Official Review: Lizzy by Jim Wetton

Sam Ibeh · Post by **Sam Ibeh** » 23 Mar 2020, 11:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Lizzy" by Jim Wetton.]

4 out of 4 stars

Share This Review

Have you ever felt the need to honor the last wish of a dear relation? In most cases, it's a wish from either a father, a mother, an uncle or an aunt. But for Lizzy, it was from her great-grandmother.

Lizzy grew up in a time when women played second fiddle to men. After Lizzy lost her father, she discovered an old diary with her great-grandmother's name on it. The diary contained instructions for the great-granddaughters to carry out. They were to continue the fight for women's suffrage. Lizzy took it upon herself to carry on the revolutionary movement that started many decades before she was born. Will she succeed in fulfilling her great-grandmother's wish?

Lizzy by Jim Wetton is the third book in The Monroe Family series. It is a standalone novel. However, some background information from the previous books will give the reader a better understanding of this installment. The author did well to create a flow from the last book into this one. Though the previous book, Jed: A Boy's Passion Turns Into a Father's Peace, focused on Lizzy's father, her character was developed and prepared for the significant role she played in this third book. At first, I didn't understand why the author suggested I read the previous installments. When I did, I couldn't help but agree with him because the prior knowledge helped me understand Lizzy's antecedents.

This book took a chronological format. The events began in 1881 and ended in 1920. Every chapter gave a narration of events that happened in a particular year. This format made it easy for me to follow the story and other events in history. It's safe to say that this format has become Jim's signature writing style. Other authors could adopt this style for historical fiction books. Nonetheless, it's my opinion.

What I liked most about this book was the way Jim blended his fictional characters with historical characters. In addition to that, there was perfect sync between fictional events and historical events. It's one thing to get your historical facts right. However, incorporating these facts seamlessly into a fictional story is a different ball game. I was impressed with the author's articulation and creativity. I smiled every time I came across a fusion of fiction and historical events.

I also liked what Jim did at the beginning and end of the book. He started by giving a brief introduction to the main characters. It helped me identify each character's role in the plot. At the end of the book, he gave a summary of event timelines. It helped me put things in perspective when I finished reading. It also reminded me of some events I may have mixed up. I applaud the author for his thoughtfulness.

There was nothing I disliked about this book. Though there were errors in grammar and typography, they weren't enough for me to send it to the gallows. Therefore, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction that follows a chronological order.

******
Lizzy
View: on Bookshelves

Cynthia_Oluchi · Post by **Cynthia_Oluchi** » 26 Mar 2020, 14:56

I do not think Lizzy is up just to carry out her grandmother's wish, but something she is passionate about, I guess. Nevertheless, this book will answer my knickknack.

praise+anyi · Post by **praise+anyi** » 26 Mar 2020, 15:26

For Jim to fuse fiction and history in a manner that the reader would'nt feel lost but follow every bit of the story, he is an excellent writer. I'll love to find out if Lizzy fulfilled her granny's wish. Awesome review by the way.

Ogoskino · Post by **Ogoskino** » 26 Mar 2020, 15:35

Hmm....I am interested in seeing how Lizzy goes about the mission. I think I would pick up this book when I have time. Thanks for the review.

Mbalewechinonso · Post by **Mbalewechinonso** » 26 Mar 2020, 16:30

How will Lizzy carry out such order from her grandmother??? Well I must read this. Good review.

Hamdikhalif · Post by **Hamdikhalif** » 26 Mar 2020, 17:49

It is intersting book to me. I like idea how one women's struggles is understood by younger generation of the same family. It is good book.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 26 Mar 2020, 22:36

I agree with your comments about the author's writing style. It is quite a skill to mix fictional facts with the historical truths. The helpful notes at the beginning and the end are wonderful tools for reviewing and remembering the story. I like this author!

Salma_asa · Post by **Salma_asa** » 27 Mar 2020, 01:45

You wrote an wonderful review! I enjoyed reading it. I may read this book as well!

Mistical · Post by **Mistical** » 27 Mar 2020, 05:10

Great insights, the passing of the mantle from Grandma to her grandchild so as to fulfill the wish is with great honour to Lizzy. Question "why her and not any other?" makes her unique...can't wait to get my hands on the it...

Ogoskino · Post by **Ogoskino** » 27 Mar 2020, 10:02

Sync between history and fiction? I look forward to seeing how that works. Thanks for the review.

wendilou49 · Post by **wendilou49** » 28 Mar 2020, 08:37

Interesting review of what sounds like an interesting book. Books I've read in the past about women's suffrage have opened up my eyes to how different things are now from those days. I'll put this on my "to read" shelf for further reference.