The Firefly Letters by Margarita Engle - October's Group Read

[Cristal (Professional Book Procrastinator)]

Are you going to read this book? Let me know your thoughts below!

[Cindy]

I wasn't sure I would like a novel written in poetic fashion. I'm not a big fan of poetry, but I was pleasantly surprised at how fluidly it read. I got a feel for the independent Fredericka Bremer and the cloistered aristocrats she lived with. I felt empathy for the slave Cecilia and her plight.

[QNPoohBear]

This novel is short but it packs a punch. Verse is the only way to tell the story. The descriptions of Cuba are so amazing and detailed that it needed the poetry to describe this land. I especially liked the beautiful descriptions of Cuba and how this Eden was juxtaposed with the evils of slavery. I know very little about the history of Cuba and this story was a real eye opener. I kept thinking "how sad" at the end of each chapter and teared up a little at the end. My heart breaks for Cecilia who will likely not live past the birth of her child. She's a wonderful character who showcases the reality of slavery. I also felt bad for Elena, but at least she has a bit of freedom. She may not know how to obtain it yet but she might some day. I have studied this time period and American reformers but never encountered Fredrika before. I really liked her and how she had the courage to leave her father's money behind and do what she felt in her heart was right. I want to know more about her and this novel has inspired me to look her up.