To what extent do you find the book realistic?

Adekeye-Hassan A · Post by **Adekeye-Hassan A** » 13 Jan 2022, 01:37

B Creech wrote: ↑06 Jan 2022, 08:52 I found the relationship between Lilly and James unrealistic for the era. However, as for Lilly knowing how to play the piano without lessons is perfectly realistic because there are people who are naturally inclined to play the piano 'by ear.' I actually know several personally. Some people just have a God-given talent for music.

The relationship between lily and James although not very common in the era, doesn't essentially means it can't exist. I have never seen any person play piano by ear as you quoted but it doesn't necessitate that it can't exist also.

Adekeye-Hassan A · Post by **Adekeye-Hassan A** » 13 Jan 2022, 01:40

Exactly, that is what part of the story is about. That is also why it was labelled historical fiction. It necessarily needs to have fantasies and unrealistic parts.

Kaitlyn Canedy · Post by **Kaitlyn Canedy** » 13 Jan 2022, 12:39

To be honest, I found many of the elements realistic. I am certain that there were romantic relationships even during the slave era. I believe this because it wasn't until recently that the LGBTQ+ community could be open about their identities. Is it improbable to think that a relationship like the one between Lily and James is improbable? I don't believe this to be true.

amakaokoye · Post by **amakaokoye** » 13 Jan 2022, 18:57

Lily's ability to play piano without lessons was quite unrealistic asides that, the author actually did a good job in trying to make the book as realistic as possible.

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 14 Jan 2022, 02:26

Most of the things obtainable in the slave era like violence and less regard for humanity was shown. However, certain things were unrealistic to me. It is unimaginable for a slave to sneak into her master's room to play the piano in his absence.

Esther Nekesa · Post by **Esther Nekesa** » 14 Jan 2022, 07:49

I find some parts realistic and others hard to believe. The treatment of slaves during that era was very brutal, so the blossoming of the love of James and Lilly is quite hard to conjure. Despite mentioning that Lilly's gift was rare, I couldn't quite wrap it around my fingers how she could memorize and replay in one hearing. The writer has however tried her level best in trying to make it believable.

Tung Le 1 · Post by **Tung Le 1** » 15 Jan 2022, 04:10

I think slavery in the story is portrayed realistically. But the love between James and Lily is somewhat unreal. The change from friendship between two people to love is sudden. James' feelings were hard to understand. And Lily kept her piano learning secret. If the author stated the psychological changes more clearly, the story would be better.

OB Brian · Post by **OB Brian** » 15 Jan 2022, 05:19

REIGNING20 wrote: ↑03 Jan 2022, 22:15 Multiple sources of literature portray the slave trade era as not only physically overwhelming but also mentally anguishing as well. It, therefore, beats logic that Lily dared to sneak and play her master's piano whenever he was away. Her lack of music background further dents her excellent ability to play the codes out of her mnemonic abilities. Do you think the author should have at least made the few achievements of the slaves quite realistic? Which other episodes do you find as an outright contrast to the slave trade era?

Indeed slaves feared their masters. However, there must have been daring slaves who would do something they wanted regardless of the consequences. Besides, in your own words, Lily sneaked, meaning she played the piano in the time of day when she knew she wouldn't get caught.

Areeba M · Post by **Areeba M** » 15 Jan 2022, 06:14

For me, Lily sneaking out to play the piano was one of the unrealistic parts of the book. Though her ability to learn the piano without help isn't that weird because some people are extraordinary like that.

Aarushi Pareek · Post by **Aarushi Pareek** » 15 Jan 2022, 11:19

The author did a great job in making the story realistic yet some scenarios were hard to swallow

evraealtana · Post by **evraealtana** » 15 Jan 2022, 11:31

It does feel unrealistic that Lily would have been given so many freedoms. Certainly, some masters that were kinder to their slaves than others, but overall I felt that the book was more romantic than realistic.

Venus2304 · Post by **Venus2304** » 15 Jan 2022, 14:19

A good job was done by the author because the book continually makes sense from one plot twist to another.

Abi McCoy · Post by **Abi McCoy** » 15 Jan 2022, 15:49

I think you're right. Lily even playing the piano seemed unrealistic, though there is plenty of documentation of people who can play instruments simply based off of hearing it. I definitely believe that James' and Lily's entire relationship (both young and old) was completely unrealistic.

Raymonda onwuka · Post by **Raymonda onwuka** » 18 Jan 2022, 14:00

The author did a great job with the story. I think that Lily's ability to play piano without lessons is realistic, I have cousins who never learned how to dance yet they are excellent dancers.

Post by **Hilda Martinovic** » 18 Jan 2022, 21:48

Some of the parts of the book might not seem to be realistic. For example, I wondered how James had sneak to see Lily sleeping, and nobody would have noticed it. Also, how could nobody notice that James was missing for hours playing with Lily? But, on the other hand, the author created a great love story and reflected the slave era that was so harsh.