As of this writing, this is my favorite local history book I've read this year. And local history reads are one of my favorite genres!
The entertainment factor is way up there. The author's voice is clear and personable, she's very open about what is fact and what is an assumption she makes, and she's quick to share some of the challenges in her research into this powerful woman in history.
I especially loved the sweeping nature of the story. This gives this work a leg up on other local history pieces. People don't stay in one place. A city, town, state, building, whatever doesn't exist in a vacuum. People come and go and their motivations and their choices weigh into every move.
I love that the focus is unflinching. The topics touched on are the topics that shaped the history. They're not pretty, but they shouldn't be ignored for that since the impact of these things - poverty, racism, sex work, kidnap - shape everyone involved. The book is dynamic and I deeply appreciate how the author doesn't attempt to turn its subject into an easily understood, pre-packaged person in history. She has trauma baggage, scars, some redeemable traits, some really harmful ones. Its tough to write a person so honestly, especially after spending so much time and personal energy in research.
I really loved this one and have recommended it to friends several times already.
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