Olga: A Daughter's Tale by Marie-Thérèse Browne - Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists

Nov 12, 2011 Alex rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, genea-fiction

This true story of the author’s mother and grandparents over the 1900-1950s period is told in the form of fictionalised letters and diary entries. These generations moved between Jamaica and England, and it was interesting to get an insight into the lives of English emigrants in Jamaica and vice versa.

Olga moves from Jamaica to London in early 1939 and is unable to return home due to the war. The author has done a wonderful job of taking the individual events and memories she has been told about...more

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Sep 09, 2011 Peggy rated it 5 of 5 stars

'A kind, naive and gentle girl, Olga came to London from Jamaica in 1939 to live with her malevolent, alcoholic aunt and intending to stay only six months. But world events, personal tragedy and malicious intent all combined to prevent her from returning to her family in Kingston.

Based on a true story and written using diary entries and letters 'Olga-A Daughter's Tale' is about cruelty, revenge and jealousy inflicted on an innocent young woman and about her moral courage, dignity, resilience and...more 'A kind, naive and gentle girl, Olga came to London from Jamaica in 1939 to live with her malevolent, alcoholic aunt and intending to stay only six months. But world events, personal tragedy and malicious intent all combined to prevent her from returning to her family in Kingston.

Based on a true story and written using diary entries and letters 'Olga-A Daughter's Tale' is about cruelty, revenge and jealousy inflicted on an innocent young woman and about her moral courage, dignity, resilience and in particular love.'

from the author's description

I loved this book! I started it late in the afternoon and couldn't put it down until I finished and was left wanting more!

This is a story of how one persons selfish cruelty changed the course of a beautiful young woman's life forever

I enjoyed the history of Jamaica, which I knew nothing about. The sketches of the plants and birds of the region, the descriptions of the plantations and towns made you feel like you where there.

The courage of Olga's mother, Becky, to buck societies 'rules' and go with her heart even though it cost her dearly was an inspiration.Then there's Olga...gentle, loving, trusting Olga. One brief instant in time and her life was forever changed. My heart hurt for her and the unjustified shame she carried all those years. But, she never let it change who she was, never became bitter or hateful. Her sweetness and faith in God was amazing considering. I liked Olga, I found myself rooting for her and railing against the evil selfishness that came against her.

I liked the diary form of the book but would have liked to have had dates with each entry to help me keep the timeline better in my head as I read. And I am dying to know the 'rest' of Olga's story now...What happened after she left the Langfords? Did life get easier for her? Did she ever have someone to love her and share her life with? Did she get to see her remaining family in Jamaica after they found her? There is still so much to tell.

Olga is one of those characters that will be in my thoughts for quite a while. Well done Marie! You told your mom's story well! I give this book 5 stars. Read it!!(less)

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Jul 30, 2011 Kyria rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a story of both England and Jamaica, the people and cultures of both countries and the racism that existed there during the early 1900s. Olga, the daughter of a White English woman and a Black Jamaican man, goes to London to study dance and ends up living in London as a colored single woman during WWII. She has some hardships due to her race and her social status but gets through them in the end.

I liked this book. It is written in journal entry form, both from the viewpoint of Olga, who...more

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Jul 04, 2011 Debolina Raja Gupta rated it 5 of 5 stars

When author Marie Therese Browne sent me a mail asking if I would be interested to review her book 'Olga: A Daughter's Tale' in India, the word she used to describe the genre of her book was 'family-saga'. And that is exactly what got my bookworm spirit really excited.

Marie self-published the book in 2007 for close family and friends, but it was not until the year 2010 that she thought of starting to market the book.

The book is based on real events, chronicling the life of Olga, a young colour...more When author Marie Therese Browne sent me a mail asking if I would be interested to review her book 'Olga: A Daughter's Tale' in India, the word she used to describe the genre of her book was 'family-saga'. And that is exactly what got my bookworm spirit really excited.

Marie self-published the book in 2007 for close family and friends, but it was not until the year 2010 that she thought of starting to market the book.

The book is based on real events, chronicling the life of Olga, a young coloured girl, who went to London in 1939 for only a few months, but who could never return back to her family back in Kingston due to world events, tragedy and victimisation.

The beauty of Olga: A Daughter's Tale, is that it draws from real events and news. The author has done a thorough research and the same is evident in her use of real newspaper cuttings, dating as back as the year 1900, she has used real ads that were used in those days, giving us a 'real' glimpse into the situation of coloured and 'black' people at a time when slavery had just been abolished or was being abolished. The dates, the years, are all well researched and genuine.

