Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen

by Sarah Bird

The compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my mama never let me forget it.

Though born into bondage on a “miserable tobacco farm” in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was never allowed to consider herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, bound by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her means of deliverance is Union general Phillip Henry “Smash ‘em Up” Sheridan, the outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young woman into service. At war’s end, having tasted freedom, Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join the Army’s legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

Alone now in the ultimate man’s world, Cathy must fight not only for her survival and freedom, but she vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong and noble enough to win her heart. Inspired by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this American heroine comes to vivid life in a sweeping and magnificent tale about one woman’s fight for respect and independence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Book Club, Historical, Audiobook, War

399 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 2018

About the author

Sarah Bird is a bestselling novelist, screenwriter, essayist, and journalist who has lived in Austin, Texas since long before the city became internationally cool. She has published ten novels and two books of essays. Her eleventh novel, LAST DANCE ON THE STARLITE PIER--a gripping tale set in the secret world of the dance marathons of the Great Depression--will be released on April 12th.

Her last novel, DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN--inspired by the true story of the only woman to serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers--was named an All-time Best Books about Texas by the Austin American-Statesman; Best Fiction of 2018, Christian Science Monitor; Favorite Books of 2018, Texas Observer; a One City, One Book choice of seven cities; and a Lit Lovers Book Club Favorites.

Sarah was a finalist for The Dublin International Literary Award; an ALEX award winner; Amazon Literature Best of the Year selection; a two-time winner of the TIL’s Best Novel award; a B&N’s Discover Great Writers selection; a New York Public Libraries Books to Remember; an honoree of theTexas Writers Hall of Fame; an Amazon Literature Best of the Year selection; a Dobie-Paisano Fellowship; and an Austin Libraries Illumine Award for Excellence in Fiction winner. In 2014 she was named Texas Writer of the Year by the Texas Book Festival and presented with a pair of custom-made boots on the floor of the Texas Senate Chamber.

Sarah is a nine-time winner of Austin Best Fiction Writer award. She was recently honored with the University of New Mexico’s 2020 Paul Ré Award for Cultural Advocacy. In 2015 Sarah was one of eight winners selected from 3,800 entries to attend the Meryl Streep Screenwriters’ Lab. Sarah was chosen in 2017 to represent the Austin Public Library as the hologram/greeter installed in the Austin Downtown Library. Sarah was a co-founder of The Writers League of Texas.

She has been an NPR Moth Radio Hour storyteller; a writer for Oprah’s Magazine, NY Times Sunday Magazine and Op Ed columns, Chicago Tribune, Real Simple, Mademoiselle, Glamour, Salon, Daily Beast, Ladies Home Journal, Good Housekeeping, MS, Texas Observer; Alcalde and a columnist for years for Texas Monthly. As a screenwriter, she worked on projects for Warner Bros., Paramount, CBS, National Geographic, Hallmark, ABC, TNT, as well as several independent producers.

She and her husband enjoy open-water swimming and training their corgi puppy not to eat the furniture.

Reviews

[MarilynW · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the historical fictionalized story of Cathy Williams, a former slave, and the only woman ever to serve as a Buffalo Soldier. This story hurt my heart, not only for Cathy but for all the slaves, all those torn apart by war between families, the treatment of blacks and Native Americans, and also the horrors of violence by all sides against everyone. And in the end very few had happy endings, including Cathy Williams. The real Cathy Williams had her feet amputated, late in life, but I do hope she had some good memories, like the fictionalized Cathy Williams had.

Having mentioned good memories for the fictionalized Cathy Williams, there was a twist at the very ending that stabbed a knife in my already sad heart. But as Cathy was written, I think she had the strength, passed on to her from her mother and grandmother, to see that twist in a better light than I saw it and that's the way I'll remember this book. Cathy Williams, was a very strong person, very strong woman, and very strong man, when she had to pretend she wasn't a woman. Her life was so unbearably harsh, from the moment she was born and she did the best she could with it, in a way very few could do.

As the story was written, Cathy, as both a woman and as a woman pretending to be a man, grew on me. As hard as the book was to read because of the brutalities of Cathy's life and those around her, I admired her humor and her way of seeing things she could not change. Knowing she was based on a real person, I knew her future couldn't turn out rosy, but she allowed me to hope it could. She made of her life the best that she could and it was a whole lot better than most people could have done. I'm glad I read the book even as I'm left with a deep sadness for the cruelties that we inflict on each other.

Published September 4, 2018.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

[Angela M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Fictional biographies are always difficult for me to rate because I’m always trying to discern the true story from the imagined. I know it’s fiction, but I always hope for a realistic portrayal of the person. This novel is based on the life of Cathy Williams, who although was disguised as a man, was the first African-American woman to enlist in the US Army and the only woman Buffalo Soldier. Of course, I was inspired to find out more about her, but there doesn’t appear to be much online, except a number of articles, most of which relate her story only briefly. That made it even more difficult to tell the true story from what was imagined.

Born in Missouri, on a tobacco plantation, Cathy Williams, escapes slavery when she is taken from the plantation by Union General Sheridan to work as an assistant to his cook. This is the turning point in her life, as the Civil War is ending, and she eventually ends up enlisting as a man, calling herself William Cathay. This part of the story seems to reflect what was true. Based on the biographical information that I read, it’s apparent that the real spirit of who she was is told here. It reads as a memoir, in the first person and her courage and gumption to live among these men in disguise is evident. There is a thread that begins early in the story, when she falls in love with a dying soldier and this becomes a big part of the story told here. I couldn’t find any reference to him in any of the brief biographical information. I wish more of her true life would have been depicted, rather than a fictional relationship. The other problem I had was that it seemed to drag on in the middle.

In spite of my reservations, this novel brings us a historically significant woman, not very well known, who was tough, determined, and independent. It also seems to depict well the time in history, the views on slavery, even after the Civil War and the racism that existed in the country as well as in the army. When I read fictional biographies I have to keep reminding myself that it is fiction . However, it did for me what I like historical fiction to do - teach me something through the lives of the characters and inspire me to want to know more.

I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 brave stars to Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen! 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Happy Publication Day to this beauty! Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is historical fiction at its finest and is firmly on my Favorites Shelf!

