Official Review: Kuimba by Priscilla B Shuler

[cindyr2416]

Good review. Seems interesting to find out what happens and how the characters evolve. I will add this to my must reads.

[Dylan921]

Though it takes place around WWI, but sounds like it has absolutely nothing to do with the war and has slavery in the book.
Sorry this book is not for me. I’m sure it’s well written with great subject lines.

[LauraLeeWasHere]

think, though, that the dialogues’ lexical variations were even meant to reinforce more nuanced characterizations

It felt like there was a lot going on in this book when I read the sample. A lot of jumping around, so it was a bit of a relief to read your review and know that you were able to get to the heart of the story and help me sort it out. Exactly what a good reviewer should do. And I suspect it took a goodly amount of effort to get it done.

Thanks for your help, your cleverness and making statements (one of which I quoted at the top of this post) that are smart and show your respect for the intelligence of your readers.

Sincerely, Laura-Lee

[LV2R]

It seems that Kuimba's life will make a difference in the lives around him, even his nemesis. The sharecroppers' lives, though possibly better than being enslaved, would still not feel like a lot of freedom. Kuimba's family holds on to faith. The book seems to be well written, with good descriptions of settings and characters.

[N_R]

I always find it interesting reading stories or racism and I think it helps to keep ourselves in check when we are thinking of our own behaviour and attitude towards others. This sounds like it has a novel plot and good story line.

[amandathebibliophile]

This sounds like a unique story that history buffs will especially appreciate! Thank for the detailed review

[MsTri]

Even though "the series of unusual, miracle-like events starting from his birth" sound intriguing, I'm not quite convinced that I want to read this story. Thanks for the food-for-thought, though.

[Miercoles]

I am quite interested in the timeline of this story as it gives a glimpse into society during the early post-slavery days. I am further intrigued by the story of this young boy whose presence augurs miracles, and the reactions of those around him as he grows. This novel should be a compelling read.

[navyapindi]

The storyline seems interesting. I am curious about the blue-eyed boy. Looking forward to reading it. Congrats on BOTD!

[EvaDar]

As I was reading the sample, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. Life seemed too easy, Ophelia was too readily content, for something awful not to happen. From this review, it sounds like the story might not be as sad/agonizing as I expected.

I would like to know if the author, Priscilla Shuler, is black or white. As a white person myself, I would feel really uncomfortable if this story about a black family was written by a white person. The act of giving a black child blue eyes - yes, they're supposed to be a visual symbol of Kuimba's spiritual uniqueness - is disquieting from a white author, as it touches on white supremacy.

I'm glad I came across this post. I also feel some discomfort about this author (an older white woman) writing a story about a black family, especially a black child who is special because of blue eyes - a signature trait of white supremacy. I can't judge as I haven't read it, but I think I will pass. Thanks for the review.

[Whizi]

Quite strange I may say, being a black with blue eyes!!. I think it's gonna be interesting.

[Ekta Kumari]

I find it interesting that, in spite of setting the plot around World War I, the storyline takes a different turn and explores other themes. The slow paced narrative also allows for good character development. That's definitely a plus point. Thank you for an insightful review.

[Mrunal Tikekar]

The cover looked scary at first. But it did make sense after reading the review. I am not sure I would enjoy the book as I like more fast-paced stories. Your review is very thorough.

[Kelyn]

What a beautifully written review! You seem to have really captured the 'soul' of the book. The author's take that there are different types of slavery, and even though one is freed from one type, you can still be captured by the other(s) is very thought-provoking. I think the book sounds a bit too religion-focused for my taste, but I'm sure it will find its readership.

[Lakshmi Nivedita]

On the mark of midnight a baby was born to parents Ophelia and Marvin . He was an extra ordinary child they noticed. The baby cues were musical to one ears.yes indeed he was an special child with blue eyes.
The baby was named kuimba even though the pastor at the naming ceremony thanked God for putting slavery to an end . There was still all kinds of slavery they were dark times in the world of kuimba they were only the faces of his mother and father which he adored.
The baby boy kuimba smile was a gift from God his parents used to say, at two months old he could stand from his cot and cry for his mother,when his mother took him to the landlord house ,the lady of the household was shocked to see the baby eyes and smile that she held him and began to sing making her only boy jealous.
The book is very soulful at every page , heart touching of the later on events which takes place in the life of kuimba as he grows up. It is a historical novel which is a time Turner.
Hence after reading the book, which was full of unexpected events and fiction. I would like to give it a 3 out of 4 rating kuimba by Priscilla b shuller is an best historical novel ever written.