very close to Duncan.
Much later as Duncan's wife, Dossie encounters horrible violence which has her fleeing to New York with Duncan's nephew. Her motives are not in the best interest, yet she feels she is doing the right thing. When New York does not prove to be a good thing, she realized that Duncan & Russell's Knob are the best thing, the happiest thing for her.
I enjoyed reading this book.
September 1, 2016
In the mid 1800's in New Jersey a small haven of people lived in relative peace for generation. Under the protection of Duncan Smoot, this little haven of interracial people stayed virtually hidden. Duncan took care of his sister, two nephews and most of the community. Then Dossie Bird enters the picture as a runaway on the under ground railroad. Things begin to change.
Dossie wants a life with Duncan - she idolizes him, however she ends up on the run in New York with Jan, Duncan's nephew. Can Dossie ever go back to Russell's Knob?
I usually like a novel filled with dialog - this novel was mostly narrative. Clarke was able to achieve a really good story through her master of that narrative. I felt as though I was a mouse in the corner watching as this story evolved - mesmerized and waiting for more.
Dossie wants a life with Duncan - she idolizes him, however she ends up on the run in New York with Jan, Duncan's nephew. Can Dossie ever go back to Russell's Knob?
I usually like a novel filled with dialog - this novel was mostly narrative. Clarke was able to achieve a really good story through her master of that narrative. I felt as though I was a mouse in the corner watching as this story evolved - mesmerized and waiting for more.
September 1, 2014
Definitely not a clean read! I probably would've rated higher but the f bomb was so copious!!! I get that this is probably the realistic vernacular of a Civil War era people concerned with spawning and satisfying the urges to spawn. However, there are a myriad of ways good authors handle this and I just wish Clarke was one of them, because I find the Ramapo people fascinating, and Clarke's rendering spot on. Since my own hometown was a place of the proverbial "race stew pot," I love reading how an initial attraction that develops slowly into love crosses race, creed, and challenges the ingrained knowledge of either that we have from childhood. Not Romeo and Juliet by any stretch, but in the end the reader gets the sense of, "the heart wants what it wants," against the sketch of a society in its time and place.
July 31, 2014
Russell's Knob is home to a mixed population of blacks, whites and reds. All have intermarried and live together in this haven.
Now Dossie Bird has escaped through the Underground Railroad and has made her way to Russell's Knob with Duncan Smoot. Dossie busies herself with the cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the chickens at Duncan's home. Dossie wonders when the wife of Duncan will appear. But, finally finds out that he's not married and she hopes one day that maybe she will become his wife.
You will have to read this great book to find out if Dossie does marry Duncan and all the problems she occurs with her life in the Smoot family.
I won this book through the Goodreads Giveaway and am happy that I did. You will like this book as much as I did.
Now Dossie Bird has escaped through the Underground Railroad and has made her way to Russell's Knob with Duncan Smoot. Dossie busies herself with the cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the chickens at Duncan's home. Dossie wonders when the wife of Duncan will appear. But, finally finds out that he's not married and she hopes one day that maybe she will become his wife.
You will have to read this great book to find out if Dossie does marry Duncan and all the problems she occurs with her life in the Smoot family.
I won this book through the Goodreads Giveaway and am happy that I did. You will like this book as much as I did.
September 4, 2014
The story is set in the Ramapo Mts, and NYC just before and in the first year of the Civil War. How different it was from Stand the Storm! The clan it focuses on lives in the Ramapo Mts somewhat like Robin Hood's gang - they set regular patrols to keep themselves safe. They are made up of a "jumbly" mixture of intermarried whites, blacks and Indians. It took me a few chapters to get into the cadence of their speech and slang. (I discovered new terms for male parts, for example.) Clarke lives in Jersey City and the book was selected for the Morristown Book Festival.
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July 17, 2014I am glad I read this its not my usual type but it is good and I recommend it to those who love to read any thing or those who can read with an open mind. I love how Breena Clarke writes and she is now added to my list of authors that I love to read. Thank you Breena Clarke for giving me this opportunity to read something from an author that I had never heard about.
God Bless you, I look forward to reading more of your books.
Ms. Brown
God Bless you, I look forward to reading more of your books.
Ms. Brown
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August 21, 2014I was expecting more of a tory about a community, rather then a love story. So I was a bit diaappointed on the whole thing. A decent read if you want a love story. Some of the characters were left hanging. One was written out at the end when you were wondering what happened to that person. Just a letter to and from that character, and nothing else. No explanation as to why he left in the first place./
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