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Wild, Beautiful, and Free
Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bébinn is raised alongside her white half sister—until her father suddenly dies. His vindictive wife refuses twelve-year-old Jeannette her inheritance and sells her into slavery. Now on her own, Jeannette must fight the injustices she faces because of her mixed race. She escapes enslavement and travels from Mississippi to Philadelphia to New York to Ohio, all while searching for purpose, love, and her place in a country torn asunder by the burgeoning Civil War. Everything seems to fall into place when she meets Christian Robichaud Colchester, the white proprietor of Fortitude Mansion, a safe haven for escaped slaves where Jeannette teaches. But despite their instant connection, Jeannette isn’t convinced she belongs in his circle. In a world that tells her she doesn’t fit anywhere, Jeannette must decide what’s more important: bending to the expectations of others or embracing her true self.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2023
4155 people are currently reading
16096 people want to read
About the author
Sophfronia Scott
14 books378 followersSophfronia Scott is a novelist, essayist, and leading contemplative thinker whose work has received a 2020 Artist Fellowship Grant from the Connecticut Office of the Arts. Her book The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton won the 2021 Thomas Merton “Louie” Award from the International Thomas Merton Society. She holds a BA in English from Harvard and an MFA in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Sophfronia began her career as an award-winning magazine journalist for Time, where she co-authored the groundbreaking cover story “Twentysomething,” the first study identifying the demographic group known as Generation X, and People. When her first novel, All I Need to Get By, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2004 Sophfronia was nominated for best new author at the African American Literary Awards and hailed by Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as “potentially one of the best writers of her generation.”
Her latest book is Wild, Beautiful, and Free, a historical novel set during the Civil War. Sophfronia’s other books include Unforgivable Love, Love’s Long Line, Doing Business By the Book, and This Child of Faith: Raising a Spiritual Child in a Secular World, co-written with her son Tain. Her essays, short stories, and articles have appeared in numerous publications including Yankee Magazine, The Christian Century, North American Review, NewYorkTimes.com, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Her essays “Hope On Any Given Day,” “The Legs On Which I Move,” and “Why I Didn’t Go to the Firehouse” are listed among the Notables in the Best American Essays series.
Sophfronia has taught at Regis University’s Mile High MFA and Bay Path University’s MFA in Creative Nonfiction. She is currently the director of Alma College’s MFA in Creative Writing, a low-residency graduate program based in Alma, Michigan. Sophfronia lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
Sophfronia began her career as an award-winning magazine journalist for Time, where she co-authored the groundbreaking cover story “Twentysomething,” the first study identifying the demographic group known as Generation X, and People. When her first novel, All I Need to Get By, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2004 Sophfronia was nominated for best new author at the African American Literary Awards and hailed by Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as “potentially one of the best writers of her generation.”
Her latest book is Wild, Beautiful, and Free, a historical novel set during the Civil War. Sophfronia’s other books include Unforgivable Love, Love’s Long Line, Doing Business By the Book, and This Child of Faith: Raising a Spiritual Child in a Secular World, co-written with her son Tain. Her essays, short stories, and articles have appeared in numerous publications including Yankee Magazine, The Christian Century, North American Review, NewYorkTimes.com, and O, The Oprah Magazine. Her essays “Hope On Any Given Day,” “The Legs On Which I Move,” and “Why I Didn’t Go to the Firehouse” are listed among the Notables in the Best American Essays series.
Sophfronia has taught at Regis University’s Mile High MFA and Bay Path University’s MFA in Creative Nonfiction. She is currently the director of Alma College’s MFA in Creative Writing, a low-residency graduate program based in Alma, Michigan. Sophfronia lives in Sandy Hook, Connecticut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 746 reviews
February 9, 2023
Liked the style - fast-paced, flowing narrative. Overall, a bit disappointed after reading all the raves. The characters delineated along moral lines. They were either good or evil, with no shades in between. Human nature is a bit more complex than that. Events unfolded a bit too neatly for my taste. No matter how dangerous the situation, the resolution was always the desired one. That sucked the tension and suspense out of every perilous encounter. There was never any doubt the final outcome would be any other than it ultimately was. Verdict - historical romance lite.
March 4, 2023
I was a beloved child. I think I knew that before I knew anything else. So now I can’t settle for anything less than such love. That’s just the truth of who I am.
