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Carolina Built
This “exuberant celebration of Black women’s joy as well as their achievements” (Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author) novelizes the life of real estate magnate Josephine N. Leary in a previously untold story of passion, perseverance, and building a legacy after emancipation in North Carolina.
Josephine N. Leary is determined to build a life of her own and a future for her family. When she moves to Edenton, North Carolina from the plantation where she was born, she is free, newly married, and ready to follow her dreams.
As the demands of life pull Josephine’s attention away, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to pursue her real estate aspirations. She finds herself immersed in deepening her marriage, mothering her daughters, and being a dutiful daughter and granddaughter. Still, she manages to teach herself to be a businesswoman, to manage her finances, and to make smart investments in the local real estate market. But with each passing year, it grows more and more difficult to focus on building her legacy from the ground up.
“Filled with passion and perseverance, Josephine Leary is frankly a woman that everyone should know” (Sadeqa Johnson, author of Yellow Wife ) and her story speaks to the part of us that dares to dream bigger, tear down whatever stands in our way, and build something better for the loved ones we leave behind.
Josephine N. Leary is determined to build a life of her own and a future for her family. When she moves to Edenton, North Carolina from the plantation where she was born, she is free, newly married, and ready to follow her dreams.
As the demands of life pull Josephine’s attention away, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to pursue her real estate aspirations. She finds herself immersed in deepening her marriage, mothering her daughters, and being a dutiful daughter and granddaughter. Still, she manages to teach herself to be a businesswoman, to manage her finances, and to make smart investments in the local real estate market. But with each passing year, it grows more and more difficult to focus on building her legacy from the ground up.
“Filled with passion and perseverance, Josephine Leary is frankly a woman that everyone should know” (Sadeqa Johnson, author of Yellow Wife ) and her story speaks to the part of us that dares to dream bigger, tear down whatever stands in our way, and build something better for the loved ones we leave behind.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
172 people are currently reading
15772 people want to read
About the author
Kianna Alexander
108 books557 followersI've always loved the written word. For as long as I can remember, I read as much as I could, as often as I could. Cereal boxes, newspapers, product packaging. Ebony, Essence, and Jet Magazine. Billboards. I loved it all. I read the entire Fear Street series, as well as the Sweet Valley Books, from Twins and Friends through Sweet Valley High. Each week I'd bring 15 or 20 books home from the library, and read them all before the due date.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
Now, my mother owned a pristine, barely touched collection of Harlequin romance novels, and I was not to touch them under any circumstances. Well, as a teenager, you know what that meant. I read some of them, and got my first introduction to romance.
When I was sixteen, I picked up my stepmother's copy of Night Song, by Beverly Jenkins. The cover showed an obviously historical image of a black couple, against a beautiful backdrop, locked in a passionate embrace. With my love of history, I had to crack this book. What I read inside literally blew my mind. I was exposed to a wonderful, touching love story involving people who looked like me! What a thrill. To this day Night Song remains my favorite book, and I credit it with planting the seed of desire to write romance. I didn't get serious until many years later, but that's where it all began.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 387 reviews
December 27, 2021
Carolina Built reimagines the fascinating life of a real estate magnate Josephine N. Leary. After emancipation in North Carolina, she builds a stunning legacy through her passion and perseverance.
North Carolina. In 1873, Josephine buys her first property, when opportunity presents, and because her mother and grandmother never had the right, or the funds, to make such a purchase. She studies the transactions of the biggest landowners in Manhattan. As she works along her husband at barbershop and their family expends, she continues to observe and study those who gain properties. She even attends a few auctions to see her competition in her area. She wants her portfolio to be as robust with a mixture of property types as the ones she studies.
The memory of free will being stripped from one is still fresh. She doesn’t want to live at the whim of another white man. Thus, she starts flipping from renting to buying the properties with carefully saved money.
Her interests extend to attending conventions involving talks about temperance and suffrage. She doesn’t like her husband spending money on liquor and cares about education for all women. Her ambition may not be understood by some, but that doesn’t stop her from progressing.
Her path crosses many challenges: as a woman sometimes not even being acknowledged by her own husband as a business partner, being a black woman and competing with white men in real estate, balancing everyday life and progressing her aspirations.
Written with depth and strong convictions, this story brings an unconventional woman whose struggles feel very real. This linear story of Josephine is interestingly presented. However, the story of her progression in real estate is more on a fringe.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
North Carolina. In 1873, Josephine buys her first property, when opportunity presents, and because her mother and grandmother never had the right, or the funds, to make such a purchase. She studies the transactions of the biggest landowners in Manhattan. As she works along her husband at barbershop and their family expends, she continues to observe and study those who gain properties. She even attends a few auctions to see her competition in her area. She wants her portfolio to be as robust with a mixture of property types as the ones she studies.
The memory of free will being stripped from one is still fresh. She doesn’t want to live at the whim of another white man. Thus, she starts flipping from renting to buying the properties with carefully saved money.
Her interests extend to attending conventions involving talks about temperance and suffrage. She doesn’t like her husband spending money on liquor and cares about education for all women. Her ambition may not be understood by some, but that doesn’t stop her from progressing.
Her path crosses many challenges: as a woman sometimes not even being acknowledged by her own husband as a business partner, being a black woman and competing with white men in real estate, balancing everyday life and progressing her aspirations.
Written with depth and strong convictions, this story brings an unconventional woman whose struggles feel very real. This linear story of Josephine is interestingly presented. However, the story of her progression in real estate is more on a fringe.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2022
I can say with absolute certainty that I have never said this before... But I wish this book had been written as a nonfiction rather than a novel. Typically novel dramatizations of real life events are just that - dramatized. Because lets be honest, real life is boring.
