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My Life Untold
“I do not pen this memoir as a confession or justification of my sins. It is neither to convince you, nor myself, that the life I lived held meaning and was fulfilling. I had been content to let the story I now write die with me and all knowledge of it remain untold...” The house of Stone Croft lies at the doorstep of the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War. When the man Magda Kline loves joins the 11th Pennsylvania, she soon learns that the innocence of her heart cannot survive in the war ravaged land.
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First published November 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 16, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
S.S. Gee Buro's My Life Untold is an interesting indie pub. It has a few rough spots, but generally speaking, I feel it speaks very well of authors Sean and Sarah.
What exactly do I mean by rough spots? Well, the story meanders through a lot of superfluous backstory before finding its feet. It isn't bad material so don't go grabbing up your torch and pitchforks just yet, all I'm saying is elements like the pocket watch incident and Magda's relationship with Irenka have no real significance to the primary plot. They're interesting enough, but they drag down the pacing and feel disconnected when considered alongside the central storyline.
The ending is similarly incohesive. Rushed and overflowing with an abundance of surplus, I again felt there was room to cut the fat. I know it's easy to get wrapped up in a story when you're putting it to paper, but there is a lot to be said for knowing when to stop. When it gets down to it, it's good to remember that less is more.
Now that being said, the middle was actually quite satisfying. I might have liked to see a bit more character development, but the course of events that follow Magda's arrival at Stone Croft are wonderfully imagined and thoroughly enjoyable. Sean and Sarah's straightforward and unapologetic descriptions of the battle of Gettysburg, its aftermath, and the conditions of the Andersonville prison camp were brilliantly authentic and I really appreciate how they were able to illustrate such iconic episodes of American history through the eyes of a civilian standing witness to the Civil War.
My Life Untold isn’t perfect, but it is certainly worth looking into. The authors have room to grow, but their efforts show real promise and it will be very interesting to see where they choose to take their readers in the future.
S.S. Gee Buro's My Life Untold is an interesting indie pub. It has a few rough spots, but generally speaking, I feel it speaks very well of authors Sean and Sarah.
What exactly do I mean by rough spots? Well, the story meanders through a lot of superfluous backstory before finding its feet. It isn't bad material so don't go grabbing up your torch and pitchforks just yet, all I'm saying is elements like the pocket watch incident and Magda's relationship with Irenka have no real significance to the primary plot. They're interesting enough, but they drag down the pacing and feel disconnected when considered alongside the central storyline.
The ending is similarly incohesive. Rushed and overflowing with an abundance of surplus, I again felt there was room to cut the fat. I know it's easy to get wrapped up in a story when you're putting it to paper, but there is a lot to be said for knowing when to stop. When it gets down to it, it's good to remember that less is more.
Now that being said, the middle was actually quite satisfying. I might have liked to see a bit more character development, but the course of events that follow Magda's arrival at Stone Croft are wonderfully imagined and thoroughly enjoyable. Sean and Sarah's straightforward and unapologetic descriptions of the battle of Gettysburg, its aftermath, and the conditions of the Andersonville prison camp were brilliantly authentic and I really appreciate how they were able to illustrate such iconic episodes of American history through the eyes of a civilian standing witness to the Civil War.
My Life Untold isn’t perfect, but it is certainly worth looking into. The authors have room to grow, but their efforts show real promise and it will be very interesting to see where they choose to take their readers in the future.
December 8, 2013
My Life Untold by Authors Sarah & Sean Gee Buro
What a lovely story and so well-told. It is epic in its vastness as it starts with Magda's parents and Magda herself, as a young child crossing the ocean and landing on Ellis Island in New York. The journey is harsh but what occurs makes it even worse. Magda's father is accused of stealing a pocket watch from the ship's captain and other items from his fellow passengers. As a punishment, his tongue is cut off and thrown overboard. Now as a mute...it is initially very hard for him to find employment in this new country where he hoped to have a better life for his family. He eventually succeeds and with the combined efforts and income of both he and his wife...after several years, they manage to save enough money to buy a farm in Gettysburg.
Magda has been homeschooled thus far but she now must attend school with the other local children. She does not fit in well with her peers. With the exception of Samuel who seeks her out on a regular basis, she pretty much sticks to herself. Right from the onset, he is smitten with her but Magda does not return his affection. She is intent on burying her head in the books so generously provided by her kind and caring teacher Mr. Dawson.