My Thoughts:

I wavered back and forth between four and five stars for this gem, and the more I thought about it, I felt five stars fits. The deciding factor that pushed it over the edge: based on the true story of Cathy Williams, the only woman to have served with the Buffalo Soldiers in the Civil War, she was a force to be reckoned with, and I crave reads where women are depicted with fierce and inspiring tenacity. Cathy Williams is a legend, and the perfect main character to depict in a book.

Born a slave in Missouri, Cathy did not consider herself as such. Her grandmother was previously a queen in Africa, and a warrior queen at that. Her mother told her she was simply held captive until she could escape.

Her escape comes in the form of Union General Phillip Henry Sheridan who, along with his men, pillages the plantation on which she lives. Sheridan deems her worthy of his service, and she is separated from her mother and sister and thrown in a wagon until she arrives at the army camp where she serves as assistant to Sheridan’s cook.

Cathy is surrounded by men, and at times is confused for one and/or passes as a male. She uses this to her advantage for safety and transforms into Private Williams, a true American hero. I get chills when I think about her story, and I’m not sure I’ll ever forget the inspiration.

Sarah Bird weaves a beautifully-told adventure. Characterization, setting, and plot are all on point. I found the story immersive and all-consuming. If you enjoy historical fiction, this is a book you will not want to miss. Books like this are why we read historical fiction. And if you are a fan of strong female characters, you can’t miss Cathy’s story, even if this genre is not in your wheelhouse. It is epic, exciting, and inciting. I loved every minute I spent with Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own.

My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't set to be published until September, but I just couldn't wait any longer to crack open its pages. Well, it didn't disappoint

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and then later, the involvement of the Union Army in the settling of the West, this historical fiction is absolutely spellbinding.

The action in this story begins right away as Cathy is taken from her plantation by Philip Sheridan of the Union Army and recruited to work as a cook's assistant. Vowing to one day be reunited with her mother and younger sister, Cathy is outspoken, hard working, and the perfect historical fiction protagonist. She also finds herself constantly being mistaken as a man(due to her rather masculine features) and after the war is over, this does serve as a vehicle for Cathy to disguise herself and head out west with the Calvary.

I think what really worked for me and sustained my interest throughout was how skeptical I felt when reading the synopsis of the story. Well, Sarah Bird certainly convinced me by providing many instances where "discovery" resulted in so many twists of fate.

Add to the mix a really great cast of characters, some humour, romance, and a vivid portrait of 19th century America and it was truly a memorable story. One which will certainly have historical fiction fans intrigued.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced ebook in exchange for an honest review.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is another book that would have escaped my attention except for my book club. And that would have been a real shame.
Cathy Williams starts life as a slave in Missouri until General Sheridan commands her into service helping feed his Union troops. Her grandmother had been an African warrior queen and she had been raised to think of herself as a captive, not a slave. It gives her the strength to fight the obstacles thrown up before her. She enlists into the Buffalo Soldiers, posing as a man. It was amazing to think that she “passed” as a man given the circumstances of life in the army.
The book presents a unique glimpse into the changing world after the Civil War and the rough life in Texas. Cathy was a fascinating character and Bird portrays her realistically.
There’s not a lot of humor here, but when it does occur, it usually involves some payback of one kind or another. A scene involving Custer was spot on. And the scene in the whorehouse was priceless.
My favorite minor character was General Sheridan. His bluntness, unwillingness to tolerate fools and language made me adore him.
In an interesting turn of events, I had read The Whip earlier this year about another woman that passes for a man in the 19th century western territories.
I recommend this for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 3 out of 5]

You all have read the blurb by now and know that this is historical fiction about an African American woman who served in the Union Army. There are many reviews out there so I won’t go over the plot of the story.

What I liked about the book was the fact that it brought this interesting woman to light and also discussed how the Union army, after burning and pillaging southern plantations, considered some of the freed slaves as “contraband” and enlisted them to help as cooks, washers, latrine cleaners, whatever they needed done in their units. It was at the end of the Civil war that Ms. Williams decided to enlist, impersonating a man, as there were not many options or jobs available for the freed slaves.

What I didn’t like about this book was the entirely fictionalized romance between her and a Union soldier, and this is no small part of the story. In the novel her love for this soldier is what caused her to carry on under dire circumstances. Since it is fiction of course there is no reason why the author couldn’t do this but I didn’t think that so much emphasis needed to be attached to the story, can’t a woman just be strong for her own sake? Why does every strong female always have to have a male love story attached, this would have been a good story without that element.

I also thought this book portrayed the “Buffalo soldiers” in the civil war to be mostly ignorant and without pride in themselves or their service.

The Native Americans are barely described in the book even though the second half is all about the Army’s fights to rob the Indians of their land and force them onto reservations. They are also portrayed mainly as savages, slaughtering many white settlers. There is no attempt to differentiate from the many, many different tribes that were involved and how many only wanted to be left in peace on the land that was rightfully their.

While many thoroughly enjoyed this book I had to force myself to finish it. I really liked the first part of the book and her service under Sheridan but thought it went downhill after that. It was also a bit difficult to continually have to read in what is assumed to be the slave’s southern dialect, again I don’t know if this is based on any linguistic facts or if it is just fiction. I still gave the book a 3 star rating because it was interesting. I think it would have benefited from more extensive editing and fact checking.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I'm glad I read this historical fiction book about Cathay Williams, a former slave who was the only woman to serve with the Buffalo Soldiers. It's a story worth telling as this remarkable woman doesn't deserve to have her life just forgotten and barely a footnote in this country's history.

As with all historical fiction there is a mix of facts, and things that might have some truth to them but are more a product of the author's creativity. In this book there is one rather big part of the story line that I was disappointed to learn was not true. However, given that there really isn't that much known about Cathay Williams I understand why it was included as it did add to the story. What I thought the author did really well was capture the spirit of Cathy and how much courage it took, especially in that time period, to go out and do things that most people wouldn't expect from a woman.

I think it is important to note the book was written by a white woman as that will come as a disappointment to some readers who think this is a story that should be told by a person of color. Reading this or not reading this book is just a choice you will have to make for yourself.

I won a free copy of this book in a giveaway but was under no obligation to post a review. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Library Overdrive....Audiobook....narrated by Bahni Turpin

Although, I really loved the book, “Above The China Sea”, by Sara Bird....I almost didn’t read this one. I had seen some fair/mixed reviews- and ‘debated’.