The story of Olga begins way before Olga will be introduced to the reader, the intention being to give us a complete understanding of the history and background of the events that are to take place as Olga will be introduced later. The characters are well-drawn and etched in our minds for a long time. As you turn the pages, the events keep unfolding in front of your eyes, almost as if you have been transported to a different time and world altogether and are viewing everything in person. The book also shares old B&W photographs that help us understand the times and circumstances better.

What I really loved about the book was that though it has been written by a person from the other side of the globe, and the characters, as well as the story, is based in a part of the world that I have never been in, it was really easy for me to identify with the characters and settings. For all you readers here in India, this book is really a wonderful read, especially as it also gives a very detailed glimpse into the life, cultures and traditions of a race and people that we may not have experienced in person, but will love once we get to know them.

The writing style is flowing and easy to read through quickly. One very interesting thing I noticed in the book is the voice of the book. Marie has used diary entries to tell us of all the events that happened..check out about her style of writing in the interview I am going to do with her....

The book is filled with character and memories. The pages are made beautiful with sketches, diary entries, old newspaper advertisements and cut-outs.

No. of pages: 267

My verdict: Must-Read
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Jun 03, 2011 Cindy Borgne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story is a great read that brings with it wisdom to be gained based on real life events. It’s not your typical novel because it’s told through a series of letters and diary entries. At first I didn’t think that this format would interest me, but the more I read the more I found it compelling.

Most of the diary entries and letters are from three women: Lucy, Becky and Olga. Through their eyes, I learned interesting and well described details about Jamaican beliefs and customs. I also learned...more

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May 27, 2012 Srinivas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: armchair-travels-2012

A powerful touching biography of a young colored woman during the days when racism was still very much present in post colonial Britain.

Hailing from the tropical paradise of Jamaica, which was formerly a British colony, young Olga comes to Britain, the land of her mother's birth, with bright blue eyes hoping to learn to be a dancer. The trying times and struggles that she goes through, thanks to a scheming, vile aunt, the world war 2, her skin color and the circumstances she finds herself in wo...more

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Aug 31, 2011 Michele Minor rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books

This is tale of both Jamaica and England. Olga in born in Jamaica to a white mother and a black father which was frowned upon in the twenties and thirties in Jamaica. The writer does show the color prejudice in the book,even among the blacks where they are broken up into the blacks who are darker skinned and the coloureds who are lighter skinned and are of a higher social class. There is also a double standard in Jamaica where white men can have babies with black or coloured women but it is frow...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Rose Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebooks, read-in-2012, giveaways-contests

Wow...what a treasure the author has written for her family! So happy she has shared with the rest of us!

I can't tell you how much I admire Olga. All that she went through and sacrificed for her daughter. So full of courage and her strong faith.
I also enjoyed learning bits about Jamaica.
I really enjoyed how the book was written in letters, journal entries, and telegrams.

"Mammie taught us all to follow her example of being proud, polite, to act with dignity and not do anything that we would be as...more

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Oct 18, 2011 Siobian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, read-in-2011, review-copy, non-fiction

Olga is a young woman living in Jamaica and is the daughter of a Jamaican man and a white woman. When she has the opportunity to study dance in England, she seizes the opportunity expecting only to stay for a few months. However, when WWII begins, she is unable to return to Jamaica and instead decides to take up nursing. During her training, she is raped by an army doctor and finds herself pregnant which forces her to give up of her idea of becoming a nurse. Olga keeps her child, but does not re...more

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Oct 04, 2011 Bev Hankins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: biography, memoir, non-fiction, review-copy

Olga: A Daughter's Tale is the story of Carmen Browne. Written by her daughter, Marie-Therese Browne, it is gives readers the results of Marie's efforts to discovery her mother's history and whether she has any family living or not. Over the years, Marie's mother had steadfastly refused to tell her anything about her past, her family or Marie's father. And when her mother became seriously ill, Marie realized that she must begin researches on her own.

She soon learns that her mother's real name wa...more Olga: A Daughter's Tale is the story of Carmen Browne. Written by her daughter, Marie-Therese Browne, it is gives readers the results of Marie's efforts to discovery her mother's history and whether she has any family living or not. Over the years, Marie's mother had steadfastly refused to tell her anything about her past, her family or Marie's father. And when her mother became seriously ill, Marie realized that she must begin researches on her own.

