Official Review: The Portrait by Whitney J LeBlanc

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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Re: Official Review: The Portrait by Whitney J LeBlanc

Post by geoffrey ngoima »

ReadingRebecca wrote:Thank you, Geoffrey. I really liked the moral theme myself without it sounding "churchy". Thanks for stopping by.
You're welcome
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Post by Yoli García »

Seems like the author had really good intentions about portraying racism as it was during the 1960s. If she had not used the "N" word or graphic scenes, it would not have come through as real.

I have not experienced an abortion, but I know women who have gone through the experience like nothing. My point is that even though is true many women find an abortion to be traumatic, others see it as just another medical procedure. So maybe that character is one of those women.

It is a pity that the book was not professionally edited because racism is an important topic, especially nowadays when is coming from all sides.
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Post by Alicnim »

What an insightful review. Too bad the story failed to live up to expectations.
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Post by Excitedreads »

I dont like books with characters that aren't well developed or realistic. I prefer them be relatable, though i do like historical fiction novels. Not sure if id like to try this one. But thank you for a great review. I like that you express your opinions wih finess and a re honest and flawless with your descriptions.
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Post by Rebecca_Rivera »

Yolimari wrote:It is a pity that the book was not professionally edited because racism is an important topic, especially nowadays when is coming from all sides.
I agree with you. Thank you for your comments. They were helpful.

-- September 2nd, 2017, 10:02 am --
Alicnim wrote:What an insightful review. Too bad the story failed to live up to expectations.
Thank you. Yes, the idea of it was very good.

-- September 2nd, 2017, 10:05 am --
Excitedreads wrote:I dont like books with characters that aren't well developed or realistic. I prefer them be relatable, though i do like historical fiction novels. Not sure if id like to try this one. But thank you for a great review. I like that you express your opinions wih finess and a re honest and flawless with your descriptions.
Thank you very much! I do work hard to be honest about how I feel about a book.

I agree on the characters. I need them to be relatable. I did find the first two to be that way, which I enjoyed. Thank you for your comments.
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Mallory Whitaker
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Post by Mallory Whitaker »

I love this review, Rebecca! It sounds like this book is really bold, has a wonderful message and a great premise. It's unfortunate that the execution failed. Despite this, the message sounds like it's one worth reading so I may have to do just that! Thank you for the wonderful review. I can't wait to see more from you! (Also, hurrah for North Carolina! That's my homestead.)
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Post by Rebecca_Rivera »

Thank you, Mallory. I, too, liked that someone dared to write a book touching on racism. I enjoyed the first half of it. I found the character Ayre very charming. Let me know what you think of it if you read it. I know I'm particular with my books. Maybe you'll have a different perspective to share.

I love NC. PM me and let me know what area you're from.
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Post by Zelinda »

Thank you for your clear, informative and very well written review, ReadingRebecca. Like you, I haven't read (or seen) any historical fiction from the Civil Rights era. Will probably give this a read, even though it sounds flawed in a few areas.
Last edited by Zelinda on 07 Sep 2017, 12:37, edited 1 time in total.
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Post by KlareAllison »

While l am interested in historical narratives, l find graphic violent scenes a little bit disquieting. From the review, Whitney J. LeBlanc's The Portrait might not be for me. Fine review!
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Post by Rebecca_Rivera »

Thank you, Zelinda. I do hope you enjoy it.

I understand, Klare. Wise choice if you don't like those kinds of things. There is another historical fiction I just finished that is beautifully written and has nothing explicit in it. Let me know if you're interested and I'll PM you about it.
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