What do readers think of The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell by William Klaber? Write your own review.

William Klaber turned letters and documents about an obscure woman from his hometown's past into an interesting first-person narrative. Because I didn't pay close attention to the advanced description of the book, I was a bit surprised by the focus on Lucy's sexual awakening/orientation. Given the historical facts upon which the story was based, however, I think Mr. Klaber did an admirable job of telling the tale of a very unusual woman for her time. The book kept my interest, but I don't know that I would go out of my way to recommend that others read it unless they have a specific interest in what life was …more like for a lesbian long before society was willing to acknowledge, let alone begin to accept, their presence in society. (less)

Interesting idea, but I wanted the author to delve more deeply into the main character. I did not feel like I really understood his motivations. Were they based on gender identity, sexual preference or frustration with the lack of control and opportunity for women. Was the author implying that her change in attire and manner encouraged a change in sexual appetites?

I chose to read this book because I like historical fiction of the period. I didn't realize it was about a gay lady struggling with her acceptance of her sexual orientation. It is not the subject matter I would normally read about.The best part was the Author's Afterward where he explained why and how he wrote the book. I give William Klaber kuddos for finding a real person to explore and research with whom he had a connection. The book was slow at times and I didn't identify strongly with any of the characters.

This would be a good read for someone interested in early gay rights and the evolution of women's rights.

I read this book, because I read Neverhome by Laird Hunt. I struggled to read this book, it went slower than I expected it would. Though the misadventures Lucy Ann gets into are sometimes hilarious, it was almost impossible situations. I would suggest this book to a book club, where debating books was a part of the reading. Especially if it is read in segments.

As a professional, non-traditional working mother, I was horrified yet interested in what it was like to be a woman back in the 1850s. I've read historical fiction before, but it was all much more romanticized and not as stark as this retelling. Although the story started out slowly and some parts were difficult to read, in part because of the topic and the main character's choices, I kept reading since I wanted to know how her story ended and whether she was reunited with her loved ones.

I would recommend this for anyone who has an interest in early women's liberation and/or just an interesting historical read. …more It would definitely lend itself to book clubs since there is much to dissect and discuss, and many turns that if she had decided differently, may have perhaps led her to another ending. (less)

The characters were poorly developed. They made no impression to me, to like or dislike. Lucy must have been well educated, Why, did she roam about with no plan of action to reclaim her daughter?

I found the book, a boring read, Lucy seem to plan things, without the vaguest idea of how to follow her plans for results

Let me start by saying that this book was not what I expected it to be. I received the book through the First Impressions program of BookBrowse. As an 80 year old who had faced prejudice against women in executive positions when I first entered the work force, I mistakenly believed I was going to read about an 1800's woman who was content to be a female but rebelled against the lack of an equal opportunity for females and I looked forward to receipt of the book. My impression after reading the book is that Lucy never would have found satisfaction living as a woman even if her husband had not been a jerk. Quite …more different than what I foolishly had anticipated.

In view of the fact that I understand the author wrote the book without having any diary or journal written by Lucy, I wondered as I read the book why the author had chosen to write it as a first person narrative. Then, I read the Author's Afterword which explained how the author felt his imagination had been captured by the spirit of Lucy/Joseph. I guess that answers my question about why it was written in first person and it also explains how the author was able to provide an unequivocal statement in a web site (therebellionoflucyannlobdell.com) that Lucy she did it in order to earn men's wages but in the end discovered a new sexual identity. As he said, the spirit of Lucy revealed this to him.

I will conclude by saying that I did read the whole book and there were times that I found the story quite interesting; but my overall feelings when I reached the end was gratitude that I made it to the end. If it had omitted the parts of the book about the sexual identity issue, it might have been a good adventure story, however as written I just could not relax and enjoy her "rebellion.

I feel confident that the book while the book did not satisfy me, it would probably appeal to anyone who is sympathetic to the gay and lesbian community. I am not offended by gay or lesbian relationships but I just do not understand how or why it occurs nor am I anxious to read a book justifying such a relationship. So, if you feel as I do, I do not believe you will truly enjoy this book. (less)