My taking a chance with the Audiobook was a great choice. Bahni Turpin was AMAZING. REALLY OUTSTANDING! I found it hard to believe that she was the same reader for “A Spark of Light”, by Jodi Picoult. As much as I didn’t think Bahni Turpin was the right fit for Picoult’s story....that’s how completely the opposite- as in FANTASTIC - she was reading this one.

This is a story centered around a woman I never heard of: Cathay Williams - who was an American slave, chef, Buffalo soldier, female wartime cross-dresser. She entered the United States Army under the pseudonym William Cathay. She was the first African-American women to enlist in the United States Army posing as a man.
I don’t know how much of Sara Bird’s book is true - but from my understanding- this story is really only “lightly” based on true facts....which I accepted. I looked up some of my own specific information on google.

As for pure ENJOYMENT.....
I enjoyed the storytelling- the spunky boisterous delivery- ( at times really funny -other times suspenseful - other times simply captivating).....
The adventure journey with Yankee Buffalo troops- camp days routines - Philip Henry Sheridan, a black Yankee - Cathy and her sister keep our attention.
The history between the black soldiers who were sent to Native American tribes wasn’t deeply examined- but there was enough. Our emotions were really dedicated to Cathy for the travesties she faced in her life having been born into slavery - SHE’S STRONG LIKE BULL IN SPIRIT.....and her younger sister wasn’t exactly chopped liver either. Cathy and her sister are both strong black figures for ‘any’ time in history ....
Towards the end - I felt a little teary. I was definitely aware of the Civil War - and all the men and women who served ....their bravery & courage .....but it was the intimacy of the characters that I especially felt for.

A few times I thought of the movie “Yentle” starring Barbara Streisand. Those who are old enough to remember- she disguised herself as a boy in order to pursue her passion of the Torah.

There have been a handful of powerful stories where women have disguised themselves as men - for justice of equal rights!
May the day come when women everywhere around in world in every part of life never have to fight for their equal rights. That there is no longer - anywhere- such an insane injustice. All women & men are created equal!!!

If you are an Audiobook enjoyer ..... this is a story read to you with zesty pizzazz -
with a fire in the narrators voice that awakens your own energy.

[Donna Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Williams was a real person, and Sarah Bird steps up to tell her story, marrying an engaging narrative with historical fact. Though I am mighty late, I received this book free and early. My thanks go to St. Martin’s Press and Net Galley for the review copy.

Cathy Williams was born a slave, though her mother told her to regard herself not as a slave, but as a captive, one of noble warrior blood whose destiny was freedom. The American Civil War led General Philip Sheridan to the tobacco farm in Missouri where Cathy and many others performed forced labor for “Old Mister.” Sheridan chooses her to work in the kitchen; she isn’t pretty, and he figures she will do what she’s supposed to, rather than being caught up in romance. She and other former slaves work in exchange for meals and protection against Rebel slave-hunters.

The American Civil War is my favorite historical period to read about, and I have a soft spot for Sheridan, so this makes the story all the sweeter for me. Before my retirement, I was a history teacher and the civil war was what I taught for one term every school year, yet I didn’t find any inaccuracies here. That’s a rare thing.

Usually, stories that are set during this period hit a climax when the war ends, and soon after that, the book is over. Bird doesn’t do that here; after all, this story isn’t about the war, it’s about Williams. Victory is declared, everyone whoops for joy, and we’re not even halfway in it yet. I like this, because it shows some continuity, and one must wonder, at times—so the war ends, and then what? The South is decimated. The army virtually dissolves. What becomes of those we have been reading about? Reconstruction starts and fails, we know this; yet one wonders about individual stories.

After the war, the army is still Cathy’s home. She is a big woman, and when a soldier friend is murdered, she takes his army coat and dresses herself up as a man, becoming Private Cathay, and she joins the Buffalo Soldiers. In real life, she is the only woman to do so.

I won’t even try to recount the many experiences Williams has; in some ways, it’s a less exaggerated version of Forrest Gump, or Little Big Man, but an African-American woman is the subject, and the story is true. Bird did some top-notch research for this thing, and between that and her considerable skill with character development, pacing, and dialogue, the result is pure gold.

It starts a little slow, but patience will reward you. There’s a fair amount of violence—how could there not be—and a number of ugly situations that might make this a bad fit for a classroom read-aloud, and that’s a shame, but the story had to be told this way. I recommend it for high school libraries, and Black History Month shelves; it might also make a fine gift for your precocious reader, depending on your comfort level and theirs. The very best thing to do, younger readers or no, is to read it yourself. I alternated my review copy with the audio version that I scooped from Seattle Bibliocommons, and the reader is a standout, so I recommend it in that form as well.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy Williams started life as a slave. But her mother never let her forget that she was the daughter of a daughter of an African queen. She was born in Missouri in the 1840s and worked as a slave in Little Dixie until a Union Army general came and burned the farm. Mistaking Cathy for a boy, the general took her to be a cook's assistant. Later, she posed as a boy again to join the Buffalo Soldiers and fought in the Civil War.

What a great book! Cathy is strong, brave and true to herself. She perseveres through intense hardship and the horrors of war. As an old woman she stands up to those who scoff at her to proudly tell her story. Lovely!

For me, this book was absolutely captivating. Cathy is such a strong main character and she goes through so much. She never let anything beat her down. I found this story disturbing because of the images of slavery, war and prejudice...but also quite empowering and uplifting. Cathy had one hell of a life because she never stopped living it like she was the granddaughter of a warrior. Beautiful and haunting story!

I loved this book. I am definitely going to read more by this author!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martins Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

[Patrice Hoffman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took my time reading Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen. I wanted to make sure I didn't miss this harrowing tale of a former slave woman posing as male in the army. It's women like Cathay Williams that have paved the way without recognition (or even belief), but more on that later.

We're introduced to the narrator Cathay Williams as she explains that she wants to tell her story to a reporter and hopes that he gets it right. She wants us to know that she is no southerner nor is she common. Cathay is a force to be reckoned with as she served in the United States Union army during a time when women weren't even allowed to enlist. Women really served as nothing more than the men's cooks, servants, or sex slaves.

After meeting and falling in love with a dying soldier, Cathay is inspired to continue on with the newly formed Union Army formed of black men after spending time as a cook for General Phillip Sheridan. When the Civil War ends, Cathay enlists under another name and embarks upon a journey that if both terrifying and inspiring.

