To what extent do you find the book realistic?

Tlholo Machaya · Post by **Tlholo Machaya** » 18 Jan 2022, 22:43

Even when Lily plays the piano in the absence of her master, realistically she should be scared, I mean she had no piano lessons, however she seems smart enough I may add.

overall the book is somewhat realist.

Cynthia Olyy · Post by **Cynthia Olyy** » 19 Jan 2022, 06:28

Humiliation and wickedness, as described by the author, were very popular in the slave trade era; people from that generation have attested to this. However, I found it difficult to think that the nature of relationships created in such times is the same as the ones talked about here. All the same, the author did a very good job in trying to make this piece as realistic as possible.

Buk Nerd · Post by **Buk Nerd** » 19 Jan 2022, 07:38

I completely agree. Its hard to imagine that something like that could happen during the slave era, from the main characters' relationship to Lily daring to even touch the master's piano. That aspect of the story did not seem realistic.

Truc Mai · Post by **Truc Mai** » 20 Jan 2022, 20:46

I also think Lily could sneak piano lessons that are difficult. But this thing could happen. The author's writing style made me believe this could happen.

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 21 Jan 2022, 11:29

Since I have read all three books, I can answer a lot of the questions I had about the first book being unrealistic. Lily learning to play piano seemed somewhat unlikely, especially with the talent she portrayed. For James to be so in love with her seemed odd, especially after spending so much time apart after his father caught them when he was a child.

Regard003 · Post by **Regard003** » 21 Jan 2022, 12:38

I think the whole book was realistic enough. Lily and James relationship wasn't something impossible even in that era. And lily's knowledge or piano without practicing seem a bit shady but some people are very good with notes and sounds, so I think it's possible

Adenike279 · Post by **Adenike279** » 22 Jan 2022, 09:24

I believe to some extent that the atory is realistic, the ability of Lily to play the piano on her own without learning from anyone added to the story being realistic. The courage she exhibited was also mesmerizing.

Adelee Grobler · Post by **Adelee Grobler** » 23 Jan 2022, 03:39

I think it was realistic to an extent. I do however feel that due to punishments in that era they would’ve locked Lily up just because of her trying to play the piano, and putting on shows. I also think that James would’ve suffered more consequences. During those times the black AND white people would be locked up for just being caught seeing a movie together.

Janelydia Mwangi · Post by **Janelydia Mwangi** » 23 Jan 2022, 07:16

I found James' behaviour portraying the results of a real man's ego being put to test. Most men cannot accept the reality of a relationship or marriage ending as a result they end up being brutal and inhuman. Men are also not easy with independent women whose world is a threat to them. This is revealed by James reactions when Lily becomes independent.
Slave era was real and the writer paints the picture of what transpired during the time. The reaction of the masters to their servants(slaves) and how the society expected a borderline in how they related is revealed. This is the reason James and Lily keep the secret about their relationship.

jeanmtdb · Post by **jeanmtdb** » 23 Jan 2022, 09:56

I found the treatment of slaves and the punishments to be very believable. Lily becoming friends with James, playing the piano, and later becoming an accomplished pianist - not at all believable. The punishments were too harsh for any slave to risk it. Even if Lily was a musical prodigy, she would not have acted on it.

Stizzy Monday · Post by **Stizzy Monday** » 23 Jan 2022, 15:14

I actually believe that the author did a good job piecing this story together. It's is not Far-fetched that Lilly and James fell in love especially since they grew up together, slave era or not, children growing up cannot understand what means, their innocence and purity is always at the fore.
Such hate and cruelty as most readers expect only comes from parents beating it into their children. So I believe the story is realistic enough.

Aistar Posh · Post by **Aistar Posh** » 23 Jan 2022, 16:45

For Lily being able to play the piano strictly from memory, that is realistic. I have heard of several living people who has her gift, so I was not surprised. However, i feel like Lily being able to play the piano when away from her creul master was a bit unrealistic. But hey, its called fiction for a reason.

Nenkangmun Deshi · Post by **Nenkangmun Deshi** » 23 Jan 2022, 17:36

Considering the historical records of era of slavery, I don't think the book was realistic. The relationship of the main characters is an example.

WZ2019 · Post by **WZ2019** » 23 Jan 2022, 19:11

When I was reading the book I was constantly thinking to myself 'that seems too farfetched.' As many know from so many accounts and reports from various sources that slaves were treated very brutally so it does not seem possible that Lily would would do the things mentioned in the book e.g. sneaking to play the piano even though the master was away.

Kashmir Lalla · Post by **Kashmir Lalla** » 23 Jan 2022, 23:27

I believe the story is realistic to a certain extent. Although some facts, such as Lily's ability to play the piano without learning it, and some scenarios were difficult to picture, the author did a wonderful job of conveying the slave era using Lily's character.