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Yellow Crocus
Escrito por Laila Ibrahim
Narrado por Bahni Turpin
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Moments after Lisbeth is born, she's taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come. Though Lisbeth leads a life of privilege, she finds nothing but loneliness in the company of her overwhelmed mother and her distant, slave-owning father. As she grows older, Mattie becomes more like family to Lisbeth than her own kin and the girl's visits to the slaves' quarters-and their lively and loving community-bring them closer together than ever. But can two women in such disparate circumstances form a bond like theirs without consequence? This deeply moving tale of unlikely love traces the journey of these very different women as each searches for freedom and dignity.
Ações de livro
Comece a ouvirDados do livro
Yellow Crocus
Escrito por Laila Ibrahim
Narrado por Bahni Turpin
Descrição
Moments after Lisbeth is born, she's taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come. Though Lisbeth leads a life of privilege, she finds nothing but loneliness in the company of her overwhelmed mother and her distant, slave-owning father. As she grows older, Mattie becomes more like family to Lisbeth than her own kin and the girl's visits to the slaves' quarters-and their lively and loving community-bring them closer together than ever. But can two women in such disparate circumstances form a bond like theirs without consequence? This deeply moving tale of unlikely love traces the journey of these very different women as each searches for freedom and dignity.
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Yellow Crocus is a pre-Civil War historical fiction novel detailing the close relationship between a Virginia slave owners daughter, Lisbeth, and her family's slave, Mattie, a new mother who is separated from her own baby to become the wet nurse and later long-term mammie of Lisbeth. Lisbeth's relationship with Mattie and Mattie's family helps to shapes Lisbeth's character.This novel is part of a two-book series. I can't wait to read the second book in the series, Mustard Seed.
Rating: 5Book on CD performed by Bahni Turpin.3.5*** From the book jacket: Moments after Lisbeth is born, she’s taken from her mother and handed over to an enslaved wet nurse, Mattie, a young mother separated from her own infant son in order to care for her tiny charge. Thus begins an intense relationship that will shape both of their lives for decades to come. My reactionsGood historical fiction set in 1837 to 1860 Virgnia. The novel explores the ways in which family bonds are formed regardless of biological connection. Mattie is a young woman when she’s taken “into the big house” to become Lisbeth’s wet nurse. It’s heartbreaking to witness her all-too-brief Sunday visits with her young son, who has begun to bond with another slave who is caring for him. At the same time, she nurtures the white child, Lisbeth, teaches her songs and tells her stories, helps her become a young lady. Eventually their close bond must be tested and Lisbeth’s naïve attitudes are challenged as she is forced to confront the ugly truth of slavery. I loved Mattie. She’s a strong woman who works hard and smart, watching and learning skills that will help her and her family find their way to freedom someday. I did not like Lisbeth too much for most of the book. Although she was a much better character than some of the “friends” she had among the other plantation daughters. It’s not until she has a rude awakening that she begins to show some gumption and independence of thought. The ending is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Bahni Turpin is fast becoming a favorite audio performer. She has a wonderful voice and was able to interpret the various characters in a way that made it easy to follow.
Rating: 4Beautiful story. I can't remember how I'd heard of this book, perhaps I saw it on some list. I'm glad I read it- didn't want it to end! I would love a sequel, but I know too often sequels don't even compare to the 1st book. The title Yellow Crocus is a symbol of hope- a first indication of something brewing, something new cropping up.. such an apt title for this story of a young slave woman Mattie who is assigned to be a wet nurse/caretaker for her master's daughter, Lisbeth. Mattie and Lisbeth grow close as the years go by, as they both hope for a different life, a new freedom.
Very satisfying ending too. Highly recommend.
Rating: 5Very satisfying ending too. Highly recommend.
