Title: The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek
Author: Kim Michele Richardson
Genre: Historical Fiction
First published: May 7th 2019
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Finished reading: April 23rd 2019
Pages: 320
“Lots of cures are worse than what they aim to cure.”
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Sourcebooks Landmark in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I love bookish books and I was intrigued by this story as soon as I first read the blurb. What makes this historical fiction story set in 1936 Kentucky so fascinating is that it’s based on true events. Both the Kentucky Pack Horse Librarians and the blue-skinned people of Kentucky have existed and it’s fascinating to learn more about them. The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek is well researched and gives you a lot of details about the Pack Horse Librarians, created after the Roosevelt’s New Deal Acts. It also gives you insight in the condition of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky, and while some aspects have been altered (dates of the medical research for example), it gives you a general idea of the phenomenon. This story is also about race problematics and racism; the mountain folk discriminating all non-white inhabitants without exception. While it took me a considerably long time to warm up to the writing style, once I finally did I finished the story in one sitting. The driving force behind this story is Cussy Mary, a character that will win over your heart and one that will probably stay with me for a long time. She is what you call a flawed character, but the good parts of her personality really shine through and I loved reading about her, her job and her patrons. A little warning: some scenes are a bit graphic and there are definitely a few devastating and heartbreaking moments included especially in the second half. Make sure to have your tissues close just in case! I personally found The Book Woman Of Troublesome Creek a fascinating story and while it had a slow start for me, I soon found myself I couldn’t stop reading. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction based on true events, loves unique characters and doesn’t mind a tear or two.
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Wonderful review I love the sound of this one!
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It’s definitely one I think you would enjoy despite the slower start! The historical details were fascinating.
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Aaaand my TBR just grew again! 😂 This one looks so good! Great review.
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I can definitely recommend it!
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Terrific review!!
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Thanks!
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This sounds fab, Yvo! Good to know about the slow start because I can’t wait to read it. Wonderful review!
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It’s definitely worth it to keep reading even if you feel like you are not connecting right away. 🙂
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Always good to know when a book has a slow start! Great review. 🙂
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I’m definitely glad I didn’t give up as I ended up really enjoying it.
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Great review, Yvo. I do enjoy these kinds of reads since they help me learn something new. I have no idea what blue-skinned people are. Looking forward to find out when I read the book.
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Same here! I love it when historical fiction is well researched as well as tries to teach readers something new… I hadn’t heard about the Pack Horse Librarians or the blue-skinned people before and I’m glad I was able to learn something new as well as enjoy a well written story.
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