The farm house and land known as Stone Croft are in much need of repair and refurbishment. After much hard work and determination, this hardworking family restores Stone Croft to its former condition. Eventually, they are able to purchase an adjacent piece of farming property. However, in order to operate it, they hire a handsome farm helper by the name of Lars. There is only a few years difference in age between Lars and Magda and soon an inevitable attraction occurs between the two of them. And then....Magda's life turns upside down with the start of the American Civil War. Initially, Lars is determined to enlist for a period of three months but much to the frustration, anger, and sorrow of love struck Magda, he re-enlists for a period of three years.
Magda, the protagonist in this captivating and heart wrenching story, faces a bleak future after a series of sorrowful events. Death, betrayal, and unprecedented challenges crop up in every corner of her life. She then decides to do the unthinkable when she takes matters into her own hands...
You will not want to miss Magda's breath-taking story as penned by this talented author duo, Sean and Sarah Gee Buro. They have captured a wonderful combination of romance and American history in this refreshing, well-written, romantic fictional novel. Kudos to them for such an enjoyable read!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Perfect-Its...
What a lovely story and so well-told. It is epic in its vastness as it starts with Magda's parents and Magda herself, as a young child crossing the ocean and landing on Ellis Island in New York. The journey is harsh but what occurs makes it even worse. Magda's father is accused of stealing a pocket watch from the ship's captain and other items from his fellow passengers. As a punishment, his tongue is cut off and thrown overboard. Now as a mute...it is initially very hard for him to find employment in this new country where he hoped to have a better life for his family. He eventually succeeds and with the combined efforts and income of both he and his wife...after several years, they manage to save enough money to buy a farm in Gettysburg.
Magda has been homeschooled thus far but she now must attend school with the other local children. She does not fit in well with her peers. With the exception of Samuel who seeks her out on a regular basis, she pretty much sticks to herself. Right from the onset, he is smitten with her but Magda does not return his affection. She is intent on burying her head in the books so generously provided by her kind and caring teacher Mr. Dawson.
The farm house and land known as Stone Croft are in much need of repair and refurbishment. After much hard work and determination, this hardworking family restores Stone Croft to its former condition. Eventually, they are able to purchase an adjacent piece of farming property. However, in order to operate it, they hire a handsome farm helper by the name of Lars. There is only a few years difference in age between Lars and Magda and soon an inevitable attraction occurs between the two of them. And then....Magda's life turns upside down with the start of the American Civil War. Initially, Lars is determined to enlist for a period of three months but much to the frustration, anger, and sorrow of love struck Magda, he re-enlists for a period of three years.
Magda, the protagonist in this captivating and heart wrenching story, faces a bleak future after a series of sorrowful events. Death, betrayal, and unprecedented challenges crop up in every corner of her life. She then decides to do the unthinkable when she takes matters into her own hands...
You will not want to miss Magda's breath-taking story as penned by this talented author duo, Sean and Sarah Gee Buro. They have captured a wonderful combination of romance and American history in this refreshing, well-written, romantic fictional novel. Kudos to them for such an enjoyable read!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
http://www.amazon.com/Not-Perfect-Its...
December 13, 2013
My Life Untold. S.S. Gee Buro.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
Sometimes I like a dip into history. This particular book reads like an autobiography, as its told from the viewpoint of Magda, as a narrative to her descendent Winifred. Its a beautifully written story, easy to read and not bogged down in weighty, dull descriptions but has scenes that are vivid, and made me feel as if I was there. It starts with Magda as a young child, goes on to the familys journey to a new start on Stone Farm and her childhood time there. They have a farmhand Lars who is only a few years older than Magda and they fall in love. The Civil war intervenes though, and Lars is taken prisoner. We read about Magda's life back at the farm at this time, how the village coped, what life was really like then on a day to day basis.
When her parents have died and she finds out Lars is a prisoner, she determines she'll travel the 800 miles to where he is, dressed as a soldier for some safety, and try to buy him free. She undertakes a perilous journey, and its fascinating to read about it and feel as though we're there with her. Its full of minutiae that makes it come alive. Magda learns a lot about herself on this journey, and she and Lars come through the war whole but not unscathed. Though still deeply in love, they're not the same people they started. Life shapes us all and they were certainly well tried.
