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Michelle M. (Palm City, FL)
Interesting character
Although Lucy seems like an incredible character ,the authors writing made the story slow and not as exiting as I would like it to be. Too bad because I was hoping for more action.
Bess W. (Marlton, NJ)
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
Its difficult to imagine a female living life as a male even today. I enjoy historical fiction but had never heard of Lucy Ann Lobdell and was interested in learning her story. What a life she had! Interesting characters and well written. A good read--lots of issues for book club discussions.
Barbara G. (Lisle, IL)
A Woman in Search of Herself
When I sent to review The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell, I didn't realize the amazing journey I'd be taken on in this true story of a free-thinker who manages to encounter and battle with all manner of religious, political, and social strictures in the middle nineteenth century. As a woman, it is amazing to see how she lived as a man for long periods of time without being questioned (at least directly). One hundred years before the sexual revolution, this woman carved out her own niche and suffered mightily for it and because of it. If you've ever wondered what such a life might have been like, here it is, well-researched and well-told, though the fact that it's been written by a man leaves some questions women readers might have liked to see answered.
Jean G. (Rockford, IL)
Rebellion of Sorts
I found the story easy to read, being written in a conversational tone and more character driven, without interruption of more literary focuses such as similes and description of landscapes. It is a birds eye view of a woman around 1855 who fights in her own way for the equality that women were not being allowed. It diminishes in value as it becomes more stereotypical of the current day, the plot being centered on sexual identity rather than historical fiction. An excellent book club choice for its readability and both its traditional and hot topic themes.
Jan B. (Eugene, OR)
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
I enjoyed this book immensely. The author took the research notes a friend gave him, on a long -ago neighbor, flushed them out, filled in with his imagination, and the end result being this great historical fiction piece of the mid1800's that gives voice to an unusual young woman.
The author did an amazing job of being sensitive to the character of Lucy Ann as she decides to leave the world of being noticed as a woman, to her longer journey of being noticed as a man. This developing feminism, and her strong sense of what she believed was right is very well conceived and created by the author.
There were times I was sticky with anticipation, as the truth of her emotional self became able to dig deeper and to allow for this emerging person to confront the world in many ways. The emotional/mental strain that she endured was truly amazing, yet she persevered, though in a very sad way by the end of the story.
There is much to confront and chew on here. it should make great conversation!
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.
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.
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.