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There are currently 45 member reviews
for The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
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Lucy B. (Urbana, OH)
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
Lucy's home life must have been unbearable for her to leave her young daughter behind, dress in her brother's clothes and run away, hoping to be undetected. Times were hard in those days and it was very difficult for families to get by and I'm sure a lone woman would have an even harder time, especially raising horses, which is what she wanted to do. I wish that Lucy had written her book as she indicated she wanted to do in her writing in 1855. Bravo to William Klaber for his work in filling in the unknown with what facts he had available in order to make a story that flowed so the reader got some idea of how Lucy survived. It is a story worth reading.
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Ann K. (Chelmsford, MA)
A Feminist in 1850
I found this book to be different but good. Lucy Lobdell was very brave and independent running away from her toddler daughter seeking work disguised as a man only to receive better pay.She became comfortable in her new role and new sexuality. I hadn't heard of Lucy Lobdell before and am glad I chose this book to read. Totally different from any other book I've read.
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Cheryl M. (Marco Island, FL)
Rebellion or journey?
An interesting book that can be read on several levels. Klaber does a good job of describing the social, cultural and physical world of 19th century America. A lot of changes were taking place when Lucy began her 'rebellion (journey)'. She was brave, defiant at pushing the social mores of the time.
Read this book with eyes toward discrimination versus acceptance, culture versus changing attitudes, but try to put yourself into the story as Lucy.
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Catharine L. (Petoskey, MI)
An incredible story - truth is stranger than fiction
When Lucy's abusive husband abandoned her and their daughter, she had few options in the 1850s. She could find another husband or live and work at home. She did neither. She cut her hair, took her brother's clothes and became Joseph.
The first 2/3's of the book were very interesting - her jobs, falling in love. The author does an excellent job describing Lucy's feelings toward Lydia, her fears about exposure, and her friendships with men. One of the most interesting chapters was her trial - accused of dressing as a man.
I didn't give it a 5 because the last third of the book seemed unorganized and rambling. I felt the author just wanted it done.
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Nancy H. (Eagan, MN)
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
I enjoyed this book very much. I had not heard of Lucy Ann Lobdell before. She had a very interesting life for a woman in the 1800's. Reading this made me realize how far we have come in recognizing women's right. Lucy Ann could not support her family as a woman, so dressed as a man to make more in wages. For this, she was punished. I think all women would enjoy reading this. I also believe it would make an excellent book club read.
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Donna W. (Lansing, NY)
Pluses and minuses.......
The first two thirds of the story were very slow-moving and somewhat tedious. While the last third gives us a deeper understanding into the true feelings of Lucy, the person, she doesn't really seem very likable, just a pathetic character. From my perspective, the beginnings of the story seem much more fictional and just not very interesting.
However, later we find that much of her personality in later life was entrenched with mental illness. We then get a truer view of how her life really must have been due to the circumstances of that time in history.
I wouldn't have been very compelled to continue on with finishing the book had I not been reviewing it. I'm glad that I persevered since the last third of the story was much more compelling and insightful into Lucy's life.
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Cheryl F. (Warren, MI)
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
I found the history of Lucy/Joseph compelling and also heartbreaking. A single women who wished not to marry in that era had a most difficult life to live. Lucy not having any means such as inheritance or support from her family had to attempt to live the status quo, i.e. marrying.
I was saddened at how much really hadn't changed for women until recently. There was the "Women's Lib" that made some changes and yet quite a bit has fallen back down the hill. Women are still a minority in so many ways: Upward mobility/equality in the job market, the upsurge of women/girls seen as sex symbols, no marriage equality for lesbians/gays, and in many states you can still be fired because of your sexual identity.
Her courage and integrity in the face of so many obstacles was nothing less than heroic.
I did feel like her personality and that of her partner were not filled out enough. Maybe that was purposeful, but to me it was frustrating.
This would make an excellent book for a book club.
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