Customer Reviews

Belle (Kimani Tru)

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

 

 

Belle means beautiful in French that is exactly what Beverly Jenkins created when she wrote Belle, a wonderfully written, historical young adult romance. We often take certain things for granted, including our freedom. But, at a time when being born black in the South guaranteed you a lifetime conviction, freedom becomes luxury and a privilege.

Belle, a runaway slave, finds a new beginning when she is spotted on the side of the road by Daniel and his sister, Jojo. Having been separated from her father during their escape, Belle is left with no one, so she thinks. Over a series of months, Belle quickly learns many things, one being the sweet taste of freedom. For each lesson she receives, Belle also teaches the ones around her things they never knew.

Belle's story is laced with historical facts that teens and adults alike may not have been taught or interested in enough to research on their own. But the most important factors were that of hope and love. If we possess both of these priceless, valuable treasures, we can go far and achieve greatness. Beverly Jenkins made me feel the love and the hope in Belle. Each scene was vivid in my mind and I truly enjoyed it. I recommend Belle to die-hard Beverly Jenkins' fans, lovers of historical romance, and readers looking for a page turner to cuddle up with.

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

Please turn this into a t.v. movie! If BET had any sense this is the kind of work they would produce. Maybe tv one will secure the rights or better... Oprah.

In today's society of reckless abandon regarding morals, this novel is a refreshing change of view. You have the innocence that children and teen should have towards life set during the years of slavery. You have family values where both parents are committed to their marriage and their children with the same passion and conviction. You have the village raising the children. Although you read about love and passion, you don't have the "in-your-face" sexuality of today's standards. I applaud Mrs. Jenkins and her portrayal of a united African-American family during slavery.

This is a reissue and i got it when i was a young teenager. I really enjoyed it. It is sweet and innocent.

While Beverly Jenkins is one of the most amazing authors I have read, I was truly disappointed to find that this book as well as another book entitled Josephine were rewrites under a different publisher. These books were published under avon as Josephine and the soldier and Belle and the Beau. But if you have not read the books, they both are wonderful books.

Regina

Belle has lived all her sixteen years in slavery. As a young girl she lost her mother, who was sold away. Her father has decided that he wants a better life for himself and his daughter, so they flee Kentucky, hoping to reach freedom in Canada. But the two are separated, and Belle finds herself lost and alone in Michigan. She is found by the side of the road by Daniel and Josephine Best, the children of free black parents who operate a station on the Underground Railroad. Belle finds herself taken in by the Bests, being treated like a member of the family. But while enjoying her newfound freedom, she also longs for news of her father. And though she doesn't mean to, Belle finds herself falling in love with Daniel, even though he is already engaged to another. Can they ever be together, and will Belle ever find her father again?

I highly recommend this book to teenage girls who enjoy historical romances, as well as older readers who enjoy a sweet love story. The romance is very cute and sweet, and the historical setting isn't extremely detailed, but creates an interesting background for the story while teaching a few historical facts. I read this book as part of the Avon True Romance series, when it was first published, and I was pleased to see it has been re-released, so more readers can enjoy it.

I was very diappointed (actually I felt deceived) when I learned that I have already read the stories in Belle and Josephine. The titles are different but the content is the same. I am eager to find some way to express my frustration to the author and to get my money back.

Charlie Jo Morgan