Sarah Bird manages to bring to life a story that many aren't familiar with. I'd never even really considered the place of women during war times except in the periphery acquiring roles of servitude. And yes, Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is inspired by Cathay Williams true-life story which I also found captivating because if it weren't for this title, I would have never come across someone like her.

In an effort to balance Cathay's rough edges, Bird provides a love story. I get the point but when I think about women and our place in life, our stories are coupled with some man that helps push it forward instead of allowing us the freedom to be our own powerful, strong selves. The love story does push this novel forward and offer it some girth since history would rather erase tales such as Cathay's. I guess the love story would be my one gripe with the story line. Yes it was interesting and well written, yet Cathay would have been great without the love story.

If the love story is in fact in the newspaper Cathay was interviewed in... then by all means... I still feel it was unnecessary. (LOL)

Suffice it to say Cathay Williams encompasses a brave I will never know. Sarah Bird's Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is a worthwhile read and I'm happy to have had the opportunity to read it. For those who read this and think there will be a Mulan feel to it, you will be pleasantly surprised. There's nothing pleasant about Private Cathay Williams.

Copy provided by St. Martin's press via Netgalley

[Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is WOW! What a fascinating and fantastical tale!! Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen tells the gripping story of Cathy Williams, a former slave who works under General Sheridan as a cook’s helper towards the end of the civil war, and then once the civil war ends, serves in the US Army for 2 years disguised as a man. I was blown away by her strength and determination.

The story is well written and the plot moves along at a good speed. Cathy’s character is superbly developed as we get a first hand glimpse of her hopes, fears, vulnerabilities and strengths. The time span that this book focuses on was fairly new to me. I’ve read quite a bit about the civil war but not much about the years directly following it. I found the historical bits to be riveting and felt as though I learned a lot about this time period and what it was like being in the first coloured US Army cavalry regiment. Talk about a hard life and precarious situation...

Although a longer book, I found myself immersed in the prose and intricate descriptions. The author does a fabulous job of bringing the reader into the folds of the life of Cathy Williams and William Cathay. Lots of suspense and even some unexpected twists. Absolutely recommend this historical saga.

A huge thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Sarah Bird for an advanced copy. Publication date is September 4.

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen
Series: Standalone
Author: Sarah Bird
Release date: September 4, 2018
Cliffhanger: No

It's fair to say that I have very mixed feelings about this book. The synopsis on goodreads had me so excited to read about the first woman to ever serve in the US army. I'm all in when it comes to historical fiction that educates on real courageous women who don't get the recognition they deserve. As I read, I occasionally stopped to research some of the people and events mentioned. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that (while Cathy was a truly intriguing real American figure) she isn't in fact the first female recorded to enlist in the US army. That woman, according the the National Women's History Museum, is Deborah Sampson. An indentured servant who served in the Revolutionary War under her brother's name.

Source--> https://www.womenshistory.org/educati...

This is not to say that Cathy didn't bravely fight and break societal gender boundaries to help pave the way for future women. But I do feel as if the synopsis is misleading on goodreads. It doesn't contain the same claim on Netgalley, Amazon, and other sites, to be clear. Just be aware that there is a discrepancy here.

Cathy Williams is a former slave who grew up on a tobacco farm in Missouri, and was taken as what they called contraband by General Sheridan. During his destruction of the south called, "the burning" he scorched crops, homes, and livelihoods in order to starve out the competition. The slaves he confiscated and took with him helped to serve the Union forces. At the time that Cathy was brought on as a cook's helper in Sheridan's troop, former slaves were now getting wages from the Union. While she was happy to be freed from the cruel "Old Mister" and his wife, she was devastated to be ripped from her mother and sister at a moment's notice. On the way to camp, she travels with a gravely wounded man who gives her comfort, and becomes the first man to draw her eye and touch her heart.

I really enjoyed Cathy's sense of humor. Her narrative was a candidly wry voice, often giving us sharp and scathing observations of injustices that were a part of her reality during that time. She was a young woman who wasn't particularly romantically inclined, and her thoughts on men had me laughing out loud several times.

Maybe because my nature had never come, I didn’t have the slightest interest in boys the way most girls did. Far as I was concerned, they were just girls in britches. Though, by and large, a sight stupider, dirtier, meaner, smellier, and a whole lot louder.

One thing that I found odd was the way in which she told Sheridan's words to the reader. Apparently, Cathy isn't a fan of swearing, because every single time his "salty vocabulary" crops up in conversation, we get dialogue like this. Which can be a little odd and disruptive to the flow of reading. Maybe if we were told that she doesn't care to repeat what he said...or some other explanation beforehand? But we are only to assume why she's using the blank spots, which is honestly the first time I've ever seen that in a book. Though, damn is not blanked out here, so apparently she is fine with some and not others?

The General had what you might call a salty vocabulary and he roared, “Colonel Terrill, need I remind you that we are on a ______ foraging mission? And it’s been a damn ______ miserable one so far? We’ve barely liberated provisions enough to keep our own ______ bellies full and you’re proposing we add a pack of ______ Negroes to the quartermaster’s load?

Her time with Sheridan during the Civil War was relatively short, as she joined his camp at the tail end of the war. However, in that time, she showed her courage by defending the general when they were under attack. She was grudgingly given a modicum of respect by him, and it was perhaps one of the driving forces to compel her to join the Buffalo soldiers after the war ended. In addition to the guaranteed pay, and opportunity to leave the south where she didn't feel safe, it was a chance to feel seen and do something important. For so long she'd been stripped of her honor because of her race and gender. So she disguised herself as a man, and ventured into a dangerous ruse that could very well get her killed.

Not only was Cathy incredibly brave, but she was the most talented shooter out of all the recruits, and one very quick thinker when she got in a tight spot. Getting through her initial medical exam, and finding a way to relieve herself as "a man" in front of the others to curb their suspicions were just a couple of ways she fought for her place in the army. She was under constant threat of violence from racist and mysogynistic men around her, and lived in fear that she would be violated if her gender was discovered. I couldn't do anything but admire her grit and determination to do whatever it took to make it through her two years of service.

