Books and Jams Readalong discussion

You're more than 1/2 way finished!

What do you think of Hetty and Sarah at this point? How is the pacing for you? Do you like the writing style? Any surprises or moments that made you stop and think?

I'm still very drawn into Sarah and Handful's story. I will probably finish today or tomorrow.

I was kind of sad the slave uprising didn't happen. It just breaks my heart and angers me so much that slavery is a part of our past. I get so angry with Sarah's mom and how she is so quick to whack with her cane. I want to grab it and whack her back! She's so manipulative. When she steals Sarah's letters from Isaiah and burns them and then days later turns on the sweetness. Ugh.

The whole Isaiah thing was frustrating. I wanted him speak up and fight for Sarah, but I feel like he was just taking advantage of the comfort and ease her presence added to his household. I get that he was grieving his wife, but he still just took advantage of her.

I love Handful's character so much. I was so nervous when she went to steal the bullet molds. Love that she was able to follow Denmark's wagon and be there for him at the end. So sad and infuriating at the same time.

Yeah, this book is making me feel so many emotions!

This is a really good book. It’s difficult to say I’m enjoying it, with it being such a horrible part of our history. I will say, most historical fiction that I’ve read about slavery and the South hS been about later years, not the early 19th century. It is heartening to read about all of the abolition work that Quakers and others were trying to do relatively early on in our nation’s history.
Both these women are so strong and admirable. But I will say, every time Handful sneaks out, I’m trying to read as fast as possible to make sure she’s okay and doesn’t get caught. And initially reading this book, I was surprised to learn that Sarah Grimke was a real person so of course I had to google her, and boy was she impressive as well as her sister Nina. Very interesting reading about the two of them as well.
I am planning on finishing this book this evening. Very curious as to what awaits our two amazing women.

This book has been a roller coaster of emotions for me. I so want to reach in and help both Sarah and Handful...to just DO something good for them!

I've really enjoyed this book so far. Enjoyed....is that the right word? It's hard to stomach some of the things mentioned and know that people were really treated this way.

As the other two comments before me I also feel anger, frustration and sadness that these women are experiencing. Lets see how this ends, shall we?

Kim wrote: "This is a really good book. It’s difficult to say I’m enjoying it, with it being such a horrible part of our history. I will say, most historical fiction that I’ve read about slavery and the South ..."

EWWWW! I didn't know Sarah and Nina Grimke were real people. I am going to have to Google that one too. Thanks, Kim!