She soon learns that her mother's real name was Olga Browney and Olga had been born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. An advertisement in the local paper in Jamaica would bring Marie and her mother in contact with family that Olga had not seen in over 50 years. Further revelations disclosed that Olga was one of eleven children from a very close-knit family of mixed heritage. Olga's mother, Becky Ross, had braved the color prejudice of those times and married a black man--Henry Browney. This resulted in broken ties with Becky's family back in England and caused a rift with her sister Martha that would create even more damage later in life.

When Olga is a young woman, she goes to London in 1939 to stay with Martha--who has become a soured, malicious and drunken woman. The plan is for Olga to stay for only six months, but war comes to England and events and tragedy prevent Olga from making her way home. She attempts a career in nursing--but the tragedy strikes and Olga is forced to take servant positions to keep herself and now her small daughter alive.

This is a heart-breaking story about how cruelty and revenge is inflicted on Olga and and a heart-warming story about her valiant efforts to meet every hardship with head held high and with her customary gentleness. It is revealed to the reader through narrative, letters and diary entries. Olga was a remarkable woman who showed great courage and love for her little daughter. It is unfortunate that circumstances and misunderstandings kept her apart from her family for so long. The story is well-told and, were it not for work, I would have read it straight through. It is very touching as well as informative. I learned a lot about Jamaican life in the early 20th Century. I am very grateful to Marie-Therese Brown for the chance to read and review this incredible tribute to her mother. Four stars.

[Disclaimer: This book was sent to me as an advanced reader copy. My review policy is posted on my blog, but just to reiterate...This review copy was offered to me for impartial review and I have received no payment of any kind. All comments are entirely my own honest opinion.](less)

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Nov 28, 2011 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-book

This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.

Olga - A Daughter’s Tale is a story that spans several decades and several generations. It’s told through diary entries, letters, and telegrams by various members of the Browney (Brown) family between England and Jamaica.

I thought this was a really remarkable tale, especially knowing it was based on a true story. Olga had to overcome so many obstacles, and such adversity an...more

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Jul 16, 2011 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

Olga- A Daughters Tale is a story told through letters, diary entries and newspaper articles.

It is about Olga Browney, the ninth of eleven children. Born in 1915 to an English mother and a Jamaican father.

Olga- A Daughter’s tale is about life as a coloured Jamaican and the struggle with racism and disadvantages.

Jamaica in those times (1900s to World War 2) was very much like London with the emphasis on class. White Jamaicans were always looking down on the coloured and black Jamaicans and they h...more

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Jun 16, 2011 Danelle rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, biography-memoir, first-reads, swapped-or-donated

An interesting book and one that's hard to rate - due to the format of the book. The story is told through diary excerpts, letters, telegrams, and newspaper clippings. It's more like a scrapbook.

Olga Browney, born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica grew up with 10 siblings in a Catholic home. In 1939, she moved to London to live with an aunt while she attended school. Due to events (the war, her alcoholic aunt, and other circumstances), Olga stays in London and changes her name to Carmen Browne. Th...more

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Jul 04, 2011 L_manning rated it 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing story! This book starts with Lucy Sinclair, a young wife who moves from England to Jamaica with her husband. Her sisters soon follow, and younger sister Becky soon creates a bit of a scandal by marrying a black man. Becky has 11 children, and this is where Olga's story begins. Olga is a sweet girl who always wants to be good, but she is a bit naive at times. Her family goes through their own adventures and scandals. Olga goes to England and eventually becomes stranded due to Worl...more What an amazing story! This book starts with Lucy Sinclair, a young wife who moves from England to Jamaica with her husband. Her sisters soon follow, and younger sister Becky soon creates a bit of a scandal by marrying a black man. Becky has 11 children, and this is where Olga's story begins. Olga is a sweet girl who always wants to be good, but she is a bit naive at times. Her family goes through their own adventures and scandals. Olga goes to England and eventually becomes stranded due to World War II. In England she endures the trials and tragedy of war, along with a few personal problems that occur. Throughout it all Olga remains remarkably resilient and courageous. She is determined to do the best she can at all she does, and she manages to take care of herself even in dire circumstances.

Perhaps the most remarkable thing about this book is that it is a true story. The story is told through a series of letters, newspaper clippings, and diary entries. I found this to be a marvelous way to get into the different character's personalities. I enjoyed this way of telling the story. I found it to be an effective way to tell everything that happened without unnecessary amounts of long exposition. There were many topics of great interest to me. Olga's life was made much more difficult by the racism she faced in Jamaica and England. Another very interesting part to me were the descriptions of life in London during the war. You get a feel for how frightening it must have been to try and go on with your life while bombs were falling.