I loved this story as something with historical accuracy, and yet penned for the reader of fiction who wants small details of daily life, and not weighty explanations of battle tactics :) I felt for Magda – she faced so much for love of Lars, and they both grew up suddenly faced with the atrocities of war. Life wasn't easy anyway for people like them at that time, but throw in a war and they were really tested, and yet in the way of the best true love stories they came though shining. Its a beautiful, heartfelt tale and the addition of the linking up Magda and Lars to the current family was a great way to finish. Fabulous escape into history.
Stars: five, great read.
ARC supplied via Authors
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
Sometimes I like a dip into history. This particular book reads like an autobiography, as its told from the viewpoint of Magda, as a narrative to her descendent Winifred. Its a beautifully written story, easy to read and not bogged down in weighty, dull descriptions but has scenes that are vivid, and made me feel as if I was there. It starts with Magda as a young child, goes on to the familys journey to a new start on Stone Farm and her childhood time there. They have a farmhand Lars who is only a few years older than Magda and they fall in love. The Civil war intervenes though, and Lars is taken prisoner. We read about Magda's life back at the farm at this time, how the village coped, what life was really like then on a day to day basis.
When her parents have died and she finds out Lars is a prisoner, she determines she'll travel the 800 miles to where he is, dressed as a soldier for some safety, and try to buy him free. She undertakes a perilous journey, and its fascinating to read about it and feel as though we're there with her. Its full of minutiae that makes it come alive. Magda learns a lot about herself on this journey, and she and Lars come through the war whole but not unscathed. Though still deeply in love, they're not the same people they started. Life shapes us all and they were certainly well tried.
I loved this story as something with historical accuracy, and yet penned for the reader of fiction who wants small details of daily life, and not weighty explanations of battle tactics :) I felt for Magda – she faced so much for love of Lars, and they both grew up suddenly faced with the atrocities of war. Life wasn't easy anyway for people like them at that time, but throw in a war and they were really tested, and yet in the way of the best true love stories they came though shining. Its a beautiful, heartfelt tale and the addition of the linking up Magda and Lars to the current family was a great way to finish. Fabulous escape into history.
Stars: five, great read.
ARC supplied via Authors
January 6, 2014
The daughter of German immigrants, Magda, discovers true love when her father employs new farm hand, Lars. Their feelings for each other are mutual, but she has another admirer in Samuel, the son of an affluent man. But when Lars enlists, Magda has bigger things to worry about than Samuel's unrequited love - or at least thinks she has...as events unfold and she discovers there are no limits to what she won't do for the man she loves.
Some stories are a quick read, others are best savoured - and 'My Life Untold' falls into the latter group.
The authors storytelling and ability to create a scene are so vivid and engrossing that it's almost impossible to put the book down. Suffice to say there are only four books that have made me physically shed tears - Black Beauty (read as a child), Animal Farm (read as a teenager), The Bridges of Madison County - and now My Life Untold.
If I could rate it 6* stars I would - but alas 5 it is.
Read this book!
Some stories are a quick read, others are best savoured - and 'My Life Untold' falls into the latter group.
The authors storytelling and ability to create a scene are so vivid and engrossing that it's almost impossible to put the book down. Suffice to say there are only four books that have made me physically shed tears - Black Beauty (read as a child), Animal Farm (read as a teenager), The Bridges of Madison County - and now My Life Untold.
If I could rate it 6* stars I would - but alas 5 it is.
Read this book!
September 9, 2016
This is a story of new immigrants escaping Germany and arriving in New York and eventually to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Wonderfully narrated, the book describes events of those times in vivid details including the American Civil war. Some of the scenes are unforgettable – such as cutting off Magda’s father’s tongue & the death of Irenka – sudden but poignant.
The crux of the book is a story of humanity. It is about our past told through love, war, animosity and courage. Overall I found the book to be well written, well planned, and well executed. It was hard to put down this book because the superb narration makes you forget you are reading a book.
The author has created well-rounded characters (Magda, Lars, Samuel, Irenka) whom, as audience, we connect and care deeply. For historical fiction lovers, this is an enjoyable read.
The crux of the book is a story of humanity. It is about our past told through love, war, animosity and courage. Overall I found the book to be well written, well planned, and well executed. It was hard to put down this book because the superb narration makes you forget you are reading a book.
The author has created well-rounded characters (Magda, Lars, Samuel, Irenka) whom, as audience, we connect and care deeply. For historical fiction lovers, this is an enjoyable read.
December 12, 2013
This is a poignant, extremely well-crafted tale set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. We follow Magda as she arrives with her parents in New York from Germany and undergoes the hardship of immigrant existence. The family eventually moves to a farm in Gettysburg, and the events of Magda's life unfold amidst the horrors and tribulations of war. Her own personal love-story (her love for Lars, the farm hand, always under threat from Samuel, the rich man's son infatuated with her), and the other numerous tragedies and joys of family love, are expertly portrayed within the greater drama taking place around her. A story you just can't put down.
December 15, 2013
"A Truly Amazing Story, One I Could Not Put Down"
I am so impressed with this well written, tender story which reflects the hardships within our nation preceding and during the Civil War. In the mid-1800's life and times were extremely hard for many people, especially for the large number of immigrants arriving in the the new land ... America. It is the story of one young woman, Magda Klein, who was born shortly after her parents immigrated from Germany to the United States. Life was hard for the family after arriving in New York City, and their goal was to save $150 and when finally after years, they moved to farmland near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. At this time, Magna is about 9 years old, and it was a good place to be with the joys of spring, blue skies, and space, definitely more refreshing than the industrialized New York City. Their new home is called Stone Croft, which they are buying from Mr. Schweitzer under agreement that her father would restore the farm and buildings to productivity. Magna is a loner at her new school, preferring to not mingle but to read books which her teacher often drops on her desk. She loved her home and that's where she always wants to live. Her father bought some added acreage and hired a young man, Lars, to help work the farm. He is about 17 years old, while Magna is now 15. She is attracted to him. He's a hard worker and becomes a master wood craftsman but very soon he is swept away to support the Union Army. Magna struggles through the absence of Lars who she has come to love; the loss of her father; and soon her mother; and the struggle to keep the farm producing. She remains hopeful that one day Lars will be walking down the path toward Stone Croft. This is a very well crafted and written story, one which I will always remember. It reflects the political divide which was growing as states wanted more rights and independence in the south. We all know of the Civil War and the Battle at Gettysburg in 1863, but to read it as described by Magna, at about 20 years old, will certainly make you more fully realize what she endured and witnessed ... even with no boots to wear on the ground. This is not a historical romance, it's a historical love story of dedication and determination. It's a modern classic which is very thought provoking as well as captivating. A great read for teens while studying American History. It gives a better definition of our history, than history books. A must read for everyone.
I am so impressed with this well written, tender story which reflects the hardships within our nation preceding and during the Civil War. In the mid-1800's life and times were extremely hard for many people, especially for the large number of immigrants arriving in the the new land ... America. It is the story of one young woman, Magda Klein, who was born shortly after her parents immigrated from Germany to the United States. Life was hard for the family after arriving in New York City, and their goal was to save $150 and when finally after years, they moved to farmland near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. At this time, Magna is about 9 years old, and it was a good place to be with the joys of spring, blue skies, and space, definitely more refreshing than the industrialized New York City. Their new home is called Stone Croft, which they are buying from Mr. Schweitzer under agreement that her father would restore the farm and buildings to productivity. Magna is a loner at her new school, preferring to not mingle but to read books which her teacher often drops on her desk. She loved her home and that's where she always wants to live. Her father bought some added acreage and hired a young man, Lars, to help work the farm. He is about 17 years old, while Magna is now 15. She is attracted to him. He's a hard worker and becomes a master wood craftsman but very soon he is swept away to support the Union Army. Magna struggles through the absence of Lars who she has come to love; the loss of her father; and soon her mother; and the struggle to keep the farm producing. She remains hopeful that one day Lars will be walking down the path toward Stone Croft. This is a very well crafted and written story, one which I will always remember. It reflects the political divide which was growing as states wanted more rights and independence in the south. We all know of the Civil War and the Battle at Gettysburg in 1863, but to read it as described by Magna, at about 20 years old, will certainly make you more fully realize what she endured and witnessed ... even with no boots to wear on the ground. This is not a historical romance, it's a historical love story of dedication and determination. It's a modern classic which is very thought provoking as well as captivating. A great read for teens while studying American History. It gives a better definition of our history, than history books. A must read for everyone.
June 1, 2014
I received this book to give an honest review.
I love how this author was able to get me into the story so quickly and keep me turning the pages to find out how this story would end. I should let you know that this story is told in a letter from Magda. Which I didn't really get until the ending and was like oh wow! It felt so real in a way.
We follow the life of Magda from the beginning of how her and her family came to the States to where she falls in love and what she does to get her one true love back during the Civil War. She literally goes through hell and back to find him. I don't think I could have done what she did.
