Review of Deceitful Survival

[Shilisia]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Deceitful Survival" by LC Lee.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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At fifteen, living in Hennebont in Brittany, Beth witnesses her mother’s death by her father for allegedly being unfaithful. Four years later, her father dies after getting sick from too much drinking. After his burial, her brothers decide to sell the farm their father inherited from their grandparents and that Beth should stay with her Aunt Simone in the village until she marries. Aunt Simone puts Beth to work right away, treating her like a slave and having her share a room with her carrier driver who severally attempted to molest her. One year later, Beth decides to leave Aunt Simone’s house and went to one of her friends’ house, Emma; who calls her friends to discuss what Beth would do. They all agreed that she should go to the Sisters of Ursuline in Rouen. After sending a letter of enquiry, she received an invitation letter and she travelled to the convent.

Soon she was renamed Sister Mary Andree La Roux and after several years of serving and studying, she took her final vows. Mother Superior of the Ursuline convent sent Sister Andree to Haiti on an assignment where Father Rene served. There she met Helen and James, a white couple and she became friends with Helen. Haiti was first under the governing of Spaniards before the French came and took over. The French took over the farms and had the Taino people of the island working for them, however, the French became greedy and wanted more profits and therefore they got slaves from Congo. The French farmers had left after the uprising of the Congo slaves. The rebels wanted to be considered as equals in the island as well as have their vodou religion practiced alongside Christianity.

After the capture of the rebel leader General Toussaint L’Ouverture, the Haitian military started capturing the remaining white settlers. With Father Rene being captured by the vodou, Mico, a worker at Helen’s house helped them escape from the church together with the church cook Ana and her daughter Yahima to his village. Unfortunately, Helen was captured by the vodou and did not make it to the village. In Mico’s village, occupied by the Taino tribe, the elders agreed to rescue Father Rene and Helen, however Helen was not able to walk and was left behind. With the vodou being more aggressive in finding them, Father Rene and Sister Andree begin their journey of escape from the island and amidst the chaos, a love blossoms.

Deceitful survival by LC Lee is written in first person (Sister Andree’s perspective) hence enjoyable. I love how the book is beautifully arranged in chapters making it easy to follow. Lee has taken his time on each character in the book; when introducing each of them, he is very clear on their role and gives a bit of information on them, including but not limited to their past, character, appearance and so on. I love how Lee does not stall on the narration, the flow was great and I did not feel like anything was left out.

I did not dislike anything about the book, grammatical errors were to the absolute minimum and the language was simple. I would recommend this book for individuals who love historical fiction and who are entertained by ways people overcome various challenges that seem impossible as those faced by Sister Andree. I therefore rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Deceitful Survival
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[Nonso Ok]

Beth must have had a rough childhood. Great review of this amazing book.

[SamaylaM]

The starting plot sounded tragic and then slowly, it seems that the story progressed to chaotic and intense! Thank you for putting up this very engaging review!

[J Edwards]

To overcome all the tragedies in her life, this girl must have been very brave and resilient. Hopefully there is a good ending after all the suffering. Thanks.

[Ailakhu Yusau Aizhebiomon]

This is indeed a detailed review. Thank you!

[kdstrack]

I read this book and enjoyed the historical facts that you highlight in your review. Beth confronted several difficult situations and had to make many critical decisions. Thanks for your insights about this book. Great writing!

[Astral Magi]

Thank you for a lovely review.

[NancyDrew12]

I cant imagine how Beth felt seeing her mom die by the hands of her dad. And then to endure the abuse from for aunt. Beth has been through a lot. I might have to give this book a read. Great review!

[shravsi]

This is such a tragic yet intense story. Thanks for the great review.

[Prisallen]

Beth has had a hard life. I think this is a book I would enjoy reading. Thanks for your informative and interesting review!

[Shilisia]

I read this book and enjoyed the historical facts that you highlight in your review. Beth confronted several difficult situations and had to make many critical decisions. Thanks for your insights about this book. Great writing!

Thank you for reading the review.

[Shilisia]

Beth has had a hard life. I think this is a book I would enjoy reading. Thanks for your informative and interesting review!

You will enjoy it. Thank you.