Have you ever selected a book and known without even cracking the cover that you will enjoy the book from beginning to end? That is truly how I felt went selecting Wild, Beautiful, and Free as my Amazon First Read in February. Of course, as is the habit of readers with the best of intentions, I then read several other titles while eyeing this novel daily.
Set in mid- 1800's Louisiana, this is the story of Jeanette Bebinn, the child of a plantation owner and an enslaved woman. Having lost both her parents at a young age, Jeanette is sent from her place of birth by her father's widow. Through the years and the many obstacles that she will face, Jeanette vows that she will return one day to claim the land that is her birthright and reunite with her beloved half-sister.
Dorinda used to say that cursing someone wasn’t a matter of spittin’ out words. You had to stay focused on the curse, nursing the words and the hurt, and after a while you wouldn’t even know that some part of you was still working the curse, because it got so deep inside you. I didn’t like that. If a thing was inside you like that, it had to be eating you up. Just stood to reason. I didn’t care enough about Madame, even in hate, to let her have that much of me.
This was the first time I read a Sophfronia Scott book and I can certainly claim that it won't be the last. I liked the concept that this novel was a Jane Eyre retelling. I appreciated the exploration of identity and being always true to yourself. Jeanette was a strong female protagonist. The plot moved along smoothly and it was hard to put the book down.
Goodreads review published 03/03/23
Have you ever selected a book and known without even cracking the cover that you will enjoy the book from beginning to end? That is truly how I felt went selecting Wild, Beautiful, and Free as my Amazon First Read in February. Of course, as is the habit of readers with the best of intentions, I then read several other titles while eyeing this novel daily.
Set in mid- 1800's Louisiana, this is the story of Jeanette Bebinn, the child of a plantation owner and an enslaved woman. Having lost both her parents at a young age, Jeanette is sent from her place of birth by her father's widow. Through the years and the many obstacles that she will face, Jeanette vows that she will return one day to claim the land that is her birthright and reunite with her beloved half-sister.
Dorinda used to say that cursing someone wasn’t a matter of spittin’ out words. You had to stay focused on the curse, nursing the words and the hurt, and after a while you wouldn’t even know that some part of you was still working the curse, because it got so deep inside you. I didn’t like that. If a thing was inside you like that, it had to be eating you up. Just stood to reason. I didn’t care enough about Madame, even in hate, to let her have that much of me.
This was the first time I read a Sophfronia Scott book and I can certainly claim that it won't be the last. I liked the concept that this novel was a Jane Eyre retelling. I appreciated the exploration of identity and being always true to yourself. Jeanette was a strong female protagonist. The plot moved along smoothly and it was hard to put the book down.
Goodreads review published 03/03/23
November 14, 2022
Exquisite and bold, Wild Beautiful and Free is a lush retelling of Jane Eyre that captures the tumult of the American Civil War and graces it with tones of the everlasting classic that will enchant both old and new readers of the story. Scott honors what makes it beloved while throwing open the doors to a new setting, a new era, always keeping readers on their toes as she balances just enough intrigue to make those familiar with it wonder what will happen next. Highly recommended!
March 2, 2023
The story of this novel has been on my heart for years and I have no words for how excited I am that the book is now in the world and you will get to meet my character, Jeannette Bébinn, and experience her journey. WILD, BEAUTIFUL, AND FREE is my first hardcover release. I hope you enjoy it!
September 1, 2023
“We were holding human beings in bondage. He said to me, ‘When you die, Christian, will that be your argument to God? That you enslaved his creation but treated them well?’
You know when you randomly pick your next read not knowing anything about it or its author and it leaves you gobsmacked with deep feelings when you finish…yeah, that’s exactly what happened to me. This book was a surprise I did not see coming. So many emotions, feelings, shortness of breath parts and tightness of chest. That’s a great author right there. I look forward to consuming Sophfronia Scott’s entire backlist.
You know when you randomly pick your next read not knowing anything about it or its author and it leaves you gobsmacked with deep feelings when you finish…yeah, that’s exactly what happened to me. This book was a surprise I did not see coming. So many emotions, feelings, shortness of breath parts and tightness of chest. That’s a great author right there. I look forward to consuming Sophfronia Scott’s entire backlist.