Magda is a shy person who has been homeschooled her entire life, that is until she moves and has to go to school with others. There she meets a boy who just can not leave her alone.
Instead of the boy from school to fall in love with. She finds true love when Lars is hired to help on her father's farm. But when Lars is off in the War, Magda is being courted by another guy. Whom she doesn't truly care for but he can't possibly seem to take a hint. Her heart belongs to Lars and she knows that he is alive. I love how books add that romance into the the historical story being told it makes it sweet.
I enjoyed the scenery of Stone Craft I could imagine it in my head and I would love to have a place like that, especially where there is cemetery near by. I know sounds weird, but the way it was written in the story it seems like it would be a calm place.
I think the author did a great job with the way the war was portrayed, and how we could feel what Magda was feeling. A great story.
I love how this author was able to get me into the story so quickly and keep me turning the pages to find out how this story would end. I should let you know that this story is told in a letter from Magda. Which I didn't really get until the ending and was like oh wow! It felt so real in a way.
We follow the life of Magda from the beginning of how her and her family came to the States to where she falls in love and what she does to get her one true love back during the Civil War. She literally goes through hell and back to find him. I don't think I could have done what she did.
Magda is a shy person who has been homeschooled her entire life, that is until she moves and has to go to school with others. There she meets a boy who just can not leave her alone.
Instead of the boy from school to fall in love with. She finds true love when Lars is hired to help on her father's farm. But when Lars is off in the War, Magda is being courted by another guy. Whom she doesn't truly care for but he can't possibly seem to take a hint. Her heart belongs to Lars and she knows that he is alive. I love how books add that romance into the the historical story being told it makes it sweet.
I enjoyed the scenery of Stone Craft I could imagine it in my head and I would love to have a place like that, especially where there is cemetery near by. I know sounds weird, but the way it was written in the story it seems like it would be a calm place.
I think the author did a great job with the way the war was portrayed, and how we could feel what Magda was feeling. A great story.
July 24, 2016
This is a story of new immigrants escaping Germany and arriving in New York and eventually to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Wonderfully narrated, the book describes events of those times in vivid details including the American Civil war. Some of the scenes are unforgettable – such as cutting off Magda’s father’s tongue & the death of Irenka – sudden but poignant.
The crux of the book is a story of humanity. It is about our past told through love, war, animosity and courage. Overall I found the book to be well written, well planned, and well executed. It was hard to put down this book because the superb narration makes you forget you are reading a book.
The author has created well-rounded characters (Magda, Lars, Samuel, Irenka) whom, as audience, we connect and care deeply. For historical fiction lovers, this is an enjoyable read.
The crux of the book is a story of humanity. It is about our past told through love, war, animosity and courage. Overall I found the book to be well written, well planned, and well executed. It was hard to put down this book because the superb narration makes you forget you are reading a book.
The author has created well-rounded characters (Magda, Lars, Samuel, Irenka) whom, as audience, we connect and care deeply. For historical fiction lovers, this is an enjoyable read.
May 15, 2014
My Life Untold by S.S Gee Buro is a fast paced, exciting love story about survival during the American Civil War. It was a great read and I found it hard to put down once I started reading the book.
The author is an excellent story teller, weaving a tail of love and survival which was well thought-out and developed. The story was deep but it was also easy to follow. Having been to many of the sites talked about in the book it made the story come alive and captured my imagination.
I really enjoyed the characters. They were very believable and easy to relate to. S.S. Gee Buro did a great job of developing them and relating them to the storyline.
This was an excellent read and I really enjoyed it.
I highly recommend My Life Untold by S.S. Gee Buro.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
The author is an excellent story teller, weaving a tail of love and survival which was well thought-out and developed. The story was deep but it was also easy to follow. Having been to many of the sites talked about in the book it made the story come alive and captured my imagination.
I really enjoyed the characters. They were very believable and easy to relate to. S.S. Gee Buro did a great job of developing them and relating them to the storyline.
This was an excellent read and I really enjoyed it.
I highly recommend My Life Untold by S.S. Gee Buro.
[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
August 29, 2016
Well told story of Magda Klein and how her family immigrated to the US from Germany and worked to exhaustion to finally afford to move to a farm in Gettysburg. Here they form an idyllic life for several years adding Magda's love, Lars to their lives. Then the war breaks out and Lars joins the Union and her life unravels. The details of Gettysburg and the fighting is riveting as is the eventual plight of Magda to find and rescue Lars in Andersonville prison where she ends up captured. Such a compelling story and haunting in the loss of loved ones and Magda's youth. The ending was hard for me although there was some happiness there was a lot of loss still for Magda. I loved Lars and his love for Magda described as both fierce and gentle which didn't waver through the book.