I rated this book perhaps more highly than it deserves because it was so skillful at accomplishing its purpose. A tale from the birth to first child of a woman of privilege in pre-Civil War Virginia, this book rather gently describes the close relationship of this girl to her mammy and the contrast of their lives. Altho all the major characters lack the sort of truly frightening edges that would have existed under the circumstances, it's impossible not to understand how she eventually makes a momentous decision. The book is both truthful and kind to its readers -- a delicate task well done.
Rating: 5Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim is based on a true story. The narrator was Bahni Turpin who was portrayed the voices with great emotional power. At first glance, this seems like a simple story. In 1837, a slave named Mattie is summoned away from her newborn baby boy to be a wet nurse in the big house. The wet nurse and the newborn baby girl, Lisbeth formed a very strong bond. Mattie was denied seeing and nursing her son but as spent most of the day with her charge, she would look out the window of the story house to try get a glimpse of her own baby boy. But in order to survive as a person, quick wits and a deep faith were required.As I was reading this story, I felt immediate empathy for the slave Mattie. My own situation was completely different with my own son of course. But I remembered how very sad and heartbroken I was to leave him when he was very young, to help support our family. Working regular hours plus overtime to pay bills and then having to scheme against my in-laws to get some private time with him, I felt some of the pain that she felt.There are details in this story that make you realize how different life was for women, the slaves and wives of the slave owners both. The author weaves these details into her story and I am glad of it because I had never thought of what life would be like in those roles.I really appreciate the historical details and tales of sorrow that were common to women in that period before the start of the Civil War. I applaud the author for her loving depiction of the characters.I highly recommend this audio book, the narrator added to the story by her singing and the way that she captured the emotions of the characters.
Rating: 5This is a simple story, but surprisingly gripping. The characters are everything in the book - complex and three-dimensional. The fact that the slave owners weren't astonishingly cruel people reinforced the evil of owning human beings even more than if there had been dramatic cruelty. It's completely about women, and for that reason, I'm not sure how a male reader would respond to it.
Rating: 4Given the subject matter--a white girl raised by an enslaved wet nurse in the ante-bellum South--there's plenty of tension in the first half of the book as both of the main characters, Lisbeth and Mattie, try to navigate their complex relationships. The first half of the book is much richer and better than the second half. The second half is mostly dominated by Lisbeth trying to negotiate through the top tier of the Virginia slave society, where her interactions with various characters reveals the cruelty of the slave economy. Lisbeth and Mattie's relationship is obviously the one that the author cares about; the other characters feel quite flimsy in comparison. I'm also not entirely convinced of the ending, though the author makes quite clear that even once reunited, Lisbeth and Mattie could not have a normal friendship because of the constraints of the society they lived in. This is the author's first novel and I will be interested to see what she writes in the future.
Rating: 4A book that explores the unusual bond developed between a girl and her wet nurse before the Civil War. Difficult to read at times because of the prevailing ignorance and treatment of people, but told well from various perspectives.
Rating: 4This was a wonderfully written book! This book follows two characters, Mattie and Lisbeth, and is set in the mid-1800's in Virginia. Mattie is a slave woman for Lisbeth's family and is called in to be a wet nurse to young Elizabeth (Lisbeth). Forced to leave her own son just a few months old, Mattie is moved into the house and raises the young girl, almost as her own, for several years...
The first half of the book we gets the first several years from Mattie, but as the years wear on, it starts to shift to Lisbeth's. We get to see her turmoil as Mattie longs to be with her son and family but has also grown close to her young charge. All seems as ideal as it can be for a slave family for the first several yours but as Mattie's son grows older, problems arise.
We switch to Lisbeth as she begins o be taught about society, and her place in it. And the place of slaves, men, etc. When Mattie is no longer by her side she is forced to make her own decisions for good or bad. But what is that in the 1850's? How do you cope being divided by love from family?
I greatly appreciated the honesty the author brought forth. So many are afraid to speak or right the truth of how things were. While this books surely tones it down, it does note paint it pretty either. And the further into the book, the darker some of the subjects get. I hate when authors over sugar-coat the past. All men were NOT seen as equal then. and women were not to men. This portrays things relatively accurate.