March 29, 2023
Jeannette Bebinn is born on a Louisiana plantation in the mid 19th Century. Her father Jean is the plantation owner but her mother was a slave, who died giving birth to her. Despite Jean's wife's utter disdain for Jeannette's existence, she is brought up in the house alongside her white, half-sister. Things take a dark turn though when Jean unexpectedly dies. After having been raised 'white', Jeannette is sold into slavery and transported far from the only home she has known. Jeannette is forced to question her identity and determine if she is 'white' like the blue eyes she inherited or 'black' like her 'nappy hair'. 'When must one be accepting, and when must a man do everything in his power to break free?'
'Wild, Beautiful and Free' is a unique coming-of-age story of a mixed-race girl growing up in the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War. It's about love and hate. It's about owning who you are and living that life in gratitude. 'What good would it do to be mad? I'd have to be mad every day.' Sophfronia has a lovely way with words and I was invested in Jeannette's journey; toward self-acceptance and ultimately home. For me, the storyline dwelled in the middle a bit but overall I really enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it to both historical fiction lovers and to those who enjoy coming-of-age stories.
'Wild, Beautiful and Free' is a unique coming-of-age story of a mixed-race girl growing up in the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War. It's about love and hate. It's about owning who you are and living that life in gratitude. 'What good would it do to be mad? I'd have to be mad every day.' Sophfronia has a lovely way with words and I was invested in Jeannette's journey; toward self-acceptance and ultimately home. For me, the storyline dwelled in the middle a bit but overall I really enjoyed this story and would definitely recommend it to both historical fiction lovers and to those who enjoy coming-of-age stories.
April 5, 2023
Wishing I could give 2.5 stars. The story is inspirational and the writing starts off strong. Throughout the book the pacing becomes inconsistent. The author goes from getting the reader very engrained in the story through lots of detail and emotion, to then rushing through months even years of the timeline without much as far as story telling goes. This was disappointing because it was showcased how good the writing could be, then left me wanting more. Had the pacing been consistent throughout the book it likely would have been a couple of hundred pages longer (which I would have read happily). Due to the back and forth of being able to get to know the characters it was hard to stay invested in them.
The main characters romance was problematic and left me with several questions.
The main characters romance was problematic and left me with several questions.
February 12, 2023
I chose this book through Amazons First Reads for February and I’m glad I did. It is a retelling of Jane Eyre, set in America around the time of the Civil War.
While I really enjoyed this book, I found myself wishing that the author didn’t adhere as strictly to Jane Eyre as she did. It’s beautifully written but I feel like Jeanette was trapped in Jane’s story.
While I really enjoyed this book, I found myself wishing that the author didn’t adhere as strictly to Jane Eyre as she did. It’s beautifully written but I feel like Jeanette was trapped in Jane’s story.
February 3, 2023
Stunning, heartbreaking, and beautiful
I chose Wild, Beautiful, and Free as my Amazon First Reads book for February.
The very first thing you know is that I must have cried about 7 or 8 times reading this book. The second is that Sophfronia Scott is a beautiful and talented writer.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free got things right where Gone with the Wind went wrong, by telling stories of the Civil War through the eyes of those it impacted the most.
This is a tale of the unbreakable bonds of family and sisterhood, of love, and of finding your way home against all odds.
There are themes of survival, perseverance, recognizing privilege, challenging injustice, and the risks that must be taken to protect the people you love.
Add Wild, Beautiful, and Free to your Amazon First Reads or pre-order the book for it’s official release on March 1st – you won’t be disappointed!
I chose Wild, Beautiful, and Free as my Amazon First Reads book for February.
The very first thing you know is that I must have cried about 7 or 8 times reading this book. The second is that Sophfronia Scott is a beautiful and talented writer.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free got things right where Gone with the Wind went wrong, by telling stories of the Civil War through the eyes of those it impacted the most.
This is a tale of the unbreakable bonds of family and sisterhood, of love, and of finding your way home against all odds.
There are themes of survival, perseverance, recognizing privilege, challenging injustice, and the risks that must be taken to protect the people you love.
Add Wild, Beautiful, and Free to your Amazon First Reads or pre-order the book for it’s official release on March 1st – you won’t be disappointed!
January 11, 2024
Lovely retelling of Jane Eyre.
October 1, 2023
This book is so flat. The author chose such deep themes of death, freedom, identity, purpose and yet the only time the text dives into emotions is when the main character is in love with a man?? The reader can barely feel the connection between the main character and love interests. At many points I felt that the sorry would be more engaging if the main character didn't get her happy ending. Truly a one dimensional book
April 30, 2023
The first third of this book pulled me in with a strong female protagonist and a compelling storyline. Then the storyline takes some turns that I felt undermined the character. By the time I was 2/3rds through it I felt like I was forcing myself to finish since I had invested so much in it. It also had too much of a Hallmark ending for my taste. By the end I was relieved to be done.
February 24, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I have not read Jane Eyre so didn’t pick up on any references or similarities. I enjoyed that the story never felt too heavy.
March 16, 2023
Wild, Beautiful, and Free journeys through the days before and during the American Civil War. Jeannette Bébinn is a privileged mixed-race child in a comfortable household, until her father dies and she is cruelly forced to experience what enslaved truly means.
Check out this review and more in full color at my blog: TheZestQuest.com
Why was this book in Dorine’s TBR? Author Sophfronia Scott intrigued me because she grew up in my home state of Ohio. American history-based fiction is one of my favorites and this book sounded like an unusual African American story, so I downloaded it through Amazon’s early reading program. Sophfronia Scott did not disappoint. The novel conveniently met our “baggage” TBR theme with how the characters traveled, as well as all the emotional baggage they accumulated within their lives.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free paces itself through history at different speeds. Sometimes it is very detailed, and other times it seems to just skim the surface. I enjoyed this method as it never becomes too detailed or too fluffy for my taste. I like grit in my historical fiction, as well as well-honed emotion, and this author accomplishes both.
This is not a novel about the entire war – it is more about the effects of the war on two groups of people and how they survived what they endured. There are several unexpected twists that make the internal turmoil even greater for two people in love. I love a good twist!
Yes, there is an evil stepmother who is the reason for Jeannette’s “journey” away from her home. It is what Jeannette accomplishes for herself and others that develops her character into someone I wanted to cheer for.
This book begins in Louisiana with Jeannette Bébinn’s father’s death and the fallout afterward. By Chapter three, Jeannette understands what slavery can do to a twelve-year-old girl in Mississippi. A large portion of this book can be considered “coming of age” within the worst circumstances. It is quite the journey and I could not help but feel empathy in many directions.
Jeannette’s love for her father and their heritage helps her endure her worst days. It is that love and pride that seems to push her through insurmountable odds. Even though I do not classify this as a romance, Jeanette does experience love and all its intricacies that can keep a couple apart, as well as help them stay together. This should satisfy those who prefer a happy-ever-after fictional tale with romantic elements.
I was not always thrilled with the characters’ choices. Jeannette was a bit stubborn and took risks that made me worry over her safety. Her love interest irked me, too, so the characters weren’t always what I wanted them to be. But those tiny moments did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this novel. I will look for more fiction by Sophfronia Scott.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free is a heart wrenching novel filled with love and resilience amongst the gravity of slavery and the horrors of a war-torn country. It held me spellbound and broke my reading stagnation.
Note: I acquired my digital copy for free through Amazon Prime membership’s advanced reading program. That is how I like to try new-to-me authors.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
Check out this review and more in full color at my blog: TheZestQuest.com
Why was this book in Dorine’s TBR? Author Sophfronia Scott intrigued me because she grew up in my home state of Ohio. American history-based fiction is one of my favorites and this book sounded like an unusual African American story, so I downloaded it through Amazon’s early reading program. Sophfronia Scott did not disappoint. The novel conveniently met our “baggage” TBR theme with how the characters traveled, as well as all the emotional baggage they accumulated within their lives.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free paces itself through history at different speeds. Sometimes it is very detailed, and other times it seems to just skim the surface. I enjoyed this method as it never becomes too detailed or too fluffy for my taste. I like grit in my historical fiction, as well as well-honed emotion, and this author accomplishes both.
This is not a novel about the entire war – it is more about the effects of the war on two groups of people and how they survived what they endured. There are several unexpected twists that make the internal turmoil even greater for two people in love. I love a good twist!
Yes, there is an evil stepmother who is the reason for Jeannette’s “journey” away from her home. It is what Jeannette accomplishes for herself and others that develops her character into someone I wanted to cheer for.
This book begins in Louisiana with Jeannette Bébinn’s father’s death and the fallout afterward. By Chapter three, Jeannette understands what slavery can do to a twelve-year-old girl in Mississippi. A large portion of this book can be considered “coming of age” within the worst circumstances. It is quite the journey and I could not help but feel empathy in many directions.
