This work of historical fiction is based on such a wonderfully heartwarming and true story, the like of which I've never heard of in my life, but I'm thrilled to have been able to read about it in this touching narrative. However, the former enslavement of the black people in America is never an easy subject to read about, yet the brutality wielded at the hands of wicked men and women was the reality of so many. It was tough to read of it.
The book details a journey not unlike Moses and the children of Israel's 40 year trek in the wilderness and headed towards their Promised Land. The heartbreak, yet the victory and happiness despite the odds against resilient people was characterized by Queen Louella and King William as they left the Mississippi area and headed towards South and North Carolina to make a Kingdom of Happiness, or Happy Land for their own people, was truly amazing.
Another reality check that even though the American Civil War was won by those who "freed the slaves," the slaves were hard put to be free indeed. So the outcome of the Happy Landers was indeed moving and I found myself cheering them on till the end.
I like that there was talk of relationship with God, trusting or not trusting Him, forgiveness and enduring faith, and other related topics and issues.
There are discussion questions at book's end that will enable a sincere reader to ponder more fully on these times and issues that still haunt and raise their ugly heads today.
I feel that author Vanessa Miller has pieced all the bits and pieces together in a very satisfactory manner. All-in-all, an amazing story and I'm so glad she shared it with the world.
A 5-Star rating from me.
~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~
February 2024
Disclaimer: "I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."
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