Customer Reviews

1919 Misfortune's End

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

To all those with a passion for U.S. history, you've come home with this novel! From the opening pages, the novel is spiced with U.S. history in the early years of the 20th century and the instances where history sometimes gets retold. It tells the fascinating story of how two disparate groups, and a U.S. president, coped with the ravages of illness and war, as well as larger changes in the society. The voluminous amount of research that went into compiling this novel becomes obvious, ranging from the decisions and life of Woodrow Wilson and his familial relationships to the life of the Irish to the life of the African-American and the impact of slavery. There is no shyness in her writing; Phelan demonstrates masterful skill at creating dialogue and an unusual insight into the souls of the African-American characters. This book should have mass appeal to all lovers of U.S. history, as well as those interested in the Afro-American experience of the early 20th century through today.

I was reminded, when reading this fabulous book, of a story once told about two great men. One was a famous statesman and diplomat; the other a renowned author and world traveler. They both had just spent a week in an European capitol and happened to meet each other at the train station upon their departure. The two talked and soon realized that they had had markedly different and contrasting impressions of their visits. Of course, each was viewing the visit through his own world view, and had not thought to consider much that was going that each had missed. Phelan's marvelous work is a tale that does not miss much for the period covered. In a tour de force of research, synthesis, contrast, and plainly delightful characterizations, Phelan not only carries the reader to the heart of the American experience of the era, but draws from so many insights on so many levels that she leaves the reader overwhelmingly satisfied with revelation. This book is for anyone eager to hear in earnest and finely wrought prose the history of this era in a brilliant format that few have pulled off. This is a must-read for historical fiction buffs of all stripes. You will not be disappointed.

I found the narrative of 1919-Misfortune's End compelling. I hadn't realized how important the year was to the history of the U.S. from women's rights, to prohibition to the largest labor strikes in the history of the country. The book provided me a glimpse of how the year had a dramatic impact on the African American community for the good and bad. I had never realized the fundamental differences in the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois, much less put them in the context of actual individuals who lived during this time. If you like historical fiction you will love this book!
1919 Misfortune's End

The novel is a great read! Ms. Phelan obviously did her homework in researching the era and pulls you into the world of 1919. Not only do you learn more about events and characters already well known, but brings to light characters and events you didn't realize were integral to this year. You'll learn about music, politics, social rights, workers rights, civil rights, women's rights and more without feeling like you're reading history... I'd recommend this for anyone from age 14 to 100 :-)

Keeping good company with the likes of Jostein Gaarder ("Sophie's World"), Katherine Neville ("The Eight"), and Gerald Kolpan ("Etta"), Paula Phelan's "1919" takes us through a vivid walk through history. While reading it, I felt like by some delightful warp of time, I was transported back a century ago and got to interact personally with all the illustrious people that her characters do -- living in real time with them. Her female protagonists embody refreshing strength and aplomb that text books seem to have overlooked. If history had been this much fun to read, it would have definitely been my college major. Thank you for such a palatable education and great read.

This novel is a engaging and entertaining look at key historical events in 1919. Phelan's interest in 'under-reported' history including bizarre but true occurrences such as "the molasses incident" provide the reader an interesting and original read. Highly recommended!!!

Loved It! This book takes "real" people and puts them in "real" situations for the year 1919. I couldn't put the book down and will definitely read more by this author. I felt that I was in 1919 and learned to know and relate to the charactors. The first incident with the molasses really did happen and I was pulled in instantly into the story. Read and Enjoy!

Who would have thought, that in one year, so many famous women influenced politics and science! A riveting story that enlightened me as to how pivotal the year was to the African American community. I couldn't help reading it and seeing it as a movie. I am looking forward to the sequel.

1919 takes you on a wonderful adventure through a time that is otherwise lost in history. In school they teach you about the major events in history - WWI, WWII etc. The times in between are blurred and never really discussed. 1919 provides insight into what life was really like during these pivotal times and connects the dots between two major events in history. Everything is covered in this novel - love, politics, feminism, racism and technological advances. The characters in this book bring to life the reality that was 1919 and how the future was shaped in the years following. The characters in this book will take you on an emotional ride into the trials and tribulations of their lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in history, politics and anyone else who enjoys reading a great book.

What I liked most about this book is what I learned. It is full of well-researched factoids that were glossed over in my history classes. The reasons behind why certain events happened. In addition, 1919 Misfortune's End gives insights into the African American experience rarely discussed. A time when the community thrived under the philosophy of Booker T. Washington and by the end of 1919 turned to follow W.E.B. Dubois.
It made clear how it felt to the soldiers returning home from fighting in WWI to realize they were denied the very freedoms they had been conscripted to fight for in Europe.

I enjoyed how Misfortune's End highlights women in history. Women who had a major influence on U.S. policy and economics. Women inventors, politicians, healthcare providers, activists and artists. Many of whom have been marginalized in history. Influential women of the day including Jane Addams (the most well known person in the country - able to shape presidential elections), Margaret Sanger (the founder of planned parenthood), Emma Goldman (anarchist), Madam Walker (the first African American woman millionaire), A'Lelia Walker (influential in the Harlem renaissance), Alice Paul (responsible for the 19th amendment being a federal law), Jeannette Rankin the first woman elected to congress, Helen Keller (vaudeville performer and advocate for peace), Mae West (actress and playwright) and Victoria Woodhull (the first woman to run for president). I think it would be great for a woman's studies class or any history class. It could help show young adults how one person can make a difference.