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There are currently 45 member reviews
for The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
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Rose N. (Saginaw, MI)
The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell
"The Rebellion of Miss Lucy Ann Lobdell" is, as stated by the author William Klabor, a fictional memoir. Lucy Ann, also known as Joseph, was a real person, born in 1829...a woman and a mother...who lived most of her life as a man. Her father taught her how to shoot and hunt and she became known in her area as the 'female hunter'. In an original memoir, Lucy herself described her life in which she bravely dressed, worked, hunted and married in the guise of a man. Her ability to hunt frequently warded off starvation.
This novel compassionately depicts the many sad, indeed tragic, misfortunes Lucy Ann/Joseph suffered in an era when this type of behavior could not be tolerated. As I read this novel, and realized that Lucy Ann was an actual person and not a figment of Klabor's imagination, I thought of how differently she would have been accepted in today's world. It gives one much to think about and discuss.
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Melinda W. (Los Angeles, CA)
The Ruin of Joseph Lobdell
Although I enjoyed this book, and appreciate the research that went into it, I felt from the first page that Lucy Ann Lobdell was destined for a bad end, so I always had a sense of doom or worry hanging over me when I read it. It was enlightening to read how she first decides to "live as a man" to gain better wages and jobs at first, but then comes to realize that "living and dressing as a man" is her true nature. I rejoiced when at times he found acceptance, though very saddened that it was often short lived. He was 100's of years ahead of his time, and I hope, if there is any justice in this world, there is a reincarnated Joseph Lobdell walking around this earth, living life freely, and honestly as he always wanted to, and finally finding acceptance and love. But, rebels take the risk to live what they believe in, because to live a more acceptable life would be a kind of death to them, so one has to admire Lucy/Joseph, and accept his choices.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
