Read what people think about King Peggy by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman, and write your own review.
King Peggy An American Secretary, Her Royal Destiny, and the Inspiring Story of How She Changed an African Village
by Peggielene Bartels, Eleanor Herman
Hardcover: Feb 2012,
352 pages.
Paperback: Feb 2013,
368 pages.
Rated of 5
by Shelby L. (Hamden, CT) The Power of One
An amazing story of one woman's ability to turn around the fate of her birth village in Ghana. Peggy Bartels, a secretary in the Ghanian Embassy in Washington is called to become King of the village she left 30 years before. She accepts the job not knowing how run down and rife with thievery the place has become. It's a fascinating read of what one person with determination can do. It would make a great book club discussion.
Rated of 5
by Donna N. (casa grande, AZ) King Peggy
What a delightful story!! I enjoyed the "King" and what she brought to this village in Ghana. It had me smiling many times, and it would be a good book for book clubs allowing them to discuss strong women and look at this part of the world in a way we don't often have the privilege of encountering.
Rated of 5
by Beverly J. (Huntersville, NC) A Journey Begins ......
I was a little surprised how much I enjoyed this book – I expected to like the story, but once I started reading I did not want to stop. In many ways this book reminded me of when I read “Unbowed” by Wangari Maathai, and I was in awe of one person taking baby steps which had giant step impact. After finishing this book the following words came to mind: charming, refreshing, dignity, delightful, informative, entertaining, readable, and upbeat. It was refreshing to read a story regarding Africa where the main theme was not about war, violence, extreme poverty, child soldiers, and “just falling apart”. Not that some of these conditions do not exist, but the emphasis is on the town and people of Otuam, Ghana and their everyday lives.
The book explains how the concept of “kings” and why it still exists in Ghana. I enjoyed learning the culture and customs of Ghana, especially of the Fante people which was integrated well into the storyline and not a distraction.
King Peggy is someone I would like to seat next to at a dinner party – her personality just shines through in this book. While reading this book I read about the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and this quote is so appropriate to King Peggy - “My sisters, my daughters, my friends — find your voice," Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said after collecting her Nobel diploma and medal. Once again another African woman is making a positive change in Africa by confronting traditional protocols for the better of all – it seems that women are better at breaking the cycle of corruption. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories about grass-root movements and inspirational stories.
Rated of 5
by Lesley F. (San Diego, CA) Inspiring Memoir
"King Peggy" is a riveting memoir from a woman who was able to make things work in a nearly impossible situation. The story was compelling. So many events happened that got in the way of her dreams and ambitions for her village that I was angry and frustrated for her and had to keep reading! It is an encouraging read for any woman. Several of my friends will be receiving copies as soon as it is published!
Rated of 5
by Cheryl W. (Cassville, MO) King Peggy
Inspiring, funny, heartwarming, just a few adjectives to describe King Peggy. It is amazing what one person can do to help an entire community. King Peggy is a truly enjoyable read.
Rated of 5
by Joan V. (Miller Place, NY) A real number one lady
If you like A. McCall’s “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” books you will really like “King Peggy.” Because this book is fact, not fiction it is all the more fascinating. It is a wonderful story of how one amazing, wonderful woman had such an impact on a small village in Ghana, Africa. If we had more King Peggys the world would be a much better place.
The stories are very interesting, sometimes funny, often touching and a wonderful depiction of what modern life in rural Africa is like
I highly recommend it and think it would make a very good book club choice.
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of 5
by Shelby L. (Hamden, CT) 
of 5
by Donna N. (casa grande, AZ) 
