The Black Rose: A Novel

Great read. Absolutely wonderfully written and I am so glad to have learned about such an important figure in American history. It was an honest and unflinching life story that enriched my knowledge of the black experience in a profound and meaningful way. Highly recommended.

This is an incredible novelization of an incredible woman's life. I have never been overly fond of historical fiction and biographical works (due to an over-saturation of required reading as a teenager), but I couldn't wait to get back to The Black Rose every time I had to put it down.Madam Walker's ambition is awe-inspiring to behold. It truly makes you wonder what she would think if she could see the world today.I cannot recommend the book highly enough, especially if, like me, your upbringing neglected to mention the amazing, hard-working entrepreneur who was Madam C.J. Walker.

Thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction story of the life of Madam C.J. Walker. While the story was not 100% accurate, it was still quite informative and entertaining. (There were some things that I accidently uncovered when I googled Madam Walker to see a picture) Tananarive Due is a great story teller and kept me intrigued throughout the story. This telling of Madam Walker has intrigued me to also read the biography written by her great great granddaughter.

Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and The Black Rose has become one of my favorite pieces from this genre. I finished the book feeling so inspired about a woman who was so much more than just the creator of the pressing comb, which is all we learn in school. There were times that tears were unknowingly streaming down my face as I read about Madame CJ Walker's triumphs and disappointments. This novel humanized her and helped me to see that everyone has hills and valleys in life. I am so grateful for this story and I would love to see it turned into a biopic.

Mere words cannot justly express the greatness of Tananarive Due's magnificent fictional account of the life of one of Americas greatest rag-to-riches stories: i.e., namely the saga of Sara Breedlove McWilliams Walker, better known as Madam C.J. Walker. A monumental tribute to the concept of self-determination and intestinal fortitude, the story of Madam Walker is inspirational and totally captivating. Miss Due expertly carries the reader from Walker's humble and devastating post-Civil War beginnings through harsh economic and social struggles to world-wide acclaim as the first black female millionaire. Along the way, Madam Walker rubs elbows with the likes of pioneer educators Mary McLeod-Bethune and Booker T. Washington, composer James Weldon Johnson, social activist W.E.B. Dubois, the great opera star Caruso, who is credited with naming Walker's estate, and, to a lesser extent, President Theodore Roosevelt. But, it is not just the famous who are instrumental in the making of this truly outstanding woman. Her parents Owen and Minerva Breedlove, siblings Louvenia and Alex, respective husbands Moses and C.J, as well as trusted friends and employees, and adversaries are all vividly characterized by memorable descriptive passages and lines. Whether or not the events of the novel are romanticized to fir the larger-than-life Walker, the book is one that accomplishes the author's intent: i.e., it elevates an American original to her place of importance as one of this country's "queens" of business and social change.

This is a very well written novel about the life of one of the greatest African American women and enterprenuers in the history of this country. The author did a great job of meticulously outlining the life and struggles of Madam CJ Walker, from her very young life until the time of her death. Although I would like to believe that all of the information contained in the book was true and accurate (with the exception of a few characters which the author indicates are fictional) I thought the book could have been more self authenticating if it contained footnoted and outlined references to certain aspects of the Madam's life referred to and mentioned in the novel.The author had at her disposal research conducted by Alex Hailey and refereneces to his research during the novel would have led to more authenticity. To that extent, it was difficult to determine which aspects of Madam CJ Walker's life were factual and those which were fictional. I hope in writing the novel, the author stuck as close as possible to the events in the life of this great woman.However, all in all, I thought the novel was very well written and captured the attention of the reader.

I so enjoyed this fictionalized biography. Sarah Breedlove/Madame C J Walker's story is an inspiration. If we only had the grit, determination, courage, spirit, and vision of Madame! To do all she did, a poor Black woman in the late 1800's and early 1900's, is simply amazing and inspiring. Tananarive Due smoothly and beautifully writes you into this incredible woman's life. What a wonderful journey!

Phenomenal book. Window into the transition of possibilities for blacks in America. Opened my eyes to so much history I didnt know about (because of course they teach us so little black history in school). I was drawn inmesmirised, and inspired. A book that should be read by whites, blacks, and anyone else who wants to be inspired. I highly highly recommend it.

enjoyed