This book hits some deep subjects. For those who get angry at the idea of slavery or past prejudice, do not read this. This refers to slaves as they were called in those days. This is not for the young readers, there is a rape scene,and whipping in this. For the mature reader this is a wonderful book for both history and the bonds of love, family, loyalty and friendship.
I received this book from Flaming Chalice Press in exchange for a fair and honest review. So special thanks to them! *No money or other exchanges involved*
Rating: 4The first half of the book we gets the first several years from Mattie, but as the years wear on, it starts to shift to Lisbeth's. We get to see her turmoil as Mattie longs to be with her son and family but has also grown close to her young charge. All seems as ideal as it can be for a slave family for the first several yours but as Mattie's son grows older, problems arise.
We switch to Lisbeth as she begins o be taught about society, and her place in it. And the place of slaves, men, etc. When Mattie is no longer by her side she is forced to make her own decisions for good or bad. But what is that in the 1850's? How do you cope being divided by love from family?
I greatly appreciated the honesty the author brought forth. So many are afraid to speak or right the truth of how things were. While this books surely tones it down, it does note paint it pretty either. And the further into the book, the darker some of the subjects get. I hate when authors over sugar-coat the past. All men were NOT seen as equal then. and women were not to men. This portrays things relatively accurate.
This book hits some deep subjects. For those who get angry at the idea of slavery or past prejudice, do not read this. This refers to slaves as they were called in those days. This is not for the young readers, there is a rape scene,and whipping in this. For the mature reader this is a wonderful book for both history and the bonds of love, family, loyalty and friendship.
I received this book from Flaming Chalice Press in exchange for a fair and honest review. So special thanks to them! *No money or other exchanges involved*
I finished Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim yesterday and it was so unusual in that the first portion was very good and the last part deteriorated badly into shallow, predictable mush. I wonder why I still read self-published debut novels?I gave it an extra half star because the first section dealing with the black field slave, Maggie, being assigned as wet nurse to the baby Elizabeth was nicely written and interesting. Once Elizabeth grows into a young girl, that portion was over (no spoilers). The succeeding part of the book, right to the end was entirely sophmoric and read like YA. Shallow character development and facile plotline with an unsatisfactory (for me) HEA.
Rating: 3I liked the beginning and ending of this historical fiction set in pre-Civil War Virginia and Ohio more than the middle. Lisbeth as a teenager seemed unbelievably naive. This level of blindness is like the Germans during WW2 saying they didn't know what was happening to the Jews. I guess it stems from a similar psychological need to not see the cruelty that you feel you have little ability to ameliorate.
Rating: 3This was a lovely book and one I will read again down the line. The two main characters were very likeable. Despite the theme being slavery, it was a happy, satisfying read.
Rating: 5Lisbeth is nurtured by her wetnurse nanny, Mattie, throughout her chldhood on a plantation in Virginia. Her mother is emotionally remote and her grandmother extremely strict. Mattie provides the only emotional support and connection that poor Lisbeth receives.
The book is okay and the writing serviceable. There were a few spelling errors which jumped out at me. Generally the plot line and characters seemed predictable and formulaic. An easy read which attempts to tug at the heartstrings. It iseems more suitable for the 16 - 21 age group.
3.5 stars
Rating: 4The book is okay and the writing serviceable. There were a few spelling errors which jumped out at me. Generally the plot line and characters seemed predictable and formulaic. An easy read which attempts to tug at the heartstrings. It iseems more suitable for the 16 - 21 age group.
3.5 stars
Knock on the door of any southern plantation and step inside to a different era, a time when women were living a genteel, restricted life, men ruled the roost and slaves were items to be bought and sold. This is such a story but with oh so much more to it....Mattie and Lisbeth bring new meaning to the ideas of friendship and family. Trust and tradition.Yes there is talk of births but i found it to be interesting and informative. I'd also like to say that this would be great reading for ANY age group teen on up!