I must admit, the book was excruciatingly slow in the first half. That's not to say that it was boring necessarily, but the action didn't really kick in until the latter part of the book. At that point, I was able to fly through a huge chunk of the story in one day, and I was truly invested in what would become of Cathy. It seemed as if everyone around her with an ounce of power had a vendetta or malicious intent. Though she managed to wiggle out of trouble for the most part, you could feel her time slipping away the further you read. There's a feeling of certainty that all of her well crafted plans are going to come tumbling down like a house of cards at any moment. For that reason, I was unable to put the book down in the final pages. It was gripping, tense, and thrilling all at once, as you barreled toward the ending that Cathy had fought hard for. Through discrimination, hatred, violence, and never ending loss of loved ones, she resolutely stayed strong through it all.

And then the end happened.

Which, I'm going to be perfectly honest: Did not work for me in any way, shape, or form. I hesitate to even call it that, because there was no closure. Not only did it not make sense, but it angered me because everything she had gone through seemed to be all in vain. I'm not going to spoil anything, but let's just say that the twilight of her life was extremely disappointing, with an ambiguous ending that was nothing like I envisioned or hoped for.

There were some parts that were very slow, some that held me enthralled, and an ending that left me wanting much more. With so many protagonists who wished her ill will, at times the drama surrounding them felt over the top for my taste. I think the overall story had merit, but unfortunately when you break it down to the fine details it falls apart. I enjoyed learning more about the only female Buffalo soldier, and I felt that she is an important historical figure we should all be more educated about. For that reason, I'm glad that I read Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen.

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[Bam cooks the books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fictionalized account of Cathy Williams, a young slave woman who was taken as 'contraband' by General Philip H. Sheridan during the Civil War, traveled with his army working as a cook, and then disguised herself as a man to join the Buffalo Soldiers after the war, where she served for two years (1866-1868).

Cathy always claims to be the daughter of a daughter of an African queen, one of the Amazons, and as such, I think I would have liked her to be portrayed as a little more wild at heart, perhaps a little more viscous when seeking revenge.

A lot of this story concerned prejudice. The Civil War was fought and African-Americans freed from slavery, but that didn't mean they were received into American society with open arms. Out on the Western frontier, one of the Buffalo Soldiers says, "Why do they need the black man? To kill the red man so they can steal his land for other white men." Harsh but true.

Cathy falls in love with her commander, a man who wants his squad to be the best group of soldiers ever, a man with lofty ideals, hopes and dreams of justice. But soon he is forced to admit, "Army can make a white man salute the uniform, but it can't make him give a man the respect that goes with it."

Just how could Cathy have fooled everyone for two years, you wonder? Never bathing with the men, never urinating in their presence, and how about 'the monthly visitor?' Did she walk the walk, talk the talk? Sarah Bird cooks up some interesting ideas and deftly places the reader in this situation and makes one squirm along with Cathy.

Her characters have walked off the pages of history--the usual mix of good and bad people. General Sheridan is particularly interesting and there's even a visit or two from the foppish George Armstrong Custer.

The pace of the story lags at times but is rescued towards the end with more action. This Is a very interesting bit of our American history that the reader may not know much about.

Just a note: I had to wonder why the assassination of President Lincoln was never mentioned, but the bad handling of the Reconstruction by President Andrew Johnson was brought up. Curious. I'm sure these soldiers would have mourned the loss of the Great Emancipator.
I received an arc of this work of historical fiction from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

[Pamela Sparkman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. I had such high hopes for it, especially after reading and loving The Indigo Girl last year. You can read my review here as it will, I think, help explain what my issues were with this book. Don't misunderstand me, I am not trying to compare the two--they are not at all the same stories. But what is comparable about them is that they are both about strong women in our nation's past and being successful at it was so unbelievably difficult. These two books are a telling of such women. But where one was inspirational while being truthful about the human spirit, the other decided to deny there was any good in humanity whatsoever and led us down one depressing scene after another. I can count on one hand the "good" people in this story. Everyone else was evil. Which leads me to my second issue. If a character was depicted as good then they were good. If a character (which was mostly everyone) was depicted as bad then they were bad. There were no shades of grey. And that simply isn't realistic. No one is all good or all bad. We are all a mixed bag of both. Hopefully, most of us are mostly good, but we are none of us saints. Same is true for those who do bad things. It's hard to relate to a cast of characters who seem more like caricatures than people; little cardboard cut-outs. And I absolutely hate writing this review. Because I wanted to love this book. The only reason I am doing so now is because I received an arc and it's only right to review it. In truth, I loved parts of it. I just wish I didn't spend so much time clenching my jaw when reading about how the South=bad and the North= good. Again, everyone tied up in a neat little bow, given their places, and told how they're supposed to think, feel, and act. If you're from the South, then naturally, you hate black people and you own a bunch of slaves. Naturally. And if you're from the North, then you are automatically a better white man simply because you were born on the other side of an invisible line. People, no. It wasn't like that at all or that simple and if you are going to write historical fiction, you have to do better than this. The Indians were depicted to be savages and nothing more... I mean, the stereotypes within the pages of this book were off the charts. But I was living with it, going with the flow, accepting that these stereotypes were Cathy's experiences and to a certain degree I could understand why she felt the way she felt.

But then the ending happened. Or perhaps I should say the book just ended, because that wasn't an ending. I read 400 pages to find out how this woman who joined the Buffalo Soldiers by pretending to be a man, fearing for her life everyday, afraid of being raped on a daily basis...of falling in love and finally seeing a bright spot in her future....I get to the end and I don't even know how it ended. Does anyone? It seems rather unfair -- for Cathy--for the reader-- like we were dropped off at the curb after a dreadfully long date. We weren't even walked to our front door as a courtesy. The author just sped off without so much as a backward glance.

I think I'm a little heartbroken because this story could have been so inspirational, so uplifting. I never once felt uplifted or inspired while reading this. I felt deflated, horrified, and angry much of the time. And those feelings are fine to have while reading a story but they shouldn't be the only feelings. And then when I realized that, at the end of the day, all of it was for nothing...at least that was my interpretation, it made the whole story kind of pointless. What was it all for? What did she gain? I know what she lost. I'm having a really hard time figuring out what she gained, because the way the author chose to tell this woman's story, she gained nothing but heartache.

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to get the chance to read DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN. I was also amazed when I first heard about the book that it's based on a real story. Isn't it just amazing to learn that a former slave, a young girl served with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers?