Jeannette’s love for her father and their heritage helps her endure her worst days. It is that love and pride that seems to push her through insurmountable odds. Even though I do not classify this as a romance, Jeanette does experience love and all its intricacies that can keep a couple apart, as well as help them stay together. This should satisfy those who prefer a happy-ever-after fictional tale with romantic elements.
I was not always thrilled with the characters’ choices. Jeannette was a bit stubborn and took risks that made me worry over her safety. Her love interest irked me, too, so the characters weren’t always what I wanted them to be. But those tiny moments did not keep me from thoroughly enjoying this novel. I will look for more fiction by Sophfronia Scott.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free is a heart wrenching novel filled with love and resilience amongst the gravity of slavery and the horrors of a war-torn country. It held me spellbound and broke my reading stagnation.
Note: I acquired my digital copy for free through Amazon Prime membership’s advanced reading program. That is how I like to try new-to-me authors.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
February 11, 2023
I snagged this book for my February Amazon First Reads pick and I'm very glad I did. I have been trying to branch out of my book comfort zone in the types of books I read, with those that I believe are necessary–as a human being in a diverse world–to learn from.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free is a Jane Eyre retelling set in the Civil War time period. Scott is beautiful with her writing style and keeps her readers engaged throughout Jeannette Bébinn's turbulent story, through themes of love, the bonds of family and home, determination and injustice. We don't often learn about the perspectives of those born of two worlds during this historical time period, and I think I would have liked to see even more of a deep dive into this throughout the book.
Though a work of historical fiction, it ends pretty much all tied up with a bow, which feels a bit too nice of an ending for my personal preference. There was more focus placed on the romance, versus the horrors of the time period. However, I still very much enjoyed and appreciated this retelling from Scott's perspective.
Wild, Beautiful, and Free is a Jane Eyre retelling set in the Civil War time period. Scott is beautiful with her writing style and keeps her readers engaged throughout Jeannette Bébinn's turbulent story, through themes of love, the bonds of family and home, determination and injustice. We don't often learn about the perspectives of those born of two worlds during this historical time period, and I think I would have liked to see even more of a deep dive into this throughout the book.
Though a work of historical fiction, it ends pretty much all tied up with a bow, which feels a bit too nice of an ending for my personal preference. There was more focus placed on the romance, versus the horrors of the time period. However, I still very much enjoyed and appreciated this retelling from Scott's perspective.
February 12, 2023
This was a recent Kindle First Read selection, a Jane Eyre-ish story set during the American Civil War. I loved the first part. It is beautifully written. As the heroine, Jeanette, moves into the next phase of her life, the story weakens. It tries too much to be like the classic book, yet doesn’t develop the pre-romance friendship enough. Once Jeanette is in the thick of the war, the story improves again although with a lackluster ending.
I was sorry to read such flawed sections, especially when near-identical scenes were lifted from the original. It didn’t work. It would’ve been better to not write this as a Jane Eyre remake, because its original parts are the best. It’s far from groundbreaking, but worth your time. However, Brontë purists, you’ve been warned.
I was sorry to read such flawed sections, especially when near-identical scenes were lifted from the original. It didn’t work. It would’ve been better to not write this as a Jane Eyre remake, because its original parts are the best. It’s far from groundbreaking, but worth your time. However, Brontë purists, you’ve been warned.
April 16, 2023
This book confused me. I read the first half in a few hours. It was gripping, brave and fast. A story of escape and bounding into the unknown. Then, at around 50%, it suddenly became a love story. The pace changed and I found it a struggle to keep going. In the end this book took me nearly 5 days to finish. More than once I fell asleep, even once at 95% which is unheard of really isn't it. It should be the most satisfying part of a story. I have no doubt this book would have deserved 5 stars had it concluded the way it began.
February 15, 2023
This was a retelling of Jane Eyre before and during the American civil war. I suppose that’s why it was slightly predictable - it’s a format that’s been done many times. But I loved the main character and her inner dialogue was riveting. She felt so much more real to me than many characters I’ve read, I can’t quite place why, but something to do with her inner thoughts and the way she developed as a person but also remained true to herself. One of the best Amazon freebies I’ve read by far!