Carolina Built seemed to have followed the life of Josephine Leary very accurately and thus, it dragged. While I enjoyed the "slice of life" look at what life in the late 1800s consisted of, there was so little conflict in this book that I was very often bored and fighting the urge to skim. I expected to see the challenges that a recently emancipated Black woman would face, but I was surprised that she seemed to do everything with ease - from saving up money for properties to buying land from white men. The only conflict that was repeatedly brought up was the fact that her husband was unsupportive and jealous. This book focused far too much on Jo's home life and glazed over things like business meetings and her education.
I also was disappointed by the language used in the book. I thought this would be filled with late 1800s Southern slang but was met with stiff and unremarkable dialog that could have been from any period or location.
This was a lovely intention and I was very excited to read about Leary's life, but I really think this well-researched novel would have gotten its point across much better had it been written in a non-fiction style.
Carolina Built seemed to have followed the life of Josephine Leary very accurately and thus, it dragged. While I enjoyed the "slice of life" look at what life in the late 1800s consisted of, there was so little conflict in this book that I was very often bored and fighting the urge to skim. I expected to see the challenges that a recently emancipated Black woman would face, but I was surprised that she seemed to do everything with ease - from saving up money for properties to buying land from white men. The only conflict that was repeatedly brought up was the fact that her husband was unsupportive and jealous. This book focused far too much on Jo's home life and glazed over things like business meetings and her education.
I also was disappointed by the language used in the book. I thought this would be filled with late 1800s Southern slang but was met with stiff and unremarkable dialog that could have been from any period or location.
This was a lovely intention and I was very excited to read about Leary's life, but I really think this well-researched novel would have gotten its point across much better had it been written in a non-fiction style.
February 24, 2022
It lacks the depth I would have expected for the amount of research done and references included.
June 24, 2022
I know folks are put out with this one a bit due to the lack of adversity this Black woman faced during a time that she would’ve faced it left & right. I for one enjoyed that it wasn’t trauma filled. This is a reimagined story based on a real life woman, Josephine Leary in the late 1800’s. I came away from this story humbled, inspired and proud. The relationship between the grandmother, mother and Jo made me long for that type of loving supportive relationship with my own mom. Josephine was so business savvy and it blew my mind. How she saved her money separate from her husband’s, bargained for land and acquired it because she worked hard and saved. She didn’t lose the woman she was before marriage and she declared that is was okay to go after your dreams and still be a mother. Everything she did was so her daughters could have a better life and future.
I guess I needed this story at this exact moment in my life due to business endeavors and opportunities that I’m pursuing. This was super encouraging.
I guess I needed this story at this exact moment in my life due to business endeavors and opportunities that I’m pursuing. This was super encouraging.
January 29, 2022
This book was disappointing. The main character was irritatingly perfect and didn't seem to experience any character growth. The dialogue was repetitive and didn't seem realistic. Despite being a Black woman in North Carolina in 1870-1890s, Josephine (the main character) barely faced any obstacles (following emancipation)to becoming a real estate magnate, aside from having the same argument with her husband about not being a proper wife. She wanted a property, and would buy it, and that was it. The author appeared to have remembered last minute that the characters probably faced racism daily, and just threw some racism in there. Also, too many inconsistencies (Josephine was at a party and pointed out how one friend was absent, and then a few paragraphs later, she's talking to the same friend. Josephine was emancipated at age 9, and got her period at age 16, but then recounted to her daughter how difficult it was having her period while slaving in the fields. Josephine would fret about not being able to make rent while having the funds to buy property.) I would not recommend this book.
June 29, 2023
2-1/2 / 5
Because I am thrilled to learn about amazing people in history this book introduced me to Josephine N. Leary a freed Negro woman who became a real estate magnate in 1873 North Carolina. Josephine was able to surmount the obstacles in her way and she certainly deserves to be written about.
Unfortunately I didn’t care for the writing for many reasons – it is filled with overly descriptive passages, unrealistic and repetitive dialogue some of which did not feel authentic to the era, and what bothered me most is that it is written in the first person. Just as well the book is tagged as ‘fiction’ so I was able to Google Josephine and find out more about her amazing accomplishments.
The photographs of the J. N. Leary buildings at the end of the book were interesting, the cover is beautiful, but I don’t get the meaning of the title.
All in all it’s a worthwhile read, but skipping was necessary for me to get to the end.
Because I am thrilled to learn about amazing people in history this book introduced me to Josephine N. Leary a freed Negro woman who became a real estate magnate in 1873 North Carolina. Josephine was able to surmount the obstacles in her way and she certainly deserves to be written about.
Unfortunately I didn’t care for the writing for many reasons – it is filled with overly descriptive passages, unrealistic and repetitive dialogue some of which did not feel authentic to the era, and what bothered me most is that it is written in the first person. Just as well the book is tagged as ‘fiction’ so I was able to Google Josephine and find out more about her amazing accomplishments.
The photographs of the J. N. Leary buildings at the end of the book were interesting, the cover is beautiful, but I don’t get the meaning of the title.
All in all it’s a worthwhile read, but skipping was necessary for me to get to the end.
February 24, 2022
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: It's always been hard to be a woman. In the US, it's always been hard to be Black. Now put the two disadvantages together...that's what Josephine Leary is up against. She's equal to any task, though; the novel begins in 1870, during the last days of Reconstruction. Having lived her childhood as a slave, Josephine knows that every single act she takes in this life has to have as its aim the increase of freedom and the assurance of security for herself, her husband, and their two daughters, as each addition to her life is made.
Her slaveowner was also her father, and that piece of "good luck" played out in her favor. She was able to buy the barbershop she and her husband ran together from him. And from there forward, it was all Mrs. Leary and all the way up Sweety, her husband, backed her.
Until her success threatened his Manhood.
It's a testament to the author's ability to pace a story that I didn't just quietly close the book and ignore it at that point. I know it happened; I am told it still happens. But it makes for dull reading, the expected flaw in the expected place. But to her credit, Author Alexander dwells on it not...it's not like it's played down but it's not protracted either.
