Customer Reviews

Fortress of the Heart: The Story of Anna

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When I started this book, I did not know quite what to expect. Then when I couldn't put it down for four hours, I wanted more and more. It is so amazing that during the time frame of years this book was written that there was "reverse" discrimination against this woman's mother. Look at what that woman had to endure - seeing her mother run so her father wouldn't shoot her because she was white. Ms. Wells did an incredible job of taking us from the turmoil and heartache through the life of this wonderful woman, Anna. Every page is so beautifully written and so incredibly believable. Please, Please, tell us there is another of her books out there somewhere. She is a master and deserves the highest applause for this incredible piece of literature. This should be in all the libraries and in our schools. I will read this book over and over again, and I'm sure I will cry over and over again and laugh and applaud over and over again as I did the first time I read it. Thank you, Ms. Wells, for this beautiful story. This proves that true life is better than fiction. God Bless You.

Anna Mae Coleman is my great-grandmother. She was an incredible woman and I miss her deeply. The stories she told me were incredible. The strength of her was, is very inspiring. This book is a testiment to her life and how thing really were in the days when she was a young lady. I am also deeply touched by her daughter, Shirley Coleman Wells. I miss her very much as well as she has also passed on. Though they may not be here in body, but they will always live on in spirit.

This novel steps back to the begining of last century and presents a message to readers that spans over the ages."Fortress of the Heart: the Story of Anna" is a non-fiction novel that embraces the incredible journey of Anna Buchanan Coleman with such insight and clarity that the reader is sure to recognize her in a strong woman they know personally.
Coleman-Wells reached with both hands into the colorful tapestry that her mother, Anna, called life. As a result Ms. Wells constructed a masterpiece. This book could have gone several directions as far as theme. Anna Buchanan's life was chocked full of gender discrimination, racism, colorism,abuse, economic disadvantages, struggle for higher education being a minority....the list goes on.
Instead of focusing on negative circumstances that Anna endured, Shirley Coleman Wells plucked the gold thread of her mothers life to immortalize in this book as Anna's legacy...simply love. Out of bitter tears, lonliness, hurt,and abandonment sprang love that was well appreciated by Anna, like a cooling rain after a drought.
This novel, although heart wrenching and tear jerking at several points, celebrates life. The proverbial "calm after the storm" is personified in the life of Anna as a result of her strength, faith,resolution and service to others. "Fortress of the Heart" could have spanned several categories including drama, suspense, horror, romance and educatonal. But undoubtedly, after the last page is read, the reader will surely agree there is only one category that does this book justice........as a classic.

An inspirational story of how the hate of prejudice was overcome by the love of friendship. A most enlightening, thought provoking book, that touches the heart and soul. This is a must read for adults and children alike.

What a story! What heartache she went through and what trials and tribulations to have to endure as a child. Every chapter keeps you crying with her or laughing with her or yelling horray for you Anna. Everyone should read this book to find out what life can really be like with stupid prejudices and then find out how life can be without them. Should be required reading in the schools.