Cane River / Abridged

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Summary: History In a Novel
Review: The whole story (told through the eyes of the slaves) reminds me of the movie "Roots". The characters and events protray the "old" south beginning with the slavery period up to the middle 1930's. Original picturers are displayed on the pages of the book, therefore, the reader does not have to imagine what the person looked like. The characters are developed in the story so it is easy for the reader to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each person. The events flowed from one to the other in a manner that makes it possible for the reader to see history unfold as the book is read.
I enjoyed the book tremendeously. It took a little longer to read this book than usual because of the detail account of events and because their were many characters to follow. I will read this book again soon to capture the parts I know were missed. Read the book;you will not be sorry.

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Summary: An excellent read!
Review: Well done Ms. Tademy! Fascinating, informative, and totally enjoyable. I love reading (black)genealogical/ancestorial/
historical-related works.

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Summary: Cane River
Review: I loved the book CANE RIVER. This was a riveting story of four generations of "colored" women and the decisions they made so their families could survive. It described relationships between family members, slave and slave owner, white and "Negro" or "colored". I raced to see what the next page would bring, then I was sad to close the book when I finished. My favorite books have been The Red Tent, and the Ironwood Bible. Cane River is right up there.

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Summary: This is a dynamite book!
Review: A reality that those of us who are white too often choose to ignore, and those who are African American may well choose to forget. Well written, this book makes clear the horrors and the complexities (and the joys also) of African American experience in America. I was particularly chilled by the description of a slave auction to which the white middle class folks came for entertainment . . . and then the sheer inhumanity and brutality "bothered them and so they looked away." How true, even today! READ THIS BOOK . . . you won't be able to put it down.

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Summary: Oprah's Wise Choice of CANE RIVER
Review: Oprah made a wise choice when she selected CANE RIVER for her book club. Lalita Tademy's debut novel deals with the issue of slavery and its affereffects since the Civl War. It describes what four generations of women had to go through to climb society's ranks. CANE RIVER is an inspirational book. Everybody should read it.

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Summary: dissapointed
Review: Am I the only dissapointed reader? I found the research behind the story impressive, the subject matter fascinating. But, I found the writing to be average, at best. I could not get into any of the characters. I felt as though I was watching them from the outside. I had no emotional tie to them. I was so dissapointed because the book was so highly rated on amazon as well as oprah. I feel as though Oprah chose the book simply because of the subject matter. I feel as though I have been "duped." Subject matter does not make a good story. A reader needs emotion from the characters. This story had none.

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Summary: Cane River
Review: Once I began this book I could not put it down. It is a compelling and revealing tale of 4 generations of black women living in 19th century Louisana as slaves of French plantation owners. Told in the voice of the women, it helps explain much of the source of modern day struggles in the Black community. The fact that Ms Tademy includes copies of documents and pictures of family members makes the book all that much more enjoyable. It is a great read!

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Summary: I absolutely loved this book
Review: I was a little worried that this book might be a depressing saga since it was on Oprah's list. I couldn't be happier that I decided to take the plunge and give it a try. This book was marvelous. It was beautifully written. I couldn't wait to read it each day to find out more about Elizabeth, Suzette, Philomene and Emily. The stories are often sad, but Ms. Tademy doesn't make them sadder than they are. This book is fascinating and I recommend it to anyone. I loved it!

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Summary: Enlightening
Review: As my last name is Fredieu and the author's great grandmother was the daughter Narcease Fredieu, it immediatly got my interest to say the least. I have been raised as white my whole life and still may be only white, but the idea that so much I did not know, made both proud and curious to know that I have relatives of all race. I would love to hear from the author if possible. She can reach me at 318-688-5854 in Shreveport, La. is she wishes. P.S- I was raised in Grant parish/ Montgomery, La. My entire family on both my father & mothers' side were raised in the grant/natchitoches parish areas.

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Summary: Cane River - A Touching Audio Book
Review: I never have time to read all the current best-sellers. So I listen in my car. I am so glad I just listened to this three-voiced audio book performance of CANE RIVER. What a great, historically based novel. I liked it because each woman had such a different point of view. It was tremendously inspiring story of women's strength. Beautiful music and performances, too. Too bad it was abridged; I could've listened to the whole thing! Brava, Lalita!