Rating: 5
I have really enjoyed reading this book. I felt as though I was right there like a fly on the wall. A must read! Thanks Val
Rating: 5I cannot say enough!
What a wonderful book! Such a good read!
Rating: 5What a wonderful book! Such a good read!
I love Bahni Turpin, and will read about anything she narrates. This book was hard for me to enjoy, exactly. I immediately loved Mattie. I didn’t love Lisbeth right away, and it was painful and irritating to see how she didn’t question the wrongness of the situation until later, but of course that was reality. I really loved the ending and felt like it was satisfying - though I don’t actually know how accurate it was for Lisbeth’s character to do what she did being a white woman of the time. I read this was based on a true story but couldn’t actually find anything about that anywhere, and it’s hard to imagine any Slave feeling anything but contempt for anyone associated with their enslavement - the trope of a “happy Mamy” needs to be done away with, though I probably wouldn’t characterize Mattie in that way, necessarily. I think I’m just wanting to read more books about Black women that focus on things about them other than slavery.
Rating: 3Great read, great story telling! Plus it has a second book too
Rating: 5I was happy to see how it ended. I know it was a cruel time but pleased The author didn’t write about it too graphically
Rating: 4Great but it is a novel which wasn’t clear in the beginning.
Rating: 4
Beautifully narrated story really helps you connect w the characters in the story. Love the ending!
Rating: 5
This is such a wonderful book! I couldn't stop listening to it.
Rating: 5Mattie was only sixteen when she was told to leave her baby with in the slave quarters her sister and come up to the big house. She had been chosen to be wet nurse to her mistress's new daughter, Miss Elizabeth. Initially resentful, Mattie learns to love the little girl, and Lisbeth grows closer to Mattie than to her own mother. The bond they form is one that neither time nor distance can break.For the most part, this is Mattie's story, but it is equally Lisbeth's. While it does recount the painful history of slavery--the separation of families, harsh punishments and living conditions, the indignity of being treated as less than human--, it also explores the effects of slavery on members of the Southern aristocracy. As she reaches her teenage years, Elizabeth is expected to cast aside any affections she had for Mattie, her son, or the other "hands," to accept her God-given superiority, and to set her heart on a wealthy suitor. But it was from Mattie, not her parents, that she had learned to love, and she struggles as she tries to fit into high society and its expectations. Freedom becomes the ultimate goal of both slave and young mistress.
Rating: 4
This has been one of my absolute favorite books to listen too! Everything about it was great. I felt a mixture of joy, sadness, and embarrassment of how our country treated African Americans. It wasn't overly graphic but had enough detail to bring out the emotion of the moments. Loved this book very much and am excited to start the second book.
Rating: 5First the good things - the entire narration was consistently on point. The story was built up beautifully and there was a strong attention to detail. The author developed the relationship between Mattie and Lisbeth quite well but unfortunately, this meant that the other characters were left in the shadows. E.g. there was not much chemistry between Lisbeth and Matthew. And the book tended to oversimplify a lot of things. That being said, it was a good read with a well-tied ending.
Rating: 3Beautifully written and read, this will take its place on my list of favorite books . I couldn’t pull myself away, and didn’t want it to end. It’s that kind of book. I will read more from this author right away.
Rating: 5I enjoyed the book but it cut off the last few chapters.
Rating: 4Very relevant book to read today. It made me really understand more about the racism in our country and how it started. Narrator was great.
Rating: 5This was such a nice listen. The story & points of view from the characters kept my interest. I would recommend this to anyone.
Rating: 5
I absolutely loved this story.it was really emotional and explains what slaves really had to go through and put up with.In the end it showed that Love was such a bond that could not be broken through a huge wall of race, distance and time as reflected in the Relationship between Mattie and Lisbeth.i totally enjoyed the book
Rating: 5