Part of the story that really captured my interested was Cathy's African inheritance. The knowledge past down from her grandmother to her mother and finally to Cathy. As she Cathy said in the book, she was her mother's African child, while Cathy sister Clemmie was her American child. One a warrior child the other one more dainty (still tough). This book is not for the faint of heart. It's a bloody hard tale about a woman trying to pass for a man. And all through the book does she have to try to hide from everyone that she is a woman. And there are always eyes on her. She has her enemies and her fate is sealed if they ever find out the truth.

However, there are also moments of sweetness in the book. Even love. Although it really feels like Cathy has to fight for every scrap of happiness that easily could be taken from her. Loving a fellow soldier while she is passing for a man is both frustrating and dangerous for her.

Life as a soldier is not at all that Cathy imagined when she signed up. She's constantly at risk of being discovered and there are several moments in the book that I thought that she's done for it. How it all ends? Well, you have to find a copy of DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN and read it to find out. I will tell you this; I did get surprised at the end. Fabulous ending!

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN is a totally absorbing fictionalized account of the life of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Born on a tobacco farm in Missouri, she was later commandeered into service by Union general Phillip Henry Sheridan. Once the Civil War ended, she disguised herself as a man to serve as a Buffalo soldier in the army, rather than endure a life of servitude. Highly recommended and would be a great asset to high-school-level history classes. 5/5

Pub Date 04 Sep 2018. Available on Amazon.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#DaughterOfAdaughterOfAqueen #NetGalley

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is written in the form of a memoir by Cathy Williams, the slave who disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Buffalo Soldiers after the end of the Civil War. Williams was a real person, but unfortunately she did not write her memoirs and not much seems to be known about her. The author of this book invented Cathy's experience and I found the description unsatisfying. Sometimes historical fiction enhances the true story but that wasn't the case with this book. There was just too much imagined, including a completely unnecessary romance with a fellow soldier. Understandably, Cathy repeatedly feared that her gender would be discovered, but once you read about that scenario once, there is really nothing new to say about it. The author had an annoyingly twee habit of substituting dashes for curse words. Soldiers curse. If you don't want to put that in your book, fine. But don't be cute about it. I would have been better off reading a nonfiction book about the Buffalo Soldiers. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Crystal · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book troubled me from nearly the beginning. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it.it but I could feel there was something wrong. I gradually came to realize that the problem lay in how the people of color were portrayed in the book. Not only were the voices problematic but they were written in cliche.

You know what this reminded me of? Gone with the Wind. That is NOT a good thing. African-Americans were consistently shown to be mulish, ignorant and backwards. The lead character was supposed to draw strength from her heritage. Her mother stressed her being the child of a strong warrior woman from Africa, but the actual connection to her heritage was written in such a way as to be purely tenuous and superficial.

One scene in particular was absolutely ridiculous. Cathy, as an enlisted Buffalo Soldier, has to hide her gender but her fellow soldiers are suspicious. As a trial she is forcefully put into a room with a prostitute, while her fellow soldiers listen at the door. What followed was a ridiculous farce. Cathy banged on the bed while encouraging an unfortunate, intoxicated sex-worker to pray loudly to “Hell Mary” for forgiveness for her sins. The ensuing noise convinced the soldiers that Cathy MUST be a man and hella good at sex besides. This was scene belonged in a Mel Brook’s comedy. It was demeaning, ludicrous and repellant.

I won’t even go into her depiction of First Nations people. They were props. Like the stand-in, life size cardboard figures you see in a movie theater.

This is not historical fiction. It’s just fiction. Loosely attaching your character to a real person’s history does not lend credence to your story. I found the entire book odious. I’m sorry I read it. The real life Cathy Williams deserved more. This is why we need more books written by people of color.

[Connie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen." Cathy Williams was born on a Missouri plantation in the early 1940s. Her mother wanted Cathy to think of herself as a captive and the granddaughter of an African warrior queen, not as a slave. When the Union General Phillip Sheridan storms through Missouri he thinks tall, strong Cathy is a man, and takes her into service as a cook's helper. Cathy sees the other women working in the laundry or as prostitutes, and decides that it's safer to disguise herself as a man.

When the Civil War is over she joins the Buffalo Soldiers, the army's exceptional group of black soldiers. She calls herself William Cathey. It was much more difficult to keep up the disguise in the army barracks than it was as a cook's helper living in a tent. She finds herself fighting for her life because some of the other soldiers can sense she is different. Cathy was noted for her shooting skills. The Buffalo Soldiers were sent to Texas to protect a small town from the Native Americans.

Cathy Williams was a real person who worked as a cook's helper and a Buffalo Soldier disguised as a man. Many reviewers have wondered if the romance in the book was real. I read author interviews where Sarah Bird said that the love story and royal lineage were imagined, Cathy was really a foot soldier (not in the cavalry), and she was stationed in New Mexico rather than Texas. Posting her in West Texas gave the author an opportunity to write about Texas' history as a slave state, and the attitudes that existed after the war. The author has stories about Cathy from a woman whose father lived in the Colorado rooming house that Cathy ran later in her life. Former slaves like Cathy were illiterate so there is not a lot of documentation about their lives. This is a fictional book so it's fine that some parts were imagined.

There were very few opportunities open to the freed slaves during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Since Generals Sherman and Sheridan had burned the Southern farms to starve the Confederates, things were desperate for both the blacks and the whites in the South. Cathy Williams was remarkable that she had the fortitude to make her way in a man's world. Most of the book was lively and adventurous, although it slowed a bit in the middle. I always enjoy reading about trailblazers for women, and the challenges they faced. 3.5 stars.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story of a woman who showed courage, determination and fortitude.
She, Cathy Williams joined up with the Buffalo Soldiers after the end of the civil war (1866- 1868 ).
She fooled all the men for two years, except the men she was in love with..at different times. One was killed and the other one crossed the Rio Grand into Mexico where he was safe from the U.S.Army.
Just before she was to make her escape, her deception was found out. In the night she got away and joined Wagner Swazye in Mexico.
I won this free book from Goodreads First Reads.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen tells the story of Cathy Williams the first African-American woman to serve in the peacetime Army. I love when I come across an historical fiction that calls back bits of our forgotten past. Although there is not much written about this woman who posed as a man in order to enlist, Sarah Bird's account has the right amount of intrigue and romance to make a captivating story. Add to that the narrative genius of Bahni Turpin and you can't go wrong.

