You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
lit_vibrations 's review for:
Happy Land
by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Special thanks to the author & @berkleypub for my gifted copy ‼️
Set at the backdrop of the Reconstruction era this book was inspired by the true story of a Black community created by formerly enslaved people fleeing South Carolina in hopes of a better life. Dolen sheds light on a kingdom not often spoken about in American history and few are able to recall its true origins The Happy Land. Happy Land was a place where the people could live in peace, truly experience freedom, and build a community where their people could thrive.
But what happens when you have no knowledge of your history or the value of the ground you walk upon? You end up like Nikki and her mother unconvinced that you could be a descendant of royalty let alone an heir to property worth millions. Maybe you’re like Luella and know that land ownership is a far greater reward when you understand the power it possesses. That is until you make a deal with the devil and he shows you exactly why you shouldn’t have trusted him in the first place.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author wove the timelines together so well and added her own personal perspective based off research of Happy Land’s origin. At certain points you can’t discern fact from fiction which I loved. I read Vanessa Miller’s book The American Queen last year so I felt like I already knew these characters and reading this only heightened the connection. Exploring themes that delve deeper into heirs property, family ties, ancestry, the importance of having a will, the roots of systemic racism in land ownership, and financial disparities. Dolen has such a unique approach to historical fiction and the way she tells her stories to draws readers into a time period we’ve never been is unmatched.
She even went as far as shaking up the kingdom with a little drama and all I can say is she delivered. From uncovering the truth about the loss of the land, Luella’s ties to William and Robert, the influence Luella’s father had over her, and the tension with Mother Rita and her family made this book remarkably compelling. If you haven’t read yet I highly recommend you add it your TBR!
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️
Set at the backdrop of the Reconstruction era this book was inspired by the true story of a Black community created by formerly enslaved people fleeing South Carolina in hopes of a better life. Dolen sheds light on a kingdom not often spoken about in American history and few are able to recall its true origins The Happy Land. Happy Land was a place where the people could live in peace, truly experience freedom, and build a community where their people could thrive.
But what happens when you have no knowledge of your history or the value of the ground you walk upon? You end up like Nikki and her mother unconvinced that you could be a descendant of royalty let alone an heir to property worth millions. Maybe you’re like Luella and know that land ownership is a far greater reward when you understand the power it possesses. That is until you make a deal with the devil and he shows you exactly why you shouldn’t have trusted him in the first place.
I truly enjoyed reading this book. The author wove the timelines together so well and added her own personal perspective based off research of Happy Land’s origin. At certain points you can’t discern fact from fiction which I loved. I read Vanessa Miller’s book The American Queen last year so I felt like I already knew these characters and reading this only heightened the connection. Exploring themes that delve deeper into heirs property, family ties, ancestry, the importance of having a will, the roots of systemic racism in land ownership, and financial disparities. Dolen has such a unique approach to historical fiction and the way she tells her stories to draws readers into a time period we’ve never been is unmatched.
She even went as far as shaking up the kingdom with a little drama and all I can say is she delivered. From uncovering the truth about the loss of the land, Luella’s ties to William and Robert, the influence Luella’s father had over her, and the tension with Mother Rita and her family made this book remarkably compelling. If you haven’t read yet I highly recommend you add it your TBR!
Rating: 4.5/5⭐️