Review of A Conflicted Slaveholder

[Kibet Hillary]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Conflicted Slaveholder" by Marge Cambre.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Upon reaching the age of 18, Michl Kämper found himself separated from his family on his birthday, a harrowing experience. No longer able to go hunting in the Black Forest with his father, Adolf, Michl felt the absence of the cherished activity that had fostered admiration for his father. Each forest excursion ended in the same spot they entered, leaving him with deep admiration for his father. However, Michl's world was shattered when he learned he had been sold as a mercenary, intensifying his fears, especially considering the ominous fate of those conscripted and taken to France, for they never returned. The revelation that France was merely a training ground and the actual destination was the New World heightened his apprehension. Fortunately, he was joined by fellow Bavarians, including his friend Otto Müller, before departing for Nouvelle Orléans. The journey to the New World was fraught with natural and human threats, compounded by the presence of their nemesis, Lieutenant Rogeneau.

A Conflicted Slaveholder is a historical fiction novel by Marge Cambre, vividly narrating Michl's journey from Europe to the New World. The author skillfully introduces a diverse cast of characters, both new and recurring, enhancing the book's readability and excitement. While the narrative does not endorse or excuse slavery, it explores how the practice persisted, even among those who opposed it. Michl's exposure to slavery as a mercenary made him interact freely with them later, which creates tension within his relationship with his wife, Catherine.

One standout feature of the book is the author's approach to character introduction and storytelling, providing a fascinating and seamless reading experience. The initial conflicts presented in the opening chapters continue to build suspense throughout the narrative. From the beginning, the story is not only enlightening and entertaining but also thought-provoking, questioning the prevailing injustice then that leads some to claim more than others; Lieutenant Rogeneau advances the already existing inequality between Bavarian and French soldiers by denying the former their rightful dues.

Owing to the Kindle edition's grammatical and spacing errors, which may necessitate another round of editing, I award A Conflicted Slaveholder three out of five stars. This book is a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and those interested in exploring pre-Revolutionary America through a fictional lens.

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A Conflicted Slaveholder
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[Rohith Kumar Pakala]

Thank you for your valuable insights, your review built interest in me to read this book. Great information is given by you about the book, thank you for that.

[Paschalyn]

Nice piece.

[Biswajit Barman 1]

"A Conflicted Slaveholder" by Marge Cambre is a gripping historical fiction novel that transports readers to the tumultuous world of 18th-century Europe and the New World. Through the captivating story of Michl Kämper, the author skillfully navigates themes of family, identity, and the moral complexities of slavery.

[Mehdi Hussaini]

"A Conflicted Slaveholder" is a thought-provoking exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by slaveholders in the antebellum South. Author JR Conway skillfully navigates the complexities of the protagonist's internal struggles, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between societal expectations and his own conscience. The narrative is rich with historical detail, immersing readers in the tumultuous atmosphere of the era. While the subject matter may be uncomfortable, Conway's sensitive handling invites readers to reflect on the legacy of slavery and the enduring impact of moral compromise. However, at times, the pacing feels sluggish, andsome character development could have been more fleshed out. Overall, "A Conflicted Slaveholder" is a thought-provoking read that sheds light on a challenging period of American history.