Review of The Broken Harmonica

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Reva Parker
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Re: Review of The Broken Harmonica

Post by Reva Parker »

Thank you for your wonderful review. It does sound like a very emotional book. I do not understand how people could do that to each other, even being raised that way. I am a white woman, but I don't understand it. Blacks then and somewhat even today, have such inner strength. After reading your review. I have added it to my list of books to read. They say we must learn from our pasts or we will repeat it. I sure don't want us to repeat this part.
Juma Florence
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Post by Juma Florence »

Cornelius's journey, from the horrors of slavery to fighting for justice and enduring deep personal loss, showcases immense resilience. The story seems not only captivating but also a profound reminder of history's injustices and the ongoing fight against racism.
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Damian Keyes
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Post by Damian Keyes »

I love the fact that Cornelius is older and is recounting his life. This means he had overcame the earlier decades of his life that was filled with despair and uncertainty. I'm adding "The Broken Harmonica" to my must-read list for 2024 because the official OBC review made me fall in love with Cornelius.
Gladis Ratish Kumar
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Post by Gladis Ratish Kumar »

The review provided valuable insights. The book appears captivating, depicting the tragic life of Cornelius and his family from childhood. I'm eager to dive in and explore Cornelius's struggles with slavery, racism, and injustice.
Bianca Bennett 2
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Post by Bianca Bennett 2 »

I don't think this review was too long at all! I could feel your emotion through the screen, although I have not read the book myself. It seems there were some pretty intense and traumatic themes in the book that the author portrayed so well that even just words could bring out such deep feelings from the reader. It definitely makes me want to consider reading it as well!
Leonie Vermaak
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Post by Leonie Vermaak »

What a great review!! Your passion shines through the words and a person can see that the book really touched your soul.

To me, the most hated thing about humanity is the lack of accepting each other for our diversities. Racism is a huge issue to me as well, especially those years during slavery but even up until today. It's like we can't evolve past that point, which is tragic. To me, when any killings take place, no matter which race, it is a sad and hideous act.

Congrats on BOTD.
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Huini Hellen
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Post by Huini Hellen »

Your review has done a wonderful job of conveying the emotional involvement that this book requires from readers, especially as the trace Cornelius' trajectory as a slave. Thanks for the review.
The mind adapts and converts to its own purposes the obstacle to our acting. The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way. - Marcus Aurelius
Diana Navas
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Post by Diana Navas »

This book is a deep and moving portrayal of what life was for slaves. I am unsure if I would be able to read this book as it feels too realistic and profound to not get emotional.
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Post by Amarachi Ikechukwu+ »

With all these hardships Cornelius Wright went through, he is strong enough to be alive. Thanks for a fantastic review.
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Sarah Vinchu
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Post by Sarah Vinchu »

It's a well-written, captivating story showcasing racism, biases and injustice. It's very pathetic to read that the protagonist, Cornelius Wright, undergoes such heart-wrenching hardships throughout his life. His quest for dignity and equality in an oppressive society keeps his life moving with strong perseverance. This memoir has every possibility of moulding the perspective of the reader to look towards life and people differently and respectively.
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CUT YAFIQ
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Post by CUT YAFIQ »

Cornelius's story just blew me away. His resilience and strength in the face of such adversity – I mean, slavery, the Civil War, and the struggles of Reconstruction – it was truly inspiring. I felt so connected to his journey and found myself rooting for him every step of the way.
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Post by Black Indigo »

Cornelius experienced a lot of trauma throughout his life. It highlights the cruelty and inhumane treatment of African Americans throughout history. Unfortunately, it is something that is still prevalent today. Thank you for the review.
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Post by Dayana Alvarado 1 »

Cornelius' life symbolizes the constant struggle for freedom and equality, not only in legal terms, but also in the human sphere. For Leonard, he uses this story to explore how the scars of the past affect future generations, emphasizing the importance of remember and learn from history
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Bianca Wiegand
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Post by Bianca Wiegand »

Personally, I feel this is not a book for me. The reading is easy but it does feel like the author over explains everything. Nothing is left to the imagination. If you are into these kinds of novels then yes, the book is enjoyable, but sadly, not my cup of tea.
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Post by Nerea »

As much as I'd love to get to know the history of slavery, stories revolving around it can be emotionally overwhelming for me. I've heard of experiences shared by survivors and it made me tear a lot. Being subject to brutality by fellow man is quite heartbreaking and hard to bear. I'm not sure I'll find the courage to read Cornelius Wright's journey that's filled with hardships.
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