What made me so dad-blamed mad that I screamed at my Kindle (for which I apologize to my roommate, he was sleeping and was utterly terrified as I shouted "NO SHE DID NOT!!" into the dark) came close to the end of the book when there's a fire that deprives Mrs. Leary of her (uninsured, of course, she was a Black woman, who'd write that policy in the 1890s?!) hard-earned gains! But...and this is where I almost cheered but was too shy to wake the grouch up again...she still owned the land. And she chose to rebuild, to build back better.
Unlike certain scumbag politicians with "R"s after their names.
Well, that all sounds very five-starry, doesn't it? But there's a four up there...and I feel generous giving it. The fact is that this is a very dialogue-heavy novel and there's not much vigor in the dialogue. It's not awful but it doesn't lend itself to quoting the quotable quotes. There's not any.
And that is as snappy as it gets. I'm in total agreement with the sentiment. I just wish it had more oomph behind it.
But in the end, this is an historical novel and it's a lot better served by thinking of it as a novelized biography. Josephine Leary very much deserves to be remembered for her indomitable will, her savvy, and her sheer cussèd determination to overcome every obstacle the world shoves in front of her. Reading the story is a good, and a worthy, way to honor the memory of such a remarkable person.
My Review: It's always been hard to be a woman. In the US, it's always been hard to be Black. Now put the two disadvantages together...that's what Josephine Leary is up against. She's equal to any task, though; the novel begins in 1870, during the last days of Reconstruction. Having lived her childhood as a slave, Josephine knows that every single act she takes in this life has to have as its aim the increase of freedom and the assurance of security for herself, her husband, and their two daughters, as each addition to her life is made.
Her slaveowner was also her father, and that piece of "good luck" played out in her favor. She was able to buy the barbershop she and her husband ran together from him. And from there forward, it was all Mrs. Leary and all the way up Sweety, her husband, backed her.
Until her success threatened his Manhood.
It's a testament to the author's ability to pace a story that I didn't just quietly close the book and ignore it at that point. I know it happened; I am told it still happens. But it makes for dull reading, the expected flaw in the expected place. But to her credit, Author Alexander dwells on it not...it's not like it's played down but it's not protracted either.
What made me so dad-blamed mad that I screamed at my Kindle (for which I apologize to my roommate, he was sleeping and was utterly terrified as I shouted "NO SHE DID NOT!!" into the dark) came close to the end of the book when there's a fire that deprives Mrs. Leary of her (uninsured, of course, she was a Black woman, who'd write that policy in the 1890s?!) hard-earned gains! But...and this is where I almost cheered but was too shy to wake the grouch up again...she still owned the land. And she chose to rebuild, to build back better.
Unlike certain scumbag politicians with "R"s after their names.
Well, that all sounds very five-starry, doesn't it? But there's a four up there...and I feel generous giving it. The fact is that this is a very dialogue-heavy novel and there's not much vigor in the dialogue. It's not awful but it doesn't lend itself to quoting the quotable quotes. There's not any.
"The only thing that truly frightens me is the idea that I might not take full advantage of the gift of freedom. I refuse to let that happen."
And that is as snappy as it gets. I'm in total agreement with the sentiment. I just wish it had more oomph behind it.
But in the end, this is an historical novel and it's a lot better served by thinking of it as a novelized biography. Josephine Leary very much deserves to be remembered for her indomitable will, her savvy, and her sheer cussèd determination to overcome every obstacle the world shoves in front of her. Reading the story is a good, and a worthy, way to honor the memory of such a remarkable person.
January 28, 2022
Carolina Built by Kianna Alexander is a fictionalized story of the real-life story of Josephine N. Leary an inspirational woman who was far ahead of her time. This fast-paced, sweeping historical drama is packed with historical details and a strong, independent heroine.
The book starts with Josephine, as she moves to a new town from a plantation where she was raised as a slave and is now freed. She meets and marries Archer, who she calls Sweety and they start their lives together. Both Josephine and Archer are ambitious and want to improve their lives, but it’s Josephine who starts to buy property as Archer runs his barbershop. This story follows Josephine and Archer as they become parents to two daughters, and experience the ups and downs of their lives.
The book is told from various points of view, mostly from Josephine’s point of view. The book is dialogue-heavy and is written in a very matter-of-fact way. The trials and tribulations of Josephine and her family were interspersed with historical details of the time period. The book was fast-paced and easy to read, however, I would have liked a bit more character development for these characters. I found the prologue and author notes are extremely interesting, as are the photos of the storefront, that still stands today.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The book starts with Josephine, as she moves to a new town from a plantation where she was raised as a slave and is now freed. She meets and marries Archer, who she calls Sweety and they start their lives together. Both Josephine and Archer are ambitious and want to improve their lives, but it’s Josephine who starts to buy property as Archer runs his barbershop. This story follows Josephine and Archer as they become parents to two daughters, and experience the ups and downs of their lives.
The book is told from various points of view, mostly from Josephine’s point of view. The book is dialogue-heavy and is written in a very matter-of-fact way. The trials and tribulations of Josephine and her family were interspersed with historical details of the time period. The book was fast-paced and easy to read, however, I would have liked a bit more character development for these characters. I found the prologue and author notes are extremely interesting, as are the photos of the storefront, that still stands today.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 5, 2022
I had such high hopes, especially after seeing so many rave reviews from ARC readers.
If you enjoy simple, diary-style descriptions of life (and are okay with present tense writing), this may be of interest. If you’re interested in a well-plotted historical fiction story, this is not it.
What is the big conflict? I guess having an unsupportive husband? There’s a fire towards the end of the book that was perhaps supposed to be The Big Moment, but it fizzles…literally. Jo’s upset, but then she picks up and moves on. It wasn’t sabotage or arson. Just an accident. Oh well.
There were some head-scratching moments when it comes to the time period. Other reviews have mentioned them, but one that come to mind right now that I didn’t see mentioned: They eat breakfast in the parlor after the fire, Jo on her beloved settee and Archer in a side chair. It’s a small thing, but a modern behavior.
If you enjoy simple, diary-style descriptions of life (and are okay with present tense writing), this may be of interest. If you’re interested in a well-plotted historical fiction story, this is not it.
What is the big conflict? I guess having an unsupportive husband? There’s a fire towards the end of the book that was perhaps supposed to be The Big Moment, but it fizzles…literally. Jo’s upset, but then she picks up and moves on. It wasn’t sabotage or arson. Just an accident. Oh well.
There were some head-scratching moments when it comes to the time period. Other reviews have mentioned them, but one that come to mind right now that I didn’t see mentioned: They eat breakfast in the parlor after the fire, Jo on her beloved settee and Archer in a side chair. It’s a small thing, but a modern behavior.
October 31, 2021
What a great real life story of Josephine Leary. Josephine was born into slavery and freed as a child. She becomes a strong and independent young lady full of determination. She leads her family from slavery into freedom. Her dreams come true of being free and owning her own land. Her daughters are taught to be strong and independent young ladies. A must read. Full of grit and inspiration.
March 7, 2022
I wanted to like this storyline more than i did. I found numerous sections unbelievable for Blacks during that timeframe. I wanted to know more about Josephine and the dangers she encountered being a Black, female property owner during that era. I finished the book but there’s too many unanswered questions which should have been answered given the length of the book.
May 5, 2022
This book was missing something for me. Josephine Leary seems to have had a fascinating life but this just didn't come across. Another review suggested this would be a better book if it was nonfiction - I completely agree. This book had no right being so boring. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 2, 2022
This book is a fictionalized story about the real Josephine N. Leary. It starts in the year 1870. Josephine, her mother and grandmother had all been slaves on a nearby plantation but now they are starting over and their memory of their lives as slaves help them to want not only a life of freedom but also a life where they are free to pursue their dreams.
Josephine married the love of her life Sweety, and they open a barber shop where they both work and eventually have two daughters together. Josephine had a dream of being financially independent and owning property. There are no business women to help her so she teaches herself how to be a business woman and to handle her finances. After she buys her first building, it gets more difficult to buy more real estate. She is looked down upon not only for her color but also because she's a woman. At first, her husband is proud of her accomplishments but he soon feels that he's a laughingstock because his wife would sooner be a business woman than to just stay home and be a wife and mother. But she preserves and holds her family together while she works hard to accomplish her dreams.
Even though I live in North Carolina, I've never heard of Josephine N Leary. The author said in her notes that it was very difficult to find information about her while she was doing her research but she used her diaries to write this book. This is another example, and unfortunately there are many of them, of a strong and intelligent woman being forgotten in history. I was impressed with her strength and perseverance to follow her dreams and help make a better world for her children and future generations.
Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Josephine married the love of her life Sweety, and they open a barber shop where they both work and eventually have two daughters together. Josephine had a dream of being financially independent and owning property. There are no business women to help her so she teaches herself how to be a business woman and to handle her finances. After she buys her first building, it gets more difficult to buy more real estate. She is looked down upon not only for her color but also because she's a woman. At first, her husband is proud of her accomplishments but he soon feels that he's a laughingstock because his wife would sooner be a business woman than to just stay home and be a wife and mother. But she preserves and holds her family together while she works hard to accomplish her dreams.
Even though I live in North Carolina, I've never heard of Josephine N Leary. The author said in her notes that it was very difficult to find information about her while she was doing her research but she used her diaries to write this book. This is another example, and unfortunately there are many of them, of a strong and intelligent woman being forgotten in history. I was impressed with her strength and perseverance to follow her dreams and help make a better world for her children and future generations.
Thanks to goodreads for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
May 21, 2023
I received this from a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
While I appreciated the account of the remarkable achievements of Josephine Leary, I felt that the book lacked drama and sugar-coated the realities of what life would have been like for a black woman post emancipation in North Carolina.
While I appreciated the account of the remarkable achievements of Josephine Leary, I felt that the book lacked drama and sugar-coated the realities of what life would have been like for a black woman post emancipation in North Carolina.
April 8, 2022
I found the writing in this novel to be overly flowery, with an over-emphasis on descriptive details that added nothing to the story. Browsing the author's website, it came as no surprise to me that she was a fan of Harlequin romances, since it had already occurred to me that that was exactly the genre into which it best fit. But while avid readers of romance novels might enjoy this book, for those who are seeking good historical fiction, I have to recommend you look elsewhere. The dialog and other details of the story seem far too modern to fit its late nineteenth century setting, and the plot drags interminably. I read just a bit less than half the book before abandoning it in favor of something more appealing.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2022
North Carolina, 1800s:
In historical fiction author Kianna Alexander's novel Carolina Built, readers are introduced to a reimagined story of Josephine Napoleon Leary, who went on a journey from emancipation to becoming a North Carolina real estate magnate.
This novel not only takes readers on the reimagined life story of Josephine Napoleon Leary, but also touches on racism in North Carolina in the late 1800s despite the US Civil War being over.
As an example of the above, I present you with this quote:
"I'm tired of these entitled white girls trying to touch my hair, and of their mothers pursuing me to be their housemaid. I'm tired of these perverse white men who think it's acceptable to ogle me or touch my bottom when we pass on the sidewalk".
The author advises readers before the novel officially begins that as a native North Carolinian, Kianna Alexander had no idea about Josephine N. Leary as she wasn't covered in state history, and only came across her on Twitter and therefore sending her down the rabbit hole of researching . . . well, I thank the author for bringing this little known piece of history to light and sharing Josephine's story.
Josephine Napoleon Leary, North Carolinian real estate magnate
If you enjoy historical fiction, little known pieces of history and/or "rags to riches" stories, please consider checking out Carolina Built
In historical fiction author Kianna Alexander's novel Carolina Built, readers are introduced to a reimagined story of Josephine Napoleon Leary, who went on a journey from emancipation to becoming a North Carolina real estate magnate.
This novel not only takes readers on the reimagined life story of Josephine Napoleon Leary, but also touches on racism in North Carolina in the late 1800s despite the US Civil War being over.
As an example of the above, I present you with this quote:
"I'm tired of these entitled white girls trying to touch my hair, and of their mothers pursuing me to be their housemaid. I'm tired of these perverse white men who think it's acceptable to ogle me or touch my bottom when we pass on the sidewalk".
The author advises readers before the novel officially begins that as a native North Carolinian, Kianna Alexander had no idea about Josephine N. Leary as she wasn't covered in state history, and only came across her on Twitter and therefore sending her down the rabbit hole of researching . . . well, I thank the author for bringing this little known piece of history to light and sharing Josephine's story.
Josephine Napoleon Leary, North Carolinian real estate magnate
If you enjoy historical fiction, little known pieces of history and/or "rags to riches" stories, please consider checking out Carolina Built
January 6, 2023
Carolina Built is a fictionalized account of the life and legacy of Josephine Leary: a Black woman in Post-Emancipation North Carolina. Josephine is a mother, a wife, a business owner, an entrepreneur and real estate magnate.
This reimagined story of Josephine's life is well-researched, and it gave me a good idea of her accomplishments. It also explores gender roles within the household and marriage, as well as the struggles women (especially women of color) faced in the late 1800s.
There are some criticisms of the lack of drama and action within these pages, and I do understand that perspective. You'd think a newly freed Black woman in North Carolina would be facing regular discrimination and racism. And though the author does touch on these things, they are not the focus. That said, not every book featuring Black characters must focus on Black trauma and pain. Sometimes there's another story to tell, and that's what the author did here. This is a book about Josephine's many accomplishments, the struggles within her marriage, and the legacy she left her children.
Josephine Leary is a force to be reckoned with! What an inspiration!💕
I definitely recommend this book for folks who enjoy historical fiction based on real historical figures.
This reimagined story of Josephine's life is well-researched, and it gave me a good idea of her accomplishments. It also explores gender roles within the household and marriage, as well as the struggles women (especially women of color) faced in the late 1800s.
There are some criticisms of the lack of drama and action within these pages, and I do understand that perspective. You'd think a newly freed Black woman in North Carolina would be facing regular discrimination and racism. And though the author does touch on these things, they are not the focus. That said, not every book featuring Black characters must focus on Black trauma and pain. Sometimes there's another story to tell, and that's what the author did here. This is a book about Josephine's many accomplishments, the struggles within her marriage, and the legacy she left her children.
Josephine Leary is a force to be reckoned with! What an inspiration!💕
I definitely recommend this book for folks who enjoy historical fiction based on real historical figures.
March 13, 2022
I really, really enjoyed this historical fiction novel based on the real life of Josephine N. Leary ("Jo"), who became one of the first Black women real estate magnates post emancipation in North Carolina. This story was very much about family and pursuing one's dreams despite many obstacles.
Jo was both a wife and mother and devoted daughter and granddaughter. She had great street smarts and invested her money well, buying her own barbershop business and expanding to other real estate ventures. She was also very active in Black women's movements at the time, fighting both for women's rights and greater African American people's rights.
Highly recommended and great on audio! I so enjoy reading about strong women I never knew existed and the author did an amazing job drawing on historical papers to create a very compelling story of Josephine's life. In particular I really related to Jo's struggle to be both a good mother and a good businesswoman and how that often caused conflict and resentments in her marriage.
Jo was both a wife and mother and devoted daughter and granddaughter. She had great street smarts and invested her money well, buying her own barbershop business and expanding to other real estate ventures. She was also very active in Black women's movements at the time, fighting both for women's rights and greater African American people's rights.
Highly recommended and great on audio! I so enjoy reading about strong women I never knew existed and the author did an amazing job drawing on historical papers to create a very compelling story of Josephine's life. In particular I really related to Jo's struggle to be both a good mother and a good businesswoman and how that often caused conflict and resentments in her marriage.
February 25, 2022
This book is boring. The book is about an amazing business woman but I feel like I just read her diary and it was just as boring as my life.
February 28, 2022
Content Warning: racism, slavery, misogyny/misogynoir, domestic abuse, alcoholism, arson.
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
Josephine Leary is ambitious, bright, and since the age of nine, free. Growing up in North Carolina, she moves to the city of Edenton with her husband, determined not only for a fresh start, but one that will see her setting up a happy future for her children one day. As time goes on, she realizes just how hard it is to deal with the expectations of others, even as she fights to realize her dreams, and finds herself wondering whether or not her hopes of owning property and being financially independent is possible with a family to take care of. But Josephine is nothing if not resolute, and if forging her own path is what it takes, she'll gladly do it.
How hard it is for me to give this book only a measly two stars! Initially, I was drawn into Josephine's story, particularly because this fascinating woman was, in fact, a real person, and the author's note gave me an idea of Alexander's love for Josephine and her dedication to making her known to the wider world. I must say that, as always, this is simply a case of me personally not clicking with a book -- just because I didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean that you won't. With that being said, there are some issues with this novel that I feel the need to address, particularly in regards to its narrative, plotlines and historical accuracy.
First and foremost, my main complaint with Carolina Built is that much of it does not mesh with historical reality. As expected with fiction, not every single part of a book is typically "historically accurate," as there are authorial liberties that must often be taken for the sake of a story or character, but some of the problems in this are absolutely egregious. For example, when Josephine is pregnant, she forgoes wearing a corset, despite the fact that there were maternity corsets, which were softer and typically unboned. I perhaps could've overlooked this, were it not for the fact that Josephine then proceeds to go about town and visit her landlord in this state. It was practically enough to make my mouth drop open. There is no way, in any circumstance, that a woman of Josephine's position and society would do such a thing. Women are often frequently mentioned wearing trousers as well, despite the fact that this story takes place through the 1870s' up until the 1890s'.
For most of history, it was not only considered inappropriate and strange for women to wear trousers, but illegal. One character, a friend of Josephine's, wears trousers, but she is by and large considered to be "different" and unwomanly; this didn't bother me much. But it is not only this character who dons them, and it just struck me as out of time and place. There's a long and complex history of women's relationship with trousers and pants, but in order to keep this review short, I'll say simply that it was not only uncommon, but something that could easily jeopardize a woman's position amongst her peers, in society, and as a woman altogether. There are several other examples I could list of this book making similar errors, but it would take too long to list them all.
The other big problem I struggled with is characterization and the timeline jumps. Almost every chapter (with very few exceptions) take us from year to year: for example, one chapter will show us Josephine in 1873, and then the next will take place in 1874, then the next will be 1875, and so on and so forth. Not only did this rob us of an opportunity to get to know Josephine in any meaningful way, but it also was just...jarring. There are also some chapters which give us things from Josephine's husband's, Sweety, perspective. I wasn't really sure what these aimed to do: make us like him more, or less? Putting it plainly, his character was awful, and I couldn't find any reason to sympathize with or like him. The chapters don't even seem that different, because neither Josephine nor Sweety seem to possess a personality outside of their designated traits (Josephine being kind, brave, ambitious; Sweety being insecure, often mean, and little more than that).
I don't want to go on and on about the things I didn't like about this book, so for a moment, I would like to expand on the things I did enjoy. Mainly, I loved the real history behind this powerful woman, and I think had we been given an opportunity to really understand her business acumen and cleverness (it's never really shown, only told to us), this book would've been far better and more interesting. Josephine's relationships with her two daughters, Clara and Florence, were beautiful, touching and very sweet, and her unchanging support of them was lovely to read. One of the other reasons this book still got two and a half stars is because it celebrates Josephine's accomplishments, her life, and the fact that she fought for the life she wanted and the futures she believed her daughters deserved.
Finally, I do want to end this on the note that it is Josephine's relationship with Sweety that truly brought this book down even further for me. I couldn't stand the way she put up with a man of this character, who committed the acts that he committed, said the things he said, and although Alexander cannot, of course, change the facts of Josephine's life, it was extremely difficult for me to find any redeeming qualities in Sweety. He was a constant aggravation, not only for Josephine, but for me as a reader, too.
With all that being said, it's hard for me to recommend this one, but I must say there are many others who I know will love this book, and as always with all forms of enjoyment in our lives, will get more from it than I did. So, make your own choice on whether or not you want to pick this one up, but for me, it didn't feel worth the 300+ page journey.
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
Josephine Leary is ambitious, bright, and since the age of nine, free. Growing up in North Carolina, she moves to the city of Edenton with her husband, determined not only for a fresh start, but one that will see her setting up a happy future for her children one day. As time goes on, she realizes just how hard it is to deal with the expectations of others, even as she fights to realize her dreams, and finds herself wondering whether or not her hopes of owning property and being financially independent is possible with a family to take care of. But Josephine is nothing if not resolute, and if forging her own path is what it takes, she'll gladly do it.
How hard it is for me to give this book only a measly two stars! Initially, I was drawn into Josephine's story, particularly because this fascinating woman was, in fact, a real person, and the author's note gave me an idea of Alexander's love for Josephine and her dedication to making her known to the wider world. I must say that, as always, this is simply a case of me personally not clicking with a book -- just because I didn't enjoy it, doesn't mean that you won't. With that being said, there are some issues with this novel that I feel the need to address, particularly in regards to its narrative, plotlines and historical accuracy.
First and foremost, my main complaint with Carolina Built is that much of it does not mesh with historical reality. As expected with fiction, not every single part of a book is typically "historically accurate," as there are authorial liberties that must often be taken for the sake of a story or character, but some of the problems in this are absolutely egregious. For example, when Josephine is pregnant, she forgoes wearing a corset, despite the fact that there were maternity corsets, which were softer and typically unboned. I perhaps could've overlooked this, were it not for the fact that Josephine then proceeds to go about town and visit her landlord in this state. It was practically enough to make my mouth drop open. There is no way, in any circumstance, that a woman of Josephine's position and society would do such a thing. Women are often frequently mentioned wearing trousers as well, despite the fact that this story takes place through the 1870s' up until the 1890s'.
For most of history, it was not only considered inappropriate and strange for women to wear trousers, but illegal. One character, a friend of Josephine's, wears trousers, but she is by and large considered to be "different" and unwomanly; this didn't bother me much. But it is not only this character who dons them, and it just struck me as out of time and place. There's a long and complex history of women's relationship with trousers and pants, but in order to keep this review short, I'll say simply that it was not only uncommon, but something that could easily jeopardize a woman's position amongst her peers, in society, and as a woman altogether. There are several other examples I could list of this book making similar errors, but it would take too long to list them all.
The other big problem I struggled with is characterization and the timeline jumps. Almost every chapter (with very few exceptions) take us from year to year: for example, one chapter will show us Josephine in 1873, and then the next will take place in 1874, then the next will be 1875, and so on and so forth. Not only did this rob us of an opportunity to get to know Josephine in any meaningful way, but it also was just...jarring. There are also some chapters which give us things from Josephine's husband's, Sweety, perspective. I wasn't really sure what these aimed to do: make us like him more, or less? Putting it plainly, his character was awful, and I couldn't find any reason to sympathize with or like him. The chapters don't even seem that different, because neither Josephine nor Sweety seem to possess a personality outside of their designated traits (Josephine being kind, brave, ambitious; Sweety being insecure, often mean, and little more than that).
I don't want to go on and on about the things I didn't like about this book, so for a moment, I would like to expand on the things I did enjoy. Mainly, I loved the real history behind this powerful woman, and I think had we been given an opportunity to really understand her business acumen and cleverness (it's never really shown, only told to us), this book would've been far better and more interesting. Josephine's relationships with her two daughters, Clara and Florence, were beautiful, touching and very sweet, and her unchanging support of them was lovely to read. One of the other reasons this book still got two and a half stars is because it celebrates Josephine's accomplishments, her life, and the fact that she fought for the life she wanted and the futures she believed her daughters deserved.