March 9, 2023
What a beautiful book!! It was my First Reads choice for March and I’m so grateful I chose this one. I will recommend it over and over! How fun that it has a taste of my favorite book of all time in it - Jane Eyre. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
November 6, 2023
This was a First Reads pick several months ago (in February since it released March 1st), it sounded like something I'd like to read but I chose a different book. When I saw it come up on Netgalley I got excited to read this all over again. Now, it is MANY months later and I'm finally reading this.... WHY did I wait so long!?
I adored this story. I can't remember the last book that made me cry this much.
I was immediately pulled into the story, it got slightly slow in the middle for me but then picked back up and didn't let me go once the war started. So emotional and gripping.
I adored this story. I can't remember the last book that made me cry this much.
I was immediately pulled into the story, it got slightly slow in the middle for me but then picked back up and didn't let me go once the war started. So emotional and gripping.
May 1, 2023
Wild Beautiful and Free is a retelling of Jane Eyre, set in the years leading up to and during the Civil War. Jeannette Bebinn is the daughter of the plantation owner and an enslaved woman. Her mother dies during her birth and she is raised by her father. Her father’s wife is resentful of her very existence, and when her father dies, she is sold away to a slave trader. What follows is Jeannette’s experiences reconciling who she has been raised to believe she is with the way the world sees and treats her. It’s a Jane Eyre retelling, so there is a romance here - although much like in Jane Eyre, that’s not my favorite part. What I loved about this book is the way Jeannette forges her identity and commits to being true to herself and her values even when the path might be easier if she made different choices. I loved the exploration of the non-romantic relationships - friendships, found family, and more. I also thought Scott’s writing was exquisite - the story just flowed. Scott’s writing is evocative and richly detailed without feeling overdone. Looking forward to reading more by this author.
February 6, 2023
Touching Historical Romance
I like fairy tales. This novel fit into this category as a Cinderella story set during the most turbulent time in American history. Beautifully written and engaging, I recommend this read. It was well-researched, but not realistic. Even though the protagonist experienced slavery, the underground railroad, and the horror of war, she seemed to be untouchable throughout it. She was more a superhero than a victim. Even though it lacked the gritty reality of the period, the novel was a wonderful romance. It was positive and uplifting.
I like fairy tales. This novel fit into this category as a Cinderella story set during the most turbulent time in American history. Beautifully written and engaging, I recommend this read. It was well-researched, but not realistic. Even though the protagonist experienced slavery, the underground railroad, and the horror of war, she seemed to be untouchable throughout it. She was more a superhero than a victim. Even though it lacked the gritty reality of the period, the novel was a wonderful romance. It was positive and uplifting.
February 11, 2023
I really loved this book. Heartbreaking, emotional, romantic…it really had it all. I do agree with some others who said the pacing was a little off. Like the first half of the book and the second half felt like two different books. I don’t really mean that in a bad way but some parts did feel rushed. I still think it was a beautiful book and I would recommend.
July 21, 2023
“Seemed like humans were killing humans so that humans could have the right to be humans.“
February 11, 2023
I chose this book as an Amazon Prime February First Reads and received no compensation for my review.
I have repeatedly heard Wild Beautiful and Free referred to as a retelling of Jane Eyre set during the Civil War. And, yes, it is that…and so much more. Like Jane, Jeannette is an orphan, the daughter of a white plantation owner from Louisiana and his slave Lindy. Though Jean Bebinn raised Jeannette in his home as a daughter and taught her everything he could, he knew he could not fully prepare her for the life she would face.
“I was a beloved child,” Jeannette expresses as early as page 3 of her retelling. “I think I knew that before I knew anything else. So now I can’t settle for anything less than such love. That’s just the truth of who I am.”
Yes, like Jane Eyre, this is a story of love, lost and found. But for the reader who wrote on Goodreads, “If you’ve read Jane Eyre, don’t bother reading this,” I think perhaps they only tasted the frosting of a luscious, multi-layered cake where each layer is more richly delicious than the one before. Sure, we can lick the frosting off of a cake, we can line up all the similarities and differences between Scott’s novel and Bronte’s; but, as it did for this particular reader, it will probably leave us with a bit of a saccharine taste in our mouths and still hungry for something of substance.
If, however, we cut into this flawlessly edited creation, we will find layers of foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism, so much so that I feel sure I will be reading this one again to find the deepest layer.
Jeannette Bebinn (“God is gracious” “Fair woman”) comes from a plantation called Catalpa Valley named for a tree that, heart-shaped leaves open to the sky, represents authenticity.
