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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Love Ukaegbu
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Re: Review of The Broken Harmonica

Post by Love Ukaegbu »

This is a very sad story and what makes it even sadder is the fact that the issue of slavery remains an ongoing issue in today's society. I love that the book “The Broken Harmonica” by Samuel K. Leonard is detail-oriented. Congratulations on the book of the day.
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Azubuike J Azi
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Post by Azubuike J Azi »

Fantastic read! The Broken Harmonica earns its 5-star rating. Cornelius's story from slavery to freedom is unforgettable and impactful.
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tarafarah7
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Post by tarafarah7 »

Both emotional and informative, today's BOTD is a historical fiction novel that follows Cornelius Wright's life as a slave as he faces horrific treatment, alongside his family, before being separated from them where he suffers through an increasing degree of the same. Readers passionate about social justice, as well as stories of bravery and resilience, agree that this is a must-read for everyone, as it's very eye-opening and thought-provoking. Thank you so much for your outstanding review. It was very well-written and incredibly helpful; I appreciate you! Keep up the great work!
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Post by Creole »

"The Broken Harmonica" by Samuel K. Leonard is the poignant tale of Cornelius Wright, born into slavery. What makes this intriguing is that as an elderly Cornelius narrates his life story, we begin to feel empathy for him and those whom colonial masters had enslaved. The sampling was gripping, and I intend to complete the book. Well done on a passionately written review.
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Misael Carlos
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Post by Misael Carlos »

I’m looking forward to digging into this novel to be with Cornelius Wright’s journey through life as he addressed every hurdle and brutality as a slave until his joining the army and the relationships he had with people he cared about.
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Surabhi Rani
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Post by Surabhi Rani »

The storytelling is great in the 'Official Review: The Broken Harmonica' by Samuel K. Leonard. I like the fact that this story is relatable. This is an emotional and deeply moving life story of Cornelius Wright, an African American born into slavery in 1833 on a Georgian plantation. The book emphasizes the importance of family legacy, resilience, dignity, and equality in the face of systemic oppression. It reflects on the overall theme of ending racism and injustice. It was great to learn that the book will spellbind readers to the end!
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Deborah Belanger
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Post by Deborah Belanger »

Thank you for your revealing review on "The Broken Harmonica" by Samuel K. Leonard. The book tells the emotional and deeply moving life story of Cornelius Wright, an African American born into slavery in 1833 on a Georgian plantation. Post-war life brought its own set of challenges as Cornelius returned to rebuild his life and family amidst the socio-economic struggles of Reconstruction America. Facing continued racial violence, especially during the rise of the KKK. Eventually Cornelius moves to New York but you would have to read this book, which is temporarily discounted on Amazon, to learn more about his life. Congratulations to the author for BOTD.
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Cristina-Ioana Toader
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Post by Cristina-Ioana Toader »

I really like how you connected your personal perspective to the story—it makes the review feel deeply authentic and heartfelt. Your passion for the themes of resilience and fighting injustice really shines through!
Kajori Sheryl Paul
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Post by Kajori Sheryl Paul »

Cornelius' life is indeed turbulent. I can't imagine what he went through after his sister got traumatized.

Thank you for the great review.
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Post by Emmanuel Abiodun Olutayo »

"The Broken Harmonica" by Samuel K. Leonard reiterates the brutality of the slave traders on Africa and Africans. This is purely about man's inhumanity to man. Thankfully, it trends no more! Men should not be owned like things. Congratulations on being BOTD. Nice review.
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Anu Anand
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Post by Anu Anand »

This book sounds like an intense and deeply moving portrayal of resilience and the fight for justice in the face of unimaginable adversity. Cornelius’s journey through slavery, war, and post-war struggles highlights the brutal realities of systemic oppression. Congrats on BOTD!
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Post by mytkreadingreview »

I am truly hat by this racism, oppression and hatred happened to Cornelius, it's really difficult circumstances to live with but the guy it's a fighter he tried everything in his power to struggle for his survival and also for his family.He done that good hard work unfortunately he still lost his loved ones like his first wife.
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Post by Natalie MT »

Your review is not too long haha. It is, by no means, wrong to be excited about a book that you enjoyed. I had very little interest in reading the book before I saw how excited you were to share the review. It sounds like this book is really devastating, so I may wait until my life gets a little slower.
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Post by Tristan Outhier »

What a harrowing tale! I'll have to prepare myself to read this one. It is so important for people to be reminded of the horrible mistakes of the past, so they don't happen again. Great review!
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Post by Devesh Patel »

This review passionately captures the depth and impact of "The Broken Harmonica." The reviewer shares a deeply personal connection to the narrative, highlighting the harrowing experiences of Cornelius Wright. Their emotional response, paired with praise for the book's storytelling and themes of resilience against racial injustice, makes this a compelling recommendation.
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