Finally, I do want to end this on the note that it is Josephine's relationship with Sweety that truly brought this book down even further for me. I couldn't stand the way she put up with a man of this character, who committed the acts that he committed, said the things he said, and although Alexander cannot, of course, change the facts of Josephine's life, it was extremely difficult for me to find any redeeming qualities in Sweety. He was a constant aggravation, not only for Josephine, but for me as a reader, too.
With all that being said, it's hard for me to recommend this one, but I must say there are many others who I know will love this book, and as always with all forms of enjoyment in our lives, will get more from it than I did. So, make your own choice on whether or not you want to pick this one up, but for me, it didn't feel worth the 300+ page journey.
March 13, 2025
🥺
Carolina Built was a good story; the strength and Tena of Josephine shined throughout. These are the kind of people and stories I cannot get enough of. 💕
Carolina Built was a good story; the strength and Tena of Josephine shined throughout. These are the kind of people and stories I cannot get enough of. 💕
June 12, 2023
BLACK HISTORY MONTH PICK.
CAROLINA BUILT is beautifully rendered and inspiring!
Author Kianna Alexander (romance writer) crosses over to the historical genre with an inspiring story based on the life of Josephine N. Leary, born into slavery and later built a real estate empire in North Carolina.
Being an NC native, I found this bit of untold history very interesting and had not heard of it previously. I appreciate this author's meticulous research into Mrs. Leary's history.
Born in 1856, Josephine was born into slavery. Following the Civil War, she was freed when she was 9 years old.
From the 1870s in Williamston, NC, she was a quick learner, a reader, and ambitious when Josephine was a child. After moving from the plantation where she was from. Her father was white, which was their former master, Colonel Lamb. Her mother, grandmother, and brother lived in a small cabin.
Set in Edenton, NC, after moving from the plantation Josephine was ready to settle down and live her dream. She worked in a barbershop as a teen, where she met her future husband, "Sweety" Leary. In 1873 Josephine Williams married Sweety Archer Leary; both worked as barbers.
She wound up later buying the building with money from her father as a wedding gift. In 1881 Mrs. Leary, skillfully maneuvering the real estate market purchased six properties in the "Cheapside" district.
In the novel, Sweety is supportive at first, but they get jealous of an ambitious woman like most men. Plus, often times the community did not respect her being a woman and of color. However, she preserves, becomes a mother of two daughters, and teaches them the importance of reading, education, and independence.
There were many challenges in a man's world during this era, but Josephine was set on investing in real estate. She became successful and ran several businesses while raising her family while overcoming many challenges being a woman of color in a man's world.
As we advance to the Epilogue, March 1894 in Edenton, NC, she has a new building, the J. N. Leary Building, with several tenants. The author includes photos of the historical site and other images and an extensive bibliography.
In 1893, a fire destroyed the east side of Broad St; everything from King to Water St is lost. Mrs. Leary's investment is a pile of ashes. In 1894 Mrs. Leary had a big decision to sell land or rebuild? Optimistically chooses to build her signature building.
Most of the time, back in the 1970s in NC, they would not even allow a woman of childbearing years to sign on a mortgage and would not count her income. So I appreciate this tenacious, courageous, and determined woman making history.
On a side note:
A highly recommended read for black history month and honoring the courageous life of Josephine Napoleon Leary. A special thank you to the author for the re-imagining and retelling of an essential biographical fiction of this admirable and passionate woman. I think she would be proud. #CoverCrush
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #GalleryBooks for an advanced reading copy.
Blog Posted at:
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 22, 2022
CAROLINA BUILT is beautifully rendered and inspiring!
Author Kianna Alexander (romance writer) crosses over to the historical genre with an inspiring story based on the life of Josephine N. Leary, born into slavery and later built a real estate empire in North Carolina.
Being an NC native, I found this bit of untold history very interesting and had not heard of it previously. I appreciate this author's meticulous research into Mrs. Leary's history.
Born in 1856, Josephine was born into slavery. Following the Civil War, she was freed when she was 9 years old.
From the 1870s in Williamston, NC, she was a quick learner, a reader, and ambitious when Josephine was a child. After moving from the plantation where she was from. Her father was white, which was their former master, Colonel Lamb. Her mother, grandmother, and brother lived in a small cabin.
Set in Edenton, NC, after moving from the plantation Josephine was ready to settle down and live her dream. She worked in a barbershop as a teen, where she met her future husband, "Sweety" Leary. In 1873 Josephine Williams married Sweety Archer Leary; both worked as barbers.
She wound up later buying the building with money from her father as a wedding gift. In 1881 Mrs. Leary, skillfully maneuvering the real estate market purchased six properties in the "Cheapside" district.
In the novel, Sweety is supportive at first, but they get jealous of an ambitious woman like most men. Plus, often times the community did not respect her being a woman and of color. However, she preserves, becomes a mother of two daughters, and teaches them the importance of reading, education, and independence.
There were many challenges in a man's world during this era, but Josephine was set on investing in real estate. She became successful and ran several businesses while raising her family while overcoming many challenges being a woman of color in a man's world.
As we advance to the Epilogue, March 1894 in Edenton, NC, she has a new building, the J. N. Leary Building, with several tenants. The author includes photos of the historical site and other images and an extensive bibliography.
In 1893, a fire destroyed the east side of Broad St; everything from King to Water St is lost. Mrs. Leary's investment is a pile of ashes. In 1894 Mrs. Leary had a big decision to sell land or rebuild? Optimistically chooses to build her signature building.
Most of the time, back in the 1970s in NC, they would not even allow a woman of childbearing years to sign on a mortgage and would not count her income. So I appreciate this tenacious, courageous, and determined woman making history.
On a side note:
After reading, of course, I went "googling" and was sad to learn in late 1893, the fire that destroyed the entire section known as "Cheapside," a 17th Century London name describing an area of shops—Nothing was insured. Her buildings were gone, but she had the land. You can read more about it here: Historical Marker Data Base (view the building, photos, notations, and her name after rebuilding in 1894).
For a woman born into slavery to reach her status is incredible. Unfortunately, her life of success and admiration became one of despair as she was fighting cancer. She borrows against her investments to cover medical bills. Her holdings dwindled while she fought cancer for 8 years, dying at 67.
In 1823 she died from stomach cancer while still owning 133 E. Church St, 102 S. Broad St, and 317 S. Broad St properties. All mired in a tangle of debt supporting her medical expenses.
Mrs. Leary bought her first property when she was 17 years old for $550.00! I can appreciate this since I was age 18, living in NC when I purchased my first property for $14,500 plus the cost of land. I cannot imagine living in the 1800s and doing so.
A highly recommended read for black history month and honoring the courageous life of Josephine Napoleon Leary. A special thank you to the author for the re-imagining and retelling of an essential biographical fiction of this admirable and passionate woman. I think she would be proud. #CoverCrush
Many thanks to #NetGalley and #GalleryBooks for an advanced reading copy.
Blog Posted at:
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Feb 22, 2022
March 19, 2022
I really want to say that I loved this, but it just did not work for me at all. I was expecting a historical fiction based on a real life narrative, but one with a lot of story and characterization, and I didn’t feel that I found that here.
I think this book would work for you if you love historical accounts and wanted I read a slightly fictionalized one of those that covers an interesting woman’s life and period of history.
What I struggled with was the overall lack of structure to the plot, which was essentially a diary style narrative of Josephine’s life, with occasional entries from her husband.
I was also left somewhat confused by certain plot developments and character choices. Obviously since this is based on real life, I know the author could not change what happened, but because I felt like character motivations weren’t fully explored in depth, I found it hard to reconcile certain plot developments.
I think that if you go in expecting a certain type of historical account, and of course you want to read about a Black businesswoman in the reconstruction era south (which absolutely is an interesting topic) you would enjoy this book.
Ultimately, I was more intrigued by the potential of the subject matter than I was satisfied by the execution of the narrative.
I think this book would work for you if you love historical accounts and wanted I read a slightly fictionalized one of those that covers an interesting woman’s life and period of history.
What I struggled with was the overall lack of structure to the plot, which was essentially a diary style narrative of Josephine’s life, with occasional entries from her husband.
I was also left somewhat confused by certain plot developments and character choices. Obviously since this is based on real life, I know the author could not change what happened, but because I felt like character motivations weren’t fully explored in depth, I found it hard to reconcile certain plot developments.
I think that if you go in expecting a certain type of historical account, and of course you want to read about a Black businesswoman in the reconstruction era south (which absolutely is an interesting topic) you would enjoy this book.
Ultimately, I was more intrigued by the potential of the subject matter than I was satisfied by the execution of the narrative.
February 10, 2023
I would give this a 3.5 rating; however, that is not an option on the rating chart.
Carolina Built is a biographical novel of Josephine Napoleon Leary, who was born an African slave, but later became a successful real estate entrepreneur in North Carolina. Josephine dreams of building a future for her family. She & her husband move to Edenton, North Carolina where they own a barber shop. Josephine wants to pursue her passion for real estate; however, she learns that it isn't as easy as had hoped.
The message of this novel is to never give up on your dreams despite the adversity you are faced.
Carolina Built is a biographical novel of Josephine Napoleon Leary, who was born an African slave, but later became a successful real estate entrepreneur in North Carolina. Josephine dreams of building a future for her family. She & her husband move to Edenton, North Carolina where they own a barber shop. Josephine wants to pursue her passion for real estate; however, she learns that it isn't as easy as had hoped.
The message of this novel is to never give up on your dreams despite the adversity you are faced.
November 30, 2021
Although this book is classified as historical fiction it's very realistic based on documents previously written about Josephine Leary. I love reading books that show strong, female characters who are driven to be successful and share those values with their children. This book would be a great choice for high school students in business or economics class.
February 15, 2022
A beautiful, heartfelt story of an extraordinary woman too long forgotten to history. Kianna Alexander has recreated Josephine Leary's life with wonderful historical detail and obvious care that shines through on the page. Josephine's strength, determination, and ambition will an inspiration to any woman.
December 17, 2021
Carolina Built is based on the fascinating life of the real Josephine Leary who owned a significant amount of real estate after her emancipation from slavery. The book follows Josephine from her time as a happy newlywed through motherhood and marital woes, all while collecting properties and investments to build a lasting legacy for her children.
I’m intrigued by Leary’s life story and would love to read an actual biography because this historical fiction was underwhelming for me. The book is completely dialogue driven, it’s almost entirely conversations she has with family and friends moving the story forward so there’s not a lot of descriptions or insight into Leary’s thoughts and feelings beyond surface level. The dialogue itself felt awkward at times and I was never able to settle into the story because of it. Interesting person with a great story but the delivery here was lukewarm for me.
Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Carolina Built is scheduled for release on February 22, 2022.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
I’m intrigued by Leary’s life story and would love to read an actual biography because this historical fiction was underwhelming for me. The book is completely dialogue driven, it’s almost entirely conversations she has with family and friends moving the story forward so there’s not a lot of descriptions or insight into Leary’s thoughts and feelings beyond surface level. The dialogue itself felt awkward at times and I was never able to settle into the story because of it. Interesting person with a great story but the delivery here was lukewarm for me.
Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Carolina Built is scheduled for release on February 22, 2022.
For more reviews, visit www.rootsandreads.wordpress.com
March 28, 2022
Wonderful female empowerment novel
February 6, 2023
This is the fictional story about Josephine Leary who was born a slave and later became a real estate mogul in North Carolina. I wanted the characters to have a lot more depth considering the time period.
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