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The Secret Life of Lucy Bosman
Lucy Bosman is a shrewd business woman in a day and time not too amenable to the dreams and desires of women - especially colored women. The widow of an ex-slave and well-educated, the mulatto woman had great plans to start over and make a life for herself when she left her hometown of Nashville, Tennessee and headed further South in the spring of 1860. Two years later, Lucy is planted firmly in Richmond, Virginia, running a successful business while passing as a white woman and avoiding the personal attentions and promises of love by plantation owner, Thomas Parker. She has managed to keep her identity a secret from the town and Thomas, but the looming Civil War threatens to change everything. In The Secret Life of Lucy Bosman, nothing is safe from the destruction of war and secrets. Not even the dreams and heart of a single mulatto woman.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
225 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 18, 2014
45 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah L. Pierce
7 books39 followersIt is not every day that an English Literature teacher finds their way to writing plays; in fact, you’d expect said teacher to venture into writing novels, which I have done. But I have been drawn to theatre like a bee to honey ever since I saw a dance rehearsal to Bill Wither’s “Ain’t No Sunshine When She’s Gone” at the local community college in my hometown of Stockton, CA in 1989. A homeless pre-teen at the time, my heart and soul screamed “home” when I witnessed creativity birthed on the stage that day, and I have never stopped dreaming of one day seeing my plays on the stage.
Today, I refer to myself as a socially conscious playwright in that much of my work revolves around issues that impact the quality of life of women and their families. As a military veteran, once a homeless youth, entrepreneur and now teacher, I have been witness to the power of storytelling whether it is through the pages of a book or on the stage; it can bring about healing. Over the past 10 years, I have created plays that have attempted to bring forth issues such as child molestation, poverty, domestic violence and mental illness to the stage because for me, the stage is the ultimate truth box. An audience pays to be confronted, consumed and then released by it.
I am a writer – a storyteller. I am an advocate for the often dazzling, blinding reality of truth.
Today, I refer to myself as a socially conscious playwright in that much of my work revolves around issues that impact the quality of life of women and their families. As a military veteran, once a homeless youth, entrepreneur and now teacher, I have been witness to the power of storytelling whether it is through the pages of a book or on the stage; it can bring about healing. Over the past 10 years, I have created plays that have attempted to bring forth issues such as child molestation, poverty, domestic violence and mental illness to the stage because for me, the stage is the ultimate truth box. An audience pays to be confronted, consumed and then released by it.
I am a writer – a storyteller. I am an advocate for the often dazzling, blinding reality of truth.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 23, 2014
“The Secret Life of Lucy Bosman, by Rebekah L. Pierce,” was an AWESOME READ!
I am giving it 5 STARS! I really don’t know how to express how awesome the story is without giving away the story itself. I can only stress that it is a must read. The story is very well written, character development, plot and all that goes into writing a story was well done. I could see Lucy and the other characters as if I was watching a movie. The history that’s been included in this story was very interesting. I am from Virginia; the story is based in Richmond, Va. I had no idea how much of Richmond’s African American history I did not know. It’s refreshing to read a story that not only entertains but educates as well. Lucy, a mulatto woman is very brave using strength coming from those she can not physically touch. I could feel her fear, as it caused me to be anxious for the end. Yet when it ended, I was screaming NO, NO; I need more! This is a story I would love to see on the big screen, PLAYING IN A THEATRE NEAR YOU!
I am giving it 5 STARS! I really don’t know how to express how awesome the story is without giving away the story itself. I can only stress that it is a must read. The story is very well written, character development, plot and all that goes into writing a story was well done. I could see Lucy and the other characters as if I was watching a movie. The history that’s been included in this story was very interesting. I am from Virginia; the story is based in Richmond, Va. I had no idea how much of Richmond’s African American history I did not know. It’s refreshing to read a story that not only entertains but educates as well. Lucy, a mulatto woman is very brave using strength coming from those she can not physically touch. I could feel her fear, as it caused me to be anxious for the end. Yet when it ended, I was screaming NO, NO; I need more! This is a story I would love to see on the big screen, PLAYING IN A THEATRE NEAR YOU!
February 20, 2015
Lucy Bosman is a mulatto woman who poses as a white woman in the 1860s just before the Civil War. Her husband died fighting for the freedom of the blacks. They were given their freedom papers by his father the plantation owner in Tennessee. Lucy made her way to Richmond where her husband Charles had bequeathed her a piece of property.
Lucy decided to pass herself off as a white woman and become a business woman in the city. This was a dangerous thing to do at this time as it was difficult to be a woman in the first place; to be a black woman was even more difficult.To be caught as a black woman posing as a white woman would mean death.
Lucy had to be careful of her every move because she was a slave before and had all the mannerisms of a slave now. She had to change those mannerisms to blend in as a white woman. No longer could she look down when being spoken to by another white woman. She had to look them in the eye. She had to fool both black and white because even the blacks would turn her in for the reward they would receive for turning in a runaway slave. Even though she was actually a free woman, it was not unknown of for free blacks to be carted back by slavers as runaways.
This historical novel takes us through the Civil War era and into the emancipation that President Lincoln brought the country. It was a fascinating look at what life was like for free black people and for a black person trying to pass themselves off as a white person. Skin colour really didn't mean that much, as long as you had some black ancestry in your family history you were considered black. You could be as white looking as any other white person and you would still be considered black, and therefore a slave.