I enjoyed this book so much, and it really makes me want to go look into my family history. While I may not have relatives with a life as exciting as Olga's, I certainly think there are stories of interest to me. This book was very interesting and quick to read. It shows the good and bad parts of what happened to a family, and Olga persevered through it all. Olga is a remarkable woman, and I'm glad that I got to read her story.

Book provided by author for review.(less)

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Nov 21, 2011 Alyssa Archambo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: non-fiction, biography, historical, british-literature

Olga -- A Daughter's Tale is a story rich with historical and cultural detail, intrigue, and family. It takes place during a very interesting time period in both Jamaica's and England's history. Besides being about family, love, and doing what it takes to get through tough circumstances, this is also a study on the character of people. There are all sorts of people represented in this novel, and it's interesting to see how their actions affect other people, whether it's a good thing or a bad thi...more Olga -- A Daughter's Tale is a story rich with historical and cultural detail, intrigue, and family. It takes place during a very interesting time period in both Jamaica's and England's history. Besides being about family, love, and doing what it takes to get through tough circumstances, this is also a study on the character of people. There are all sorts of people represented in this novel, and it's interesting to see how their actions affect other people, whether it's a good thing or a bad thing.

However, I don't think the diary format was the best choice for this novel. First of all, the entries weren't dated -- not even a year was given, so I was confused as to when exactly events were taken place. Secondly, there were times when the descriptions or historical information didn't fit in with the voice of the person writing the entries. The benefit of having diary entries is that the reader gets to feel close to the character, and while I felt close to Olga near the end of the novel, I wasn't feeling that connection at the beginning. I think short stories, or even a chapter format would have been better.

Despite that, this is a great story. It's both heartbreaking and inspirational. And to know that this is non-fiction and not just a made up story makes it even better. Besides being a quick read (I couldn't put this book down!), it is an inspiring story. I like books that make me think after I've put them down and make me want to learn more about the stuff it brings up. I now have a few books on hold at my library about Jamaica and World War II in England, because I couldn't get them out of my head after reading this book.

This is a book everyone can appreciate, because it's about real life. We all have family drama (and Olga certainly has that!), and all our families have their quirks. We have all been in a tough spot at sometime or another, and we have all had to find our way out of that tough spot. That's what at the heart of this novel. One girl's path to becoming a woman, an event that changed her life, and the decisions she made after that. It's beautiful and it makes a good story. I am so glad Marie decided to write down her mother's tale.

*I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.*(less)

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Sep 18, 2011 Beth rated it 4 of 5 stars

This really is a fascinating story told in Olga's own words and the collection of letters and diary entries included are extremely eye-opening but also leave the reader with plenty of questions. It's be great to know what else happened to Olga and Marie, whilst Marie was at high school for example. My favourite section was the events that happened in Jamaica, it was interesting to read about the lives of a whole family and how they developed and changed, Becky in particular is a fantastic woman...more

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May 31, 2011 Literary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Cover

I thought the cover was okay when I first received the book, but after reading the story I looked at the cover a second time. That second look endeared the cover to me. I like to think the old photographs and color drawings on the cover are personal mementos from the author's, now gone, family members ... only the author knows for sure if they are.

Plot

The back cover states this book is written in the form of diary entries and old letters ... I would rather like to believe these chapters are...more

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Apr 10, 2011 *Babs* rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc-asked-to-review, women-issues, love, historical, family-relationships, drama

A fascinating true story that touched my life. Olga, a remarkable woman leaves her family behind in Jamaica to go to London. Her dreams of attending a dance school was not as she has planned. She comes through some of the toughest times anyone should not bare, but shines right on through. Olga is timid and naive at times, but works her way through it.

I loved this book one I rarely read books like this. Olga took my breath away leaving me with wanting to know more about what happens to her and h...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Alejandro Canton-Dutari rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Olga - A Daughter's Tale by Marie Campbell
Reviewed by Alex Canton-Dutari
I have always believed that family history should be recorded, and Ms. Campbell has reported on her mother's life in a very unique fashion: Through recollection of letters and diaries.
As the story originates in England but develops in Jamaica with a return to England, I was enthralled by the sociological descriptions that made me smile. In my country, Panama, there is a large black population which follows, even today, the s...more

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Oct 10, 2011 Jessica Bronder rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

We start the story with an English couple, John and Lucy Sinclair, as they travel to Jamaica to start a new life. While there, Lucy convinces her sisters Martha and Becky to come visit. While on a visit, Becky falls in love with Henry, a black man, of course this is frowned upon and the Browne’s become the talk of everyone. Martha feels her chance to make a living is ruined by Becky’s imprudence and returns to London.

Becky has 11 children from Henry but the marriage ends in divorce. Of the young...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Christina Jones rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a story that drew me in, totally, and wouldn't let me put it down until I finished. And when I did finish, it made me feel sad for Olga, who was so innocent that she didn't understand that she had no need to feel shame over her rape and the subsequent birth of an illegitimate daughter; sad that I know women who are still looked down upon for these same events in their lives; yet happy for the author/daughter who finally found closure with her missing family.
Olga's story of rape and t...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Marie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2011, review-book

This review was originally posted on my blog, Ramblings of a Daydreamer. You can find it, and many more reviews at the blog.

Olga - A Daughter’s Tale is a story that spans several decades and several generations. It’s told through diary entries, letters, and telegrams by various members of the Browney (Brown) family between England and Jamaica.

I thought this was a really remarkable tale, especially knowing it was based on a true story. Olga had to overcome so many obstacles, and such adversity an...more

like · see review

Jun 07, 2011 Erika rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, biographical, nonfiction, review-books-suddenly

Interview with Marie-Therese Browne:

http://suddenlybooks.blogspot.com/201...

Review:

4.5/5

This book is so good, I barely know where to start. Told through letters, newspaper articles, diary entries and more, Marie-Therese Browne’s family history re-telling had me wanting to know more with every turn of the page.

Olga’s wish for her daughter Marie was to leave the past alone, to not ask questions about where they came from, and who her father was. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for Mari...more Interview with Marie-Therese Browne:

http://suddenlybooks.blogspot.com/201...

Review:

4.5/5

This book is so good, I barely know where to start. Told through letters, newspaper articles, diary entries and more, Marie-Therese Browne’s family history re-telling had me wanting to know more with every turn of the page.

Olga’s wish for her daughter Marie was to leave the past alone, to not ask questions about where they came from, and who her father was. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for Marie to ignore her mother’s desire - when the easiest thing in the world is to just do nothing. This is definitely courage to go out and seek what you need from the world. But this is not Marie’s family history research. This is the story she found on that search – come to life.

It’s so well written. Every person has a unique voice in this tale and every person has their own tale to tell. I loved the bits and pieces of information that kept coming in about who Marie’s ancestors where. And I loved that what you got to see that they were more than just a cast list of characters that just happened to fit into the story. I really got to know them and see where they fit into their world. And in the process I really came to care about every person that Marie introduced.

It is so full of not just family history, but social history as well. I was so fascinated throughout the tale at the culture that we learn about in this book. I didn’t know much about Jamaican history before reading Olga: A Daughter’s Tale, and I certainly didn’t know very much about the social norms and mores, but my eyes are wide open now! And I certainly didn’t know about the opportunities Jamaican people had to go to Britain for training – a circumstance which brings Olga to this country in what turns out to be more life changing than this woman could have possibly imagined.

This book surprised me in so many ways. I had a feeling I would like this book from the start, but what I found was something that I didn’t just like but want to share with the world. If you have the chance, pick this book up. You won’t regret it.

** As reviewed on Suddenly Books.
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Aug 02, 2007 Travelling Cari added it

Shelves: non-fiction

Below is my FSR book review:

Olga A Daughter’s Tale by Marie-Thérèse Browne (ISBN: 1847530478) is an inspirational tale that makes the reader realize that what you know isn’t always reality. Although this is just one woman’s tale, it represents one that a lot of people go through today when asked the question, “Where are you from?” How do you answer that? At times it seems there isn’t an answer even if you want to provide one. For Ms. Browne, the question grows even more complicated in that she r...more Below is my FSR book review:

Olga A Daughter’s Tale by Marie-Thérèse Browne (ISBN: 1847530478) is an inspirational tale that makes the reader realize that what you know isn’t always reality. Although this is just one woman’s tale, it represents one that a lot of people go through today when asked the question, “Where are you from?” How do you answer that? At times it seems there isn’t an answer even if you want to provide one. For Ms. Browne, the question grows even more complicated in that she realizes if her mother isn’t who she believed her to be, does that mean she herself isn’t?

The story doesn’t really have a flow to speak of since each chapter begins with a new item: a journal entry, an article reprint, a letter… What reminds us that this is a story of a real person, of her life, is that some of the letters feature a reproduced signature. This isn’t just the story about people, it is their own story. In their words.

Early on, the reader is introduced to those people who were important in Olga’s life and whose stories form the crux of the book: Martha, Becky, Vive and Lucy. It’s all in response to an ad in the Times for an apprentice. John Sinclair is selected and he travels to Jamaica with his wife, Lucy Ross. Lucy’s sisters are Martha and Becky and the early chapters are filled with Lucy’s letters to her sisters speaking of the new life in Jamaica. Chapter 3 is Becky’s diary as she travels to Jamaica to visit her sister. This visit later becomes permanent. Those of us growing up today in the era of airplanes and non-stop service cannot imagine such an arduous journey

Olga’s diary is introduced in Chapter 8, the result of a gift from her sister Vive. The graciousness of a young girl, thrilled with a birthday gift is palpable. Her stories are filled with a young girl’s eagerness to tell us about her family, and this is how we learn about Olga. This is how she tells the story of her life.

The timelines, article reprints, letters, drawings and photos which appear in the book are really an asset in that they give the reader a sense of time and place. They also help to further underscore what the author wanted to convey. Her description of the boats used for passage to and from Jamaica were complemented by a sketch of the boat. I liked the small touches such as the inclusion of the menu from the final formal dinner: Croutes au Parmesan, Jamaican Goat, Pineapple Jellies. She didn’t just describe the flora and fauna of Jamaica, she showed us. That said, perhaps the book would be further enhanced if these images were in color or featured on the book’s website. Finally, the color photo of Olga on the book’s back cover reminds us that this is a real person. The book’s artwork is nicely supplemented by the color photography on the author’s website < http://ww2.olga-a-daughters-tale.com:...;.

Overall, this story is an interesting way for the author to present her family’s experiences and lives. By telling them in the first person, through their diaries, we’re allowed to know them better than reading about them.
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Feb 03, 2013 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Normally I am more of a horror/thiller/fantasy fan but I must say this was an exceptional read. I loved the diary and letter between the family members format. You get a very real feel for all involved and as it is based on real history it makes for an excellent way to spend and afternoon in the sun. If you love history and want a very real look then this is a must read, and if you don't you'll probably like it anyway!

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Oct 01, 2012 Chris Bullock rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-reviewed, memoir

An interesting memoir related through the diaries and letters of a Jamaican family from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. A mix of trials and tribulations generate pathos, fear and shame primarily from the main character - Olga. I found it fairly light reading and well described, giving the reader the opportunity to be involved with the culture that drives the story.

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Dec 30, 2012 Vallory rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: family-history-genealogy

As a family historian, I give three cheers to Ms. Browne for her wonderful genealogical work. As a writer, I am impressed with the weaving of historical clues into a family history tale that is both compelling and heartwarming. I recommend this book for those interested in family history, early interracial relationships or just looking for a fascinating true story.

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Jan 27, 2012 Agnes (BeaderBubbe) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. You see I am more into mysteries and this clearly wasn't one of my usual genres. But I got hooked on Becky and enamored with the plantation in Jamaica and all its beauty
I especially love Olga's diary as I too love to write in journals. Her diary took you onto her life not only in Jamaica but also her adventures in London. She made you feel like you were right there
with her. This book combined love of family, sadness, and a special beauty in the words of a y...more

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Sep 12, 2011 Cathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a well thought out story of a family saga involving Jamaica and London England . I found this book to be thought provoking and insightful and how you can learn so much from your family . This was a great read and I want to thank the author for selecting me to review it . I loved it clearly a winner in my book .

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Jun 14, 2012 Lori Henrich rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Olga was very happy as a child growing up in Jamaica. Her mother emigrated there after a visit with her sister. Becky fell in love and decided to stay. It wasn't an easy life but it was fulfilling. This is the story of Olga, on of Becky's 11 children. Olga loved her family very much and it was difficult for her to head off to London to go to school. Olga never dreamed that she would never set foot in her homeland again.

Olga story is told through the diaries of her Aunt Lucy, her mother Becky an...more

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1627077.Olga?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328958314l/1627077.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1627077.Olga?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Olga: A Daughter's Tale by Marie-Thérèse Browne[/url]

Olga: A Daughter's Tale

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Olga: A Daughter's Tale

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Books by Marie-Thérèse Browne

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