Rated of 5
by Sylvia J. (Los Angeles, CA) This is why I love historical fiction!
This book is a classic example of why I love historical fiction. Ms. Leveen was able to fill every page with such rich detail bringing each character to life in such a fully dimensional way and at the same time she was able to show the struggles, suffering and mixed bag that slavery represented. I truly enjoyed being able to see Mary go from young slave girl to the free woman of color who was brilliantly educated and a shrewd spy during the Civil War. I highly recommend this book to everyone but in particular I recommend it to those who enjoy historical fiction.
Rated of 5
by Mary P. (Bellingham, WA) The Secrets of Mary Bowser
This is one of the best books I've read in recent years.
While it is fiction, based on a small bit of probable history, it reads like a true story, told by a participant in an amazing part of American History. You have to admire Mary Bowser, who follows her heart to do the right thing, despite life-threatening danger.
I enjoyed learning about the different layers of society among African-Americans in those years around and including the Civil War. It is revelatory.
I would recommend this book whole-heartedly to Book Clubs and individuals who want an absorbing, thought-provoking read.
Rated of 5
by Laura A. (Jeremiah, KY) Well worth reading!
The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen is a true story of a young slave girl in Richmond, VA who spends her life (most of it being done in complete secrecy) fighting for freedom for the slaves. And in doing these things she is risking her own freedom and even life. This book was an amazing and sometimes sad story but definitely one worth reading. Mary was an incredible woman.
Rated of 5
by DawnEllen J. (Riverside, CA) History Comes Alive
Lois Leveen takes a little-known historical figure and makes her come alive in The Secrets of Mary Bowser. Working carefully researched events and other historical figures together with richly nuanced creative details and fictional elements, Leveen weaves a wonderfully engaging tapestry that honors her subject and treats difficult material with sensitivity and honesty. Through Mary's experiences, the reader is compelled to confront the usual ideas about North and South, slave and free, and comes away with a completely different understanding of this complex period of history. This is historical fiction at its best: it teaches, enlightens, delights, challenges, and entertains.
Rated of 5
by Lisa F. (Newton, MA) Well Written Story
Mary Bowser was a real person and this book combined fact with fiction to fill in the gaps. I enjoyed this book very much and learned about the Civil War, the Underground Railroad and how blacks were treated in the Union North, that they really were not allowed to live totally free. Reading about Mary's life was interesting, intriguing and I learned many new things about this time period. A wonderful read! I'm going to choose it for my book club when it's my turn.
Rated of 5
by Rachel B. (Waynetown, IN) Very touching and informative
I have a special place in my heart for historical fiction, and this was a really amazing book. What makes it more inspiring and interesting is the real life and events it was based on. Sometimes I hear people lamenting about the state of things, and I read a book like this and think how nice the world could be if we were all so brave and willing to make the kind of sacrifices and chances Mary did. The events and characters were believable, and I agree with the other readers who have said that they enjoyed the perspective of a city slave. I am also very used to the story of the slaves on the plantations and such, but it was nice to read of the experiences in Richmond, away from the fields. Pacing was a little slow in the middle, but not enough to stop my reading, or be too distracting. Definitely would recommend.
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of 5
by Sylvia J. (Los Angeles, CA) 
of 5
by Laura A. (Jeremiah, KY) 