I really enjoyed seeing the romance parts between the various other black and white characters and the difficulties that they faced. I empathized with Lucy as she felt that she could never marry again because otherwise she would lose her independence over her financial situation since women had to hand everything they owned over to their husbands.
The pacing of the book was excellent and the material was well researched. All the referencing is noted at the back of the book.
For anyone who likes historical novels or who enjoys reading about black history this book would be a great one to add to your collection. I would recommend that you read it. I gave it four stars out of five.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
Lucy decided to pass herself off as a white woman and become a business woman in the city. This was a dangerous thing to do at this time as it was difficult to be a woman in the first place; to be a black woman was even more difficult.To be caught as a black woman posing as a white woman would mean death.
Lucy had to be careful of her every move because she was a slave before and had all the mannerisms of a slave now. She had to change those mannerisms to blend in as a white woman. No longer could she look down when being spoken to by another white woman. She had to look them in the eye. She had to fool both black and white because even the blacks would turn her in for the reward they would receive for turning in a runaway slave. Even though she was actually a free woman, it was not unknown of for free blacks to be carted back by slavers as runaways.
This historical novel takes us through the Civil War era and into the emancipation that President Lincoln brought the country. It was a fascinating look at what life was like for free black people and for a black person trying to pass themselves off as a white person. Skin colour really didn't mean that much, as long as you had some black ancestry in your family history you were considered black. You could be as white looking as any other white person and you would still be considered black, and therefore a slave.
I really enjoyed seeing the romance parts between the various other black and white characters and the difficulties that they faced. I empathized with Lucy as she felt that she could never marry again because otherwise she would lose her independence over her financial situation since women had to hand everything they owned over to their husbands.
The pacing of the book was excellent and the material was well researched. All the referencing is noted at the back of the book.
For anyone who likes historical novels or who enjoys reading about black history this book would be a great one to add to your collection. I would recommend that you read it. I gave it four stars out of five.
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of this book in exchange for fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...
December 23, 2014
Can't wait for the next one
Despite a few rough spots this is a good first book. At least I hope it was the first. The only concern I have is the uneven writing. Most of the book is spent reinforcing how dangerous it would be if Lucy's secret were to be revealed. Then the character seems to take a lot of unnecessary risks by speaking out against Sarah's beliefs. He verbal impetuousness goes against the points hammered into our heAds from the beginning of the book. Couple that with explaining how women's property not being their own when married then having Toms wife suddenly having money to buy Lucy's shop. That could've used a little clearer explanation. I hope Lucy goes West and very soon because I cant wait to see what happens next. Very good book.
Despite a few rough spots this is a good first book. At least I hope it was the first. The only concern I have is the uneven writing. Most of the book is spent reinforcing how dangerous it would be if Lucy's secret were to be revealed. Then the character seems to take a lot of unnecessary risks by speaking out against Sarah's beliefs. He verbal impetuousness goes against the points hammered into our heAds from the beginning of the book. Couple that with explaining how women's property not being their own when married then having Toms wife suddenly having money to buy Lucy's shop. That could've used a little clearer explanation. I hope Lucy goes West and very soon because I cant wait to see what happens next. Very good book.
January 15, 2015
A powerful and dramatic historical romance, filled with loss, hope, and love. The plot is compelling and the characters are nicely fleshed out. A fine read that sets up what I hope will be another book nicely.
November 4, 2015
Review
The Secret Life Of Lucy Bosman is a must ready ! It is a story of triumph , while bringing a beautiful light to the strength of a free slave woman unlike any of the slave stories that would dare place a salve woman In the light of a very prestigious outlook on life as opposed to a downtrodden salve woman .Rebekah L. Pierce has created a Phenomenal character that our forefather would be very proud!! You will laugh , cry ,fall in love , you will be angry and you will be on the edge of your seat !! Each character has its own right in her story the characters roles are well written this story should be on the big screen with honor !!
Rebekah L. Pierce is a Writer !!
BRAVO *****5
The Secret Life Of Lucy Bosman is a must ready ! It is a story of triumph , while bringing a beautiful light to the strength of a free slave woman unlike any of the slave stories that would dare place a salve woman In the light of a very prestigious outlook on life as opposed to a downtrodden salve woman .Rebekah L. Pierce has created a Phenomenal character that our forefather would be very proud!! You will laugh , cry ,fall in love , you will be angry and you will be on the edge of your seat !! Each character has its own right in her story the characters roles are well written this story should be on the big screen with honor !!
Rebekah L. Pierce is a Writer !!
BRAVO *****5
November 14, 2015
Enjoyed the book
I choose five star ,it was a page turner
I had to fine out if they would discover Lucy
Secret also was hoping Samuel would have came back from the war and Sarah karma
I choose five star ,it was a page turner
I had to fine out if they would discover Lucy
Secret also was hoping Samuel would have came back from the war and Sarah karma
April 7, 2016
Wonderful Book
Wonderful book. I only wish it had not ended. I would love to read about Lucy and Charlie's adventures out west. Incredible writing. Thank you.
Wonderful book. I only wish it had not ended. I would love to read about Lucy and Charlie's adventures out west. Incredible writing. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews