Tobacco Rose

by Florence Love Karsner

South Georgia 1955. Racial tensions lead to riots in the South. An old black woman named Rosie and a young white girl called Clementine are in danger of losing their lives in a flood. Caught up in swirling waters teeming with moccasins, dead animal carcasses and debris, they must get to higher ground to survive. They must work together to save themselves as well as a motherless child and a crippled young man. Will their combined efforts save them or will the impetuous, young girl’s thoughtless actions put them in more danger? Will Rosie come to Clementine’s rescue? During the long frightful night of the flood, Rosie takes Clementine on a mental journey as she tells the heart-wrenching tale of Kadie, her Gullah/Geechee ancestor who was kidnapped and brought to America on a slave-trading ship in the late 1700s. The tale touches Clementine’s soul, providing valuable lessons she will take to heart as she commits to learn about her own people. Were they resilient, intelligent, people with strong family values as Rosie’s were? Is there a “Kadie” in her history? A lifelong friendship is formed in this unlikely pair, and a thirst for knowledge and an appreciation of life is instilled in a young girl who wished only to hurry through life and grow up.

Genres: Historical Fiction

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2021

Reviews

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I loved this little story even though I read it too fast. The suspense builds with each chapter and incident.

[Judy Stambaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book!

This is a story about a black woman and a white man and how they and their families come together during a flood. The white father can't get to his daughter bur is told not to worry. She is in good hands. She is with the old black lady, Rosie, and she will keep his daughter safe. This is well after slavery, bur during the Cival rignts movemwnt. Whole the little girl is with Rosie and her grandson, Rosie tells the story of her people and how they came to be in the United States. A bond is formed and the little girls wants to find out the story of herfamily where they came from. I enjoyed this book very much. I hope you will too!

[Melissa Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it

This is in my top 10. It tells a great story and touches on topics in history that I hope will peak My homeschooled kids interest and open dialogs about these topics. It's a little bitvof everything. It touches on many topics like Martin Luther king and the gullah/gechee heritage. Measles and polio before vaccines. It's a little about racism and alot about community coming together in a crisis. It's even got a little murder mystery in it. Great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to re-read with the kids. No sexusk or taboo content I'd be worried about them reading.

[Pat Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction

The unfolding of Kadie's story was told against the backdrop of racial tensions in the late 50's/early 60's to two young people. One was white and one was black.
The story showed how each of them processed the story and how it would impact their own lives. Perhaps we could all learn a valuable lesson: we have to learn our own story, but we also nerd to learn the stories of our brothers and sisters as well.
If you like historical fiction and want to learn how a young girl was ripped from her home and transported to our country in the cargo hold of a ship, this is a must read for you.

[Lyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures a time in history and was so beautifully told that you are still thinking about it long after you put the book down. While the author has told of the racial tensions within the community at the time, there is so much more to the story than racial issues. The fight for survival during the floods drew people together and formed strong bonds regardless of colour. The main takeaway for me was how we need to continue to tell our stories, no matter how insignificant we think they are, for they will one day be part of someone else’s story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will look forward to reading more from this author.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another favorite of mine now. 1955, old Rosie works in the Tobacco barn. She is a wise woman. She works for Larry Sutherland. So one day a little white girl, Clemintine, comes to the barn and asks if she can get a job because her dad, Andrew, who is very rich, told her to always try to make a dollar. As the story continues there is a flood, so Rosie and Clemintine go to Larry Sutherland mansion to take care of his little daughter and Rosie's grandson. This is when blacks and whites were so separate, but not this family. What a wonderful book.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author can write in any genre she chooses and always succeeds. This is her new book that was just released and it did not disappoint. The positive messages and undertones of this book are ones that stand the test of time and the characters are well written and delightful.( Dean is my favorite) I have read all of her books and continue to be enthralled with them . She has a couple of series and this in my opinion could be a start to another series. I sure hope so!

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It tells of the relationship between an elderly, African American lady and a young, white girl in times, not long ago, when a relationship as this was frowned upon. Rose, the elderly lady shares her story of her relative coming from Africa on a slave ship and the horrific experience she endured to get here. Really eye opening as to how African Americans were treated in the past.

[Genevieve Scholl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words say what the heart feels

This story is so similar to those told for real today. Blacks were slaves and whites owned them until they didn't and Kadie in my mind is real.
I am in love with Clemmie and little Sarah. So like my own daughters. If ever there was a book that told many stories of love with no divide
between any of us. It doesn't matter who you are or what color your skin is. Love is love. Let's speak of nothing else. These times have changed us all.

[Connie Osowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep dive in unity and understanding.

This book stretched my understanding of racial prejudice in the south. It was heartwarming to read a story hat reflected the open acceptance given by a young girl towards a woman her culture would have her consider inferior. The story of those from Sierra Leone who were captured and brought to North America is heartbreaking. Keeping their story and history alive through a novel, priceless!

[DeAnna Webber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure to be a favorite

Tobacco Rose is a heartfelt tale that weaves together a tumultuous time in our nation's history with wisdom seldom found and yet much needed in today’s world. Karsner’s writing is delightfully descriptive and her characters feel as four-dimensional as we do and her penchant for placing you as securely in a scene as if you’re standing there breathing is a true gift.

[Rosette Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gullah/Geechee

History is so important for people to pass on. It helps us to remember who we are and what shapes our view of the world.

Tobacco Rosie was a whim buy for me which turned out to be a great book. Unexpected friendships, small communities, respect for the past and each other all make this an interesting read.

[Barbara Daniels Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though racial tensions threaten to split the community apart, two families of different cultures earn trust and the ability to see past their differences. This is just the type of story we need in our current times, one where we all work together. First time reading this author. She described the settings and personalities perfectly in my mind.

[kathi Driskell · Rating 3 out of 5]

story of racial issues

This story was a drawn out bit story even though with some history in it it just didn’t match in a lot of places. Kinda mixed me up a bit. But in the 1950’s things racially starting up and yet blacks were so seperated it was pleasing to read of the commaradie together as the community worked together

[Loretta Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good story of compassion and understanding for others.

The author has written a great story of how compassion,understanding and respect for all humans is essential for a community to exist and prosper. A story full of the courage and actions needed to overcome adversity and misfortune.

[Patricia Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flood brings village together

Learned a lot regarding when blacks and Martin Luther King was marching. The people blacks n whites got along and the whites had businesses for blacks to work in. When a really bad flood came, they all worked together to save people and set up safe places. I was impressed. GREAT story.

[Rosemary Donley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Difficult to put Down

The relationships between the characters were so pleasant. There was so much thoughtfulness and insight into each other. Discoveries that are made could easily be applied today and the willingness to help each other regardless of race. Totally enjoyed the story and the other meaningful story that develops.

[Mara Branoff-Wargo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I could barely get through this book. The writing was choppy and the conversations between the characters was nearly unbearable. It was so immature and unfinished feeling. Even the story line seemed underdeveloped and random. The only reason it’s a 2 and not a 1, is I believe it’s important to know the topic discussed to our history

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good look at life in tobacco land. The relations were really true to life as I lived in that area. Rose was a picture of women of that time. A good look at how race relations can change in an instant, thanks for the read.

[Ruby Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This story is one I will read again. I loved every part of it. I laughed & cried while reading it. It is now one of my absolute favorites!
I recommend it to everyone who has a heart♥️

[kim mitchel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Characters life like

I really felt as if at times I was in the room with Rosie or Clemmie and saw what they saw and felt what they felt. No better compliment to an author can be given when we say: I'd like to meet the characters in your book please.

[Meeca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Beautiful

I sincerely love and respect this story. It seems like it could be an actual real story. Being that there is nothing new under the sun, I believe there is truth to this one

[Sharon Dailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book; lots of good characters. It is so heartbreaking to read how the slaves were treated when they were kidnapped from Africa and their tragic travels to the States. These stories need to be told so that we never repeat history.

[Ann Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book!!

If you would like to read a book that gives a different perspective on the issues surrounding slavery, and how black and white people can work together for good, this is the book you should read. I highly recommend Tobacco Rose!

[Beverly Sterrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration an d uplifting

This book shows all people of any race and different backgrounds can show love for their neighbors. Facing the Chancellor s of 1955 as well as today. It gave me a good feeling reading it.

[David Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Education for an o!d man

I have read a great .any books that contained information about slavery. This story and the within really made me think of the causes of both white and black racism back then and today. We need to get rid of " sides" and get it done together!!

[Sylvia Yount · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to learn

I couldn't hardly put this book down. Happy, sad , scary, hopeful all wrapped up.
I didn't like some of the language used, but that's my only complaint.
Its a great read.

[Andrew egnor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provocing

I loved the characters. Karsner brought them to life and you could see their hopes and fears as they dealt with the problems handed to them by Mother Nature in a world filled with racial tension.

[susan bellinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Rose

Read this truly wonderful story about a flood and the wonderful folks who cane together ( black and white, rich and poor ) to weather the storm.. You will love Rosie, Clementine, their families and friends!!!! Give this book a try and relax and enjoy

[Kay Roseberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

my name

This caught my attention because my name is Clemmie Kay. and I had a black nanny named Rosie. Our stories are different. I enjoyed this story more because of the history Rosie shared. This is a is a well written story about people coming together in times of crisis.i