The best-selling author of Voodoo Dreams (F0036) focuses on two women who loved the great abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Anna, a free woman of color, was his rescuer, his loving wife and mother to his children. Ottilie Assing, a white German woman, became his intellectual soul mate and mistress. At times, they all lived under the same roof.
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"Although, this is fiction..My understanding is that is based on some true aspects of Frederick Douglas life. I have always been fond of Frederick Douglas work, but never knew the dual life he led and the relationship he had with the white women while his wife who was barely literate was home having his children. Ms. Rhodes writes this story in a way that catches the readers attention where you don't really hate anyone, but feel sorry for both women. Both women gave something to Mr. Douglas and you as the reader are not sure that they got back what they lost. Neither women alone was enough for Mr. Douglas. That in theory is a sad scenario for any woman. Very good read." — Pamela (5 out of 5 stars)
"Although, this is fiction..My understanding is that is based on some true aspects of Frederick Douglas life. I have always been fond of Frederick Douglas work, but never knew the dual life he led and the relationship he had with the white women while his wife who was barely literate was home having his children. Ms. Rhodes writes this story in a way that catches the readers attention where you don't really hate anyone, but feel sorry for both women. Both women gave something to Mr. Douglas and you as the reader are not sure that they got back what they lost. Neither women alone was enough for Mr. Douglas. That in theory is a sad scenario for any woman. Very good read."
" Wow! Amazing, compelling, and facinating story of two women who deeply love the same man. Unfortunately his heart belongs to politics and power. Hmmmmm! Sounds familiar. This story takes place in the 1800's, but why does it make me think of many of our recent past and current leaders? "
" This book depicted the story of Frederick Douglas that I never heard, its a must read! "
" Interesting insight into the life of Frederick Douglass and the women who loved him. "
" Brilliant work of historical fiction by Professor Rhodes. "
" I picked up this book because Diana Gabaldon recommended it on her blog. I enjoyed the dual narrative - from Douglass's wife and from his mistress - it gave the book more movement than I expected. I thought it may affect the fluidity of the story, but I think it rather enhanced it than hindered. "
" If it were possible to give, this book deserves 50 stars! Well written, sad, funny, loving, quite an emotional ride...I recommend this book to everyone! "
" This book gave me a new idea about Fredrick Bailey Douglass, I think I may have lost all respect and reverence for him. "
" For someone who likes historical fiction and what I like to call "woman-y" books. Its an interesting combo fo the two. "
" Excellent book!! I wanted to find out more about the characters after I read this historical fiction book. I read the book in a matter of days! "
" This was a fascinating, fictional masterpiece! Told from the perspective of two women (wife and lover) emotionally and spiritually involved with Frederick Douglass, this book exposes the flaws and human side of all of the characters. I could not put this book down! "
" Could be considered icon toppling, of which I am not a fan. I choose to consider it excellent storytelling, though. "
" Yeah ummmm.... I really liked this book but I was mad as hell with Frederick Douglass (even though it's fiction). Nevertheless, it was a good read and it stirred a great deal of emotions. "
" This was another quick read by Jewell Parker Rhodes - Voodoo Dreams is one of my favorite books - she always has strong female characters based on historical data. A really good read. "
" Didn't think I would like this book. The author really used a lot of historical facts in this novel. This novel is worth reading. "
" What a great book! I really enjoyed this fictional account of the women in Frederick Douglass' life. "
" Great read and read in a few days; interesting to hear the voices of two women who were instrumental in the care and development of pivotal character in history. "
" Being that historical fiction is my fave genre, I truly enjoyed this book. I especially liked that even though it was a novel, is was based on real people and situations. The characters, you either loved or hated, there was no in between there. "
" Well, here's a historical perspective we've rarely seen.... "
" This is a very engaging book. Once again I wish I paid more attention in history class. I'm tempted to read some of the historical references mentioned at the end of the book to get a better feel for where the line between history and fiction is drawn. "
" I really enjoyed this book, it was sad for the women in Douglass' life. I guess it is true, behind every great man is a great woman. "
" I liked the book. Ended up hating Fredrick Douglass. I have no tolerance for infidelity apparently. "
" I gave it 50 pages, and just wasn't into it. "
Jewell Parker Rhodes is the author of six adult novels, two writing guides, and seven books for youth. She has won the American Book Award, the Black Caucus of the American Library Award for Literary Excellence, and the Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award. She is the founding artistic director of the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing and the narrative studies professor and Virginia G. Piper Endowed Chair at Arizona State University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Carnegie-Mellon University
Robin Miles, named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, has twice won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, an Audie Award for directing, and many Earphones Awards. Her film and television acting credits include The Last Days of Disco, Primary Colors, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order, New York Undercover, National Geographic’s Tales from the Wild, All My Children, and One Life to Live. She regularly gives seminars to members of SAG and AFTRA actors’ unions, and in 2005 she started Narration Arts Workshop in New York City, offering audiobook recording classes and coaching. She holds a BA degree in theater studies from Yale University, an MFA in acting from the Yale School of Drama, and a certificate from the British American Drama Academy in England.
Linda Stephens is a seasoned audiobook narrator whose readings include Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, which won an AudioFile Earphones Award and was a finalist for the Audie Award for Best Narration.
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