[Sherry Sharpnack · Rating 4 out of 5]

If anyone has noticed how long it has taken me to read this book or noticed that I wasn’t reading another at the same time, don’t worry. I had a couple of other things going on: a) I injured my left cornea so couldn’t read for a few days (ugh!); and b) I felt the need last week for something comfortable and familiar, so I re-read the entire “Harry Potter” series. Since I do this probably at least yearly, I didn’t count last week’s reading of the series as part of my 2018 Reading Challenge.

On to “Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen.” I won an Advanced Reader Copy of this novel in a Goodreads Giveaway from St. Martin’s Press. Thank you @Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press! This historical fiction is about Cathy Williams, a “contraband” “freed” from a Missouri plantation by Gen. Phillip “Little Phil” Sheridan’s troops. Cathy falls in love w/ a dying soldier in the back of a wagon as they leave behind her mother, sister, and the burning plantation. Much is made of “Sheridan’s “total war” strategy of burning everything he conquers so as to weaken the fighting strength of the South. And here I always thought that was Sherman’s strategy... Anyway, Cathy’s turns of phrase are enjoyable, and her fear and grief are well drawn.

Since Cathy is a woman, but built like the granddaughter of an African Amazon Queen that she claims to be, she is put to work w/ Sheridan’s camp cook, but yearns to fight w/ the men. She saves the detachment one day w/ her sharpshooting skills, and after Appomattox, dresses in some men’s clothing and enlists to fight Indians out West. I found the whole joining up and going West part of the plotline very tense, b/c Cathy knows exactly WHAT will happen to her if her fellow soldiers find out that “Bill Cathay” is actually a woman. She has some close scrapes, is nearly beaten to death, and has a strong attraction to the Sergeant, whom she thinks is her dead soldier come back to life.

At points, the book almost reads like a romance, w/ both the Sergeant and her best friend thinking she’s a homosexual man coming on to them. But the author works her way out of those plot failings and pulls the story back to the hidden-identity line and the book ends on a heartbreaking, but satisfying manner.

As this copy was an ARC, I hope there is a final editing to come, b/c there is at least one instance of a name used in an incorrect spot, and quite a few typos. My biggest problem, and it is a huge one, is Ms. Bird’s use of “of” when Cathy means “have.” Many Americans misunderstand spoken English as “of” instead of “have” and for the author not to have made it clearer that we were reading Cathy’s dialect is just going to perpetuate this misconception in some of her readers. In no other way is it indicated that we are reading Cathy’s thoughts in a dialect. For this reason, I give this really good fictional account of an actual, historical woman 4.2 stars out of 5. Thanks again, St. Martin’s Press and Goodreads!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit, aside from having to memorize and perform Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address in junior year English class (for which I got an A), I know almost nothing about the American Civil War. It’s always been a point of interest though, so when I got an email asking if I’d want to read an advanced copy of a book set at the tail-end of the civil war featuring a woman, a freed slave, who disguised herself as a man to join the army, I immediately said yes.
And I’m totally giving myself a good job pat on my shoulder for making that decision.
Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is an engaging novel, vividly re-imagining historical figures and events. I totally fell in love with this story. It has everything I could ever ask for – captivating writing, interesting and nuanced supporting characters, action, and romance.
But, as important as those elements are, where Sarah Bird really excelled is at writing her main character.
From the get-go, I was compelled by Cathy Williams’ character. She’s strong and feisty and proud. Having been raised by strong, proud women – her mother and grandmother – Cathy’s will remain unbroken even through years of bondage and servitude. She’s still sarcastically witty, gutsy, and resilient, and I admired her more for it. The things she has gone through, I can only imagine just how hard it had been for her, but still, she pushes and comes through in the end.

As is the case with historical fiction, this book is a mix of researched facts and the authors creative leeway. Sometimes a book may be bogged down by these creative add-ons, but Bird managed to balance it, taking what bits of history there is about Cathy Williams and weaving it into a story of her own making while tackling racial issues that are still very much relevant today.
This was an almost flawless book for me. What kept it from getting a five-star rating is its slow pacing down the middle parts and the nonmention of Lincoln’s assassination (whereas Andrew Jackson was brought up).
Overall, Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is a great, important read. Whether you’re a historical fiction lover or not, I believe this is one book you’ll enjoy and treasure. I definitely recommend this book.

[Dorine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird, an absorbing African American Civil War story told from a former female slave’s point of view, is a powerful testimony. I love books that illustrate a woman’s strength amongst her trials. Highly recommend this novel to those who love fictionalized history.

Read the full review in color and share it from my blog.

I was immediately drawn in by the main character’s voice. In the beginning, Cathy Williams tells her story to an injured soldier, Private Wager Swayne, to occupy his time and ease his pain. Cathy has just been taken from her family, and the only home she knows, to be a cook’s assistant for Sheridan’s army. She had been raised to appreciate her heritage as the great-grand-daughter of an Amazon warrior queen. That fact also hit my preferences as I love reading about these mystical, courageous women.

What was also intriguing from the very beginning is that the reader realizes the protagonist is not perfect. She is a handful, and not afraid to avenge her family when they’re done wrong. She’s also very laugh-out-loud funny, so be prepared to be thoroughly entertained by her spunk and shocked by her rage.

Cathy does eventually fight for the Buffalo Soldiers as a man known as Private Williams, but her early life with Sheridan is fascinating as well. The American Civil War ends, and Cathy seems to have decided on a plan with her friend that is perfect. It made me smile and hope. What came next was devastating. Like a roller coaster, the reader’s emotions are dipped up and down, slow, then fast, pulling us along to discover how Cathy survives this next chapter of her life.

Although there is a beautiful romance toward the end of the book, there are many unknowns that may irk the strictest of romance book lovers. Based on a true story, the end came too quickly for me which makes me hope for a sequel, imaginary or not, that will give me what I crave.

Per the author’s note, this novel takes place 150 years before women could legally serve in combat. The historical detail is wonderful mixed in with the story. I felt as if I was a fly on the wall watching it happen. The writing is beautiful, evocative and mesmerizing.

Even though I adored most of this book, sometimes it seemed to wander, and I couldn’t fathom where it was going. The rambling inside Cathy’s head seemed to be the culprit. Some details are horrific, so you believe she’s not worthy of love because she’s so twisted. Yet, you want it for her, hoping it will soften what the pain and sadness of her life has done. She’s a character you can root for even when you can’t believe what she has just done.

