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The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell by William Klaber

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell

by William Klaber

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  • Feb 2015, 288 pages
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There are currently 47 reader reviews for The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
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Laurie F. (Brookline, MA)

An Absorbing Tale of Lucy/Joseph
An amazing story of Lucy who at first disguises herself as a man (Joseph) to have the earning power and status to support her only child. As the story progresses she identifies and becomes the man she only thought to mimic. As she travels through the unexplored territories of eastern United States in the mid-1800's, she also explores herself and her sexuality as a naturally born woman who falls in love with other women. A fascinating story of the ignorance, prejudice, and the abuse she encounters until the very end.
Helen M. (Petaluma, CA)

Rebellion
Very good books of a historical fiction bent open windows to certain times and places. The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell lets us enter a time and place I had not before experienced. It was a fascinating read. Unbelievable courage displayed by so many characters. Amazing grace and compassion. If you enjoy traveling back in time and learning of that time, this book is for you. I think it is historical fiction as it should be.
Chris L

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
I knew nothing of Lucy Ann Lobdell before reading this most interesting novel. Talk about survival of the fittest! I commend the author, William Klaber, for his excellent research and weaving the great story of Lucy/Joseph and her difficult decisions, talents, determination, survival, sexual identity, rape, heartache, and achievements. I learned so much about that time period...the people, way of life, hardships, and the attitude toward women and what they should and should never do. Thank you Lucy Ann Lobdell!
Pam L. (Melbourne Beach, FL)

The Female Hunter
This novel is so rich, a tapestry of life, love, death, sadness and bitter disappointment. William Klaber gives the reader an unexpected, unique, adventure tale in his novel The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell. Lucy's story is packed with history, survival, political and moral issues, and unforgettable characters and places. I couldn't wait to pick this book up and hear what 'Lucy' was doing next. Klaber's use of Lucy's voice telling her story was so believable and every well placed detail added so much to this wonderful book. Just a great story.
Eileen F. (Green Valley, AZ)

Independence
Klaber does an excellent job of portraying Lucy/Jo, in her struggle in the role as a female in the 1850's. The narrative was very engaging in the male dominance of the religious, social, and legal environment of the time. I probably would rather have read the afterword of the book as a preface to the story. As Nancy posted, I would enjoy discussing this book in a book group.
Sally G. (Saint Johns, FL)

Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
What an interesting book. I am descended by grandparents of the Dakotas in the 1850s As a result I am interested in all the stories of these brave people. Although the book is fiction, it is based on a real women's life although she preferred to be not Lucy but Joseph.

As Lucy becomes the victim as a women she reaches out to rid herself of that victim and becomes a man in dress and demeanor. She may then support herself and make a life outside of a marriage. This is the story of that freedom she strives to attain.
Bobbie D. (Boca Raton, FL)

Joseph
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell is a well told piece of historical fiction that takes place in the 1800s. In many ways she reminds me of Lentl. They are strong women, ahead of their time, wanting to be free of the shackles that define a female, and to be able to follow their dreams. So, they set out, dressed as men. Lucy, or Joseph as she becomes, runs away from her family in Pennsylvania, leaving behind a young daughter and an abusive husband. Her violin and dance education serve her well. Her travels and hardships, her relationships with men and with other women, create a fascinating story. Her romantic attraction to women may have been caused by her harsh treatment from men in her life, or not! Indian raids, cold and hard winters and ignorant feelings toward the insane all contribute to this novel. Lucy was ahead of her time.
Power Reviewer
Doris K. (Angora, MN)

The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
This book is an example of well written and fascinating historical fiction, my favorite. Although Lucy Ann's life doesn't always work out the way the reader would prefer, the author is true to the limited information he had on the life of this woman.

The story is told in the first person and done very well. As I read I felt as though Lucy was there telling me her story.

This book would make a good book club choice. There are many areas to discuss as Lucy had to make many decisions about how to live her life. Which ones were correct or best for her would make interesting discussions of the book.

I recommend this to all who enjoy historical fiction.

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