Madame. Fortitude. Temple. Christian. Founder. Just the names tell a story. And, though all of these lead her along a path that carries her thousands of miles, ultimately, she will find that none of these will lead her home.
If there were to be any bit of criticism I would point out, it would be that Jeannette’s spirituality seems inconsistent at times. Rather than the progression of growing belief that we often find in faith-based books, Jeannette bounces without explanation between certainty in God’s guidance in her life and utter doubt about whether he even exists at all and if so whether he can hear or answer her prayers. And, yet, isn’t this the story of authentic faith rather than paint-by-numbers theology?
Wild Beautiful and Free is a journey you need to take, not just with Jeannette, but within yourself.
I have repeatedly heard Wild Beautiful and Free referred to as a retelling of Jane Eyre set during the Civil War. And, yes, it is that…and so much more. Like Jane, Jeannette is an orphan, the daughter of a white plantation owner from Louisiana and his slave Lindy. Though Jean Bebinn raised Jeannette in his home as a daughter and taught her everything he could, he knew he could not fully prepare her for the life she would face.
“I was a beloved child,” Jeannette expresses as early as page 3 of her retelling. “I think I knew that before I knew anything else. So now I can’t settle for anything less than such love. That’s just the truth of who I am.”
Yes, like Jane Eyre, this is a story of love, lost and found. But for the reader who wrote on Goodreads, “If you’ve read Jane Eyre, don’t bother reading this,” I think perhaps they only tasted the frosting of a luscious, multi-layered cake where each layer is more richly delicious than the one before. Sure, we can lick the frosting off of a cake, we can line up all the similarities and differences between Scott’s novel and Bronte’s; but, as it did for this particular reader, it will probably leave us with a bit of a saccharine taste in our mouths and still hungry for something of substance.
If, however, we cut into this flawlessly edited creation, we will find layers of foreshadowing, irony, and symbolism, so much so that I feel sure I will be reading this one again to find the deepest layer.
Jeannette Bebinn (“God is gracious” “Fair woman”) comes from a plantation called Catalpa Valley named for a tree that, heart-shaped leaves open to the sky, represents authenticity.
Madame. Fortitude. Temple. Christian. Founder. Just the names tell a story. And, though all of these lead her along a path that carries her thousands of miles, ultimately, she will find that none of these will lead her home.
If there were to be any bit of criticism I would point out, it would be that Jeannette’s spirituality seems inconsistent at times. Rather than the progression of growing belief that we often find in faith-based books, Jeannette bounces without explanation between certainty in God’s guidance in her life and utter doubt about whether he even exists at all and if so whether he can hear or answer her prayers. And, yet, isn’t this the story of authentic faith rather than paint-by-numbers theology?
Wild Beautiful and Free is a journey you need to take, not just with Jeannette, but within yourself.
March 1, 2024
3.75
This is a historical fiction fairy tale, which might be okay with all that happened during this time. There is of course trauma and all that is expected in a book set during slavery and the civil war, but some of the history was sugar coated. Always interesting to read books set my home state Louisiana.
This is a historical fiction fairy tale, which might be okay with all that happened during this time. There is of course trauma and all that is expected in a book set during slavery and the civil war, but some of the history was sugar coated. Always interesting to read books set my home state Louisiana.
September 15, 2025
4.75 🌟 🌟🌟🌟💫 This book was a welcome surprise! I’m not sure why I haven’t heard more about it. Such an amazing story! Well written with great character development. Highly recommend!!
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. There were several insightful and wise lines of text that were just beautiful and added to my ability to understand the reasoning and thought process of a woman caught in her circumstances as a mixed race woman during a time when slavery was legal.
I appreciate the author presenting potential experiences and thoughts of a fictional woman going through this situation in life and how she was able to cope with such horrific and totally unjustifiable treatment. Worth the read
I appreciate the author presenting potential experiences and thoughts of a fictional woman going through this situation in life and how she was able to cope with such horrific and totally unjustifiable treatment. Worth the read
January 26, 2024
Very good & inspiring book. 5 star potential but it needed to be longer. Strong start and finish but parts of it felt rushed. Despite that, still a book I would recommend.
March 16, 2024
A sweet story of a brave biracial young girl that grew up to be a beautiful strong woman who beat the odds of surviving the brutal racism of her time. I love the way the story ended. No spoilers here tho.
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