The only thing I found odd were the number of blanks in my Advanced Reading Copy, which I assume were for cusswords. It made me curious about what landed in the final text. My advanced copy was clean of off-color words, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t violence and abuse. This is a realistic historical novel for the time period, including all its good and bad occurrences. It isn’t pretty, but it sure is gripping.

I read this book while traveling last summer and took copious notes. I finally got to putting it all together into a review, so I hope it makes sense months later. My apology for the delay. I did reread some of it to help revive my memories.

To author Sarah Bird – you have a new fan, even though the end made me want to scream. Yes, I get it. I’m hopeful. But why couldn’t you veer off historical accuracy to give me my solid fantasy? Clever, brilliant, and even though you made me a bit crazy, I can’t wait for your next book.

If you’ve read numerous fictional tales that take place during the American Civil War, and think you’ve read it all, think again and try this novel. This is a big book at 416 pages, but I could have read another 200 from this gifted author. Sarah Bird writes about the Civil War into the years after its end with fresh incite. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Digital copy provided by the publisher for an honest review.

[Darla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough historical and too much fiction. Do I admire the spunk of a woman who makes a choice to join the buffalo soldiers determined to makes something of herself as a free woman? Do I admire the strong legacy she has to draw on from her mother and grandmother? For sure. Those two points account for the two stars assigned. The second half especially is an engaging story with many twists and turns; many times when Cathy William's faces great danger and overcomes difficulties. Unfortunately, as I was reading I began wondering about some aspects of the narrative. Why are most of the buffalo soldiers such a hot mess? Why isn't there one single white person in the book with redeeming characteristics? Why is every man in this book a caricature? Why is a fictional romance the centerpiece of this novel? What sources did Sarah Bird use to do her research? Are there enough facts in this story to classify it as historical fiction? Books like "News of the World" and "True Grit" are so much better at showing me what life was like in this time period than this novel did. I am really disappointed as this one was given so much attention when it was published last year.

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of a former slave woman starts very interesting. In her own original language, she tells her story of enlisting with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Her first encounter with the Yankees and the Yankee general Philip Henry Sheridan is very striking and humorous at the same time, “the white preacher had warned us that Yankees were minions of Lucifer.”

But as the story progresses, it quickly loses its appeal. As she makes her way to the military camp, she meets a wounded soldier, and to easy his pain, she tells him African legend. I’m big on legends, but there is nothing engrossing about this one, at least the way it is presented. Once at the camp, there is nothing interesting about the story.

Gave up after 15% of the book.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is based on a real woman by the name of Cathy Williams. Her Mama never let her forget she was the daughter of a daughter of a queen. No one can say she wasn't a strong woman, she served as the only known female Buffalo solider disguised as a man for 2 years. Hard to put down book!
Pub Date 04 Sep 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kyra Leseberg (Roots & Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cathy Williams was born into slavery on a farm in Missouri, though her mama explained to her they were not slaves, they were captives with royal blood from her warrior grandmother of Africa.

During the Civil War, Union general Sheridan comes to the farm to free the slaves and take every scrap of food left.  He mistakes Cathy for a man and enlists her to come to his camp to help cook.

While mourning the separation from her mama and sister, Cathy soon finds herself in a wagon ...with a dying black soldier.  She's stunned to see a black man in the blue uniform and spends her time telling him the stories of her grandmother's Africa and the two share an unexpected intimacy through stories and hope.

The blindfolded soldier is near death and once the wagon stops he's thrown on to a pile of the dead for mass burial.  She has just enough time to learn his name before the wagon rolls on to Sheridan's camp.

At camp Cathy is now mourning her mama, sister, and her soldier.  She corrects the general on the issue of her gender and is quickly put in her place by the sharp-tongued cook, Solomon.  He teaches her the unspoken rules and soon their tolerance of one another turns into friendship. 

When a group of Rebels invades camp, Cathy saves the lives of not only Solomon and other "contrabands", but also Sheridan's soldiers with her sure shot.

When Robert E. Lee surrenders at the Appomattox Court House, the celebration of freedom turns into pure elation for Cathy when she and Solomon decide to marry and she is reunited with her sister.  
After a scuffle with Rebels at the celebration, Solomon is killed and Cathy decides she will not go back to a life of quiet servitude and bear children for a husband.
Cathy disguises herself as a man and joins the Army's Buffalo Soldiers and once again says goodbye to her sister.

What follows is an unbelievable tale of a woman's decision to fight for dignity and independence.  She goes to great and dangerous lengths to disguise her gender and to stay close to the noble soldier she had feared dead.

Determination, passion, courage, and bravery run through Cathy's royal warrior blood and across the pages of this beautifully written historical fiction novel loosely based on the true story of Private Cathy Williams.  I didn't realize how invested I was in this novel until the ending, which I had to re-read three or four times! 

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.  Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is scheduled for release on September 4, 2018.

For more full reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book by Sarah Bird. This book was good... BUT... I liked the first book better.

This story, is based on a real life person, Cathy Williams, who successfully enlisted as a Buffalo Soldier right after the Civil War. How she passed the physical and maintained her secret identity is the stuff of this book.

I listened to the audio as I read this book. The narrator is Bahni Turpin, who has narrated quite a few books. I recently read and listened to three of the four Freedman/Johnson series written by Laila Ibrahim. Bahni narrated all of these. The first in the series is Yellow Crocus.

I want to share with you the blurb from Audible about this book which describes the story succinctly:

"From Sarah Bird comes the compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the first woman to ever serve in the US Army

“Here's the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my Mama never let me forget it."

Missouri, 1864 - Powerful, epic, and compelling, Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen shines light on a nearly forgotten figure in history. Cathy Williams was born and lived a slave - until the Union army comes and destroys the only world she’s known. Separated from her family, she makes the impossible decision - to fight in the army disguised as a man with the Buffalo Soldiers.

With courage and wit, Cathy must not only fight for her survival and freedom in the ultimate man’s world, but never give up on her mission to find her family, and the man she loves. Beautiful, strong, and impactful, Cathy’s story is one that illustrates the force of hidden history come to light, the strength of women, and the power of love."

4 stars

ATY Prompt: 2. A book by an author you read in 2022 (Sarah Bird)