History mixed with fiction
345205
I was really disappointed in this book. I am very familar with one of the events in the book. The story in the book contains information that is just not true. This leads me to not be able to believe any of the rest of the stories.
1179467
Tracy Chavalier has a way with words. She weaves history and fiction into a tale that draws the reader in.
4658323
This fictional story deals with some serious issues albeit in an entertaining fashion. I loved the way the author mixed history with current day life.  The interweaving of the past with current day was easy to understand with the dates at the beginning of each chapter. The story about the treatment of the Indians was a sad one, but the facts listed about the Trail of Tears are true.  Georgia goverment did not do right by the Indians living in Georgia.  Giving their land away in the Land Lottery is just one example. Enjoyed the way the book picks up on the redemption factor for Roswell.
1033129
Weaving fiction with real facts was well done. Characters were believable and I felt I could identify with them. I looked up things while reading and will study the history going forward.
4329251
Well-researched and -written, the novel is a combination of historical fiction and fact.  The parallel lives and experiences of the two narrators, one a real person and the second, fictional, are interesting, mirroring and traveling the paths of abolition and feminism in the early 19th century. Certainly a challenging proposition.  Hettie is enslaved because of her physicality - she is black.  Less obvious, Sarah, although born into the privilege and wealth of Southern society, is a prisoner of her mind.  Both stories are fascinating as they interweave and unfold, but one of the two rang a little staged.  I didn't realize that one character was based on a real person while the other was fictional until I read the discussion with the author at the end of the book. (I also didn't read Oprah's notes until I finished.)  Therefore, I am ambivalent to some degree about this novel:  the main characters should have either both been real or both fictional.  There is, nevertheless, plenty of food for thought.
4191917
A good story - gives some historical flavor as well.
2785665
When you live within a few miles of a place that has so much history and recognize the names of the people who were a part, you would not want to miss a book that fills in all the details.  It is written about a fictional character, which allows an interesting story to prevent it from sounding strictly like a history book.  I loved it and would recommend it to my friends.
600063
Enjoyable and a great mix of history, factual information and a great plot of fiction!
1330570
Well written and the perfect combination of historical fact and fiction.
The story was new but the characters all known.
1175848
A great work of fiction with a lot of history. Makes me wonder if a lot of the story is true?
3155970
Great mix of history with
Love the mix of history told through the experience of fictional characters...allows reader to experience varying perceptions on historic events.
4705595
I truly enjoy books which intertwine history with fiction.  Tracie Peterson has done a wonderful job of melding the two.
797028
Mixture of history delightfully interwoven in the tales and actions of specific individuals. The words were eloquently written and the descriptions hit all my senses.
1633523
Although this is a fiction based novel it is heavy into history from various parts of Europe. Riveting and a fairly quick read youI've spent your money well.
1183597
Works historical info about how things worked or social / political situations into an entertaining and captivating work of fiction.
3005770
good series, worth a read.  Lots of history mixed in with the fictional lives of people caught up in big events
1787562
Good book - I like fiction that is related to different times in history.  Characters were interesting and pretty realistic for that time.  Enjoyed this book.