Review of Redfish Oak

[Mallory Porshnev]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Redfish Oak" by George Putnam & Jewel Grutman.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Redfish Oak by George Putnam and Jewel Grutman takes place in St. Augustine, Florida in the years after the Civil War. It follows the story of Nan, a young white girl who teaches English to the African American population in town. Racial tension is high, the police force is corrupt, and there are rumors that the Ku Klux Klan is thriving nearby. The lives of everyone in town are disrupted by the arrival of a prison camp full of Native Americans. Soon, St. Augustine and its inhabitants need to learn to adjust and to coexist with this group of outsiders. Top that off with mysterious murders being discovered throughout town, and you find the basis of this breathtaking story. 

This novel was such a treat to read. It had a pleasant blend of historical fiction, mystery, romance, and politics. Not only did I learn a lot about the time period, but I also got a true sense of the location. The authors did an excellent job describing St. Augustine and transporting the reader to both its place and time. The characters were all developed well and relatable. I truly felt for their pain and peril and was eager to learn of the outcomes of their various situations. The characters were definitely my favorite part of the book. They were all interesting in their own ways. Even the villains of the novel were fascinating to read about. The ability of the characters to change and to grow was also refreshing to read. 

I don't have many negative things to say about this book. It seemed to be thoroughly researched and written with care. It moved along at a nice pace, and I never felt bored with it. I enjoyed every part and was always eager to pick it up and read more. The only critique I can think of is that the ending was a little too happy and convenient. I don't need books to have depressing endings, but this one didn't completely fit with the overall tone of the novel. 

I was only able to spot a few minor editing errors. This didn't take away from the reading experience at all. Overall, the book was everything I expect and desire from a novel, and I give it 4 out of 4 stars. The plot, atmosphere, and characters were all beautifully crafted and executed in a way that was easy to enjoy. I would be glad to read more works by George Putnam and Jewel Grutman.

I highly recommend Redfish Oak to readers of all ages. Fans of historical fiction will likely appreciate it the most. If you're looking for a light read, this may not be for you. However, I think this book displays an important part of American history and can help us to better understand current racial tensions. It is definitely worth picking up and giving a try. I think you will quickly lose yourself in the story and be swept away in the lives of these characters. 

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Redfish Oak
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[Sarah Sonbol]

It's great when you find that the characters in a novel are well developed.This enriches your reading experience and make it more enjoyable.

[Aisha Yakub]

I like that this book is dated back to the years after the civil war. History lovers would enjoy reading this. Thank you for the review.

[Mbenma Esther 080]

I enjoyed reading every bit of this review. This is a work well done by the author. Thanks for the review.

[Blessing Odii]

This blend of historical fiction mixed with romance will be interesting to read. Great review.