December 23, 2013
This book took place in the latter part of the 19th century and it begins with a family boarding the boat to America from Germany. Buro's writing style propelled my into lives of this family. The level of description is is just right to enable me "live" the scene with the characters. This book is exceptionally well written. I will be recommending this book to my family.
February 14, 2014
A young independent girl growing up on a farm in Pennsylvania. She is pursued by a suitor she doesn't care for yet finds love in a man hired on her family's farm. The Civil War breaks out and her love joins the army. She travels across battlefields to find him.
February 7, 2014
This historical novel kept my interest. It read like an actual true story. I wish it would of been even more in depth with it's descriptions and characters. It was a quick read.
July 6, 2014
I thought this was well written. I found it a fascinating story from inside the civil war.
August 23, 2014
This book was great. Once I started reading this book, I didn't put it back down until I finished.
May 30, 2015
Beautiful memoir
Thus sorry is a poignant telling of a young woman's life in Gettysburg before, during, and long after the Civil War.
Thus sorry is a poignant telling of a young woman's life in Gettysburg before, during, and long after the Civil War.
April 11, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but all of the grammatical errors and other syntax issues made it very clear that it was self published. I liked the characters but just couldn’t get past all the errors.
December 24, 2021
Wonderful Story!
Heartfelt story. Very powerful and well written. I loved the characters and the pace of the story was perfect. Highly recommended!
Heartfelt story. Very powerful and well written. I loved the characters and the pace of the story was perfect. Highly recommended!
September 12, 2024
Lofty goals that had been obviously well researched but poorly executed. Seemed almost piecemeal at times lacking in continuity and reason.
May 3, 2024
history at its best
This could be a true story. I don’t believe it is. Very good story if you like historical readings as a do.
This could be a true story. I don’t believe it is. Very good story if you like historical readings as a do.
March 27, 2015
I was given a copy of this ebook in return for my review.
The books started off a little slow, but definitely wasn't boring, recounting the early years of the main character, Magda's, life. Within a few chapters it had set up relationships and characters that had me in love and I found it very difficult to stop reading and put the book down.
Although the story reads like a typical historical romance, it's so much more than the average romance novel. The book had plenty of context and plot that filled it out and made me feel like a whole life happened around the story. I couldn't have asked for more from the plot. There was even a twist that I didn't see coming.
The ending wasn't as happy as I'd hoped it would be but I don't want to spoil the exact ending. It definitely was satisfying and I think it was an accurate portrayal of the aftermath of the events.
All in all one of the best books I've read in a while. I'm very glad I got the opportunity to read it.
The books started off a little slow, but definitely wasn't boring, recounting the early years of the main character, Magda's, life. Within a few chapters it had set up relationships and characters that had me in love and I found it very difficult to stop reading and put the book down.
Although the story reads like a typical historical romance, it's so much more than the average romance novel. The book had plenty of context and plot that filled it out and made me feel like a whole life happened around the story. I couldn't have asked for more from the plot. There was even a twist that I didn't see coming.
The ending wasn't as happy as I'd hoped it would be but I don't want to spoil the exact ending. It definitely was satisfying and I think it was an accurate portrayal of the aftermath of the events.
All in all one of the best books I've read in a while. I'm very glad I got the opportunity to read it.
March 5, 2016
A good, well-paced historical novel. However, I took one star off the rating because the egregious linguistic mistakes. I believe this novel was self-published, but for heaven's sake, the author should have gotten someone -- perhaps an English professor or even a high school English teacher -- to proofread it. The errors ranged from punctuation (the author seems addicted to commas and averse to using periods), to using the incorrect words (e.g. "reigns" rather than "reins", "annunciation" rather than "enunciation" and several times used "succeed" or "succession" when the correct words should have been "secede" and "secession"). The English mistakes were quite unforgivable. She even used the term "Ms." when no such term had even been heard of much less used in 1864.
March 24, 2015
Life and love story of a German immigrant who settle in Gettysburg before the Civil War begins, ends up in the middle of the famous battle, becomes a front row observer to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and trails her captured fiancé to a Georgia prison during the height of the war. Shares some similarities with The Widow of the south. Preferred that book to this one, but both were good.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews