Official Review: The Deserving by Efren O'brien

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
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Britty01
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Re: Official Review: The Deserving by Efren O'brien

Post by Britty01 »

The review by Kathryn was very thorough. It definitely made me want to read this book and I have a good understanding of the time it will take to thoroughly digest it. I like history and as I am not all that familiar with American history regarding the Civil war it will be interesting to complete a reading of this book. I like the fact that there are historical characters in this story and I liked the illustrations in the book also. The first few chapters introducing the character of Emile and how he left home, the family dynamics and struggles they faced, his journey towards being a scout for the Southern Army has me interested in reading more, even though I understand that at times it may be a bit difficult to keep up with the storyline.
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joshfee77
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Post by joshfee77 »

Thanks for your very informative review. I don't read a lot of historical fiction, but this sounds like an interesting story based on actual events, if a little "dry" in places. I imagine it would be a difficult balance for an author to strike in historical fiction, between staying true to reality and advancing the story.
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ashpres12
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Post by ashpres12 »

Thank you for your review. I am intrigued by this book but the difficult to follow story line is a little off-putting. I may just give it a try and if I don't like it then that is just the way it is.
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Post by truebookaddict »

I'm an old pro at reading historical fiction and I could tell immediately just by looking at the cover that I was going to like this one. After reading the synopsis, I'm definitely intrigued. Even after reading your review with your notes on the story being hard to follow (that can often be the case with readers unfamiliar with the genre), I'm convinced this will be a book I will enjoy. We shall see! Thanks for your insight.
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Post by krithikagowri »

Thanks for the review. Historic fiction is not my genre. The books sounds a bit dry so will pass
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Post by ladycraic »

Seems like I'll have to be careful avoid being swallowed by the storyline. Other than that, everything looks great! I'll be adding this novel to my want to read list! Thanks for the review! :)
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Post by Kibet Hillary »

Such a nice historical fiction. I hope that Emile did something to stop the civil war. Fighting his way and eventually climbing ranks in the army has reiterated the need for hard work. Thanks for the review.
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Post by Sakilunamermaid »

I am personally not very into historical books, especially war based ones. This does sound like an amazing and engaging book for history fans. I may just have to check it out to see the authors writing style.
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Post by ReaderTeacher »

One of the biggest complaints I get from my students when we read older literature is that the story itself is hard to understand as a result of all the description. I have found this to be especially true when reading Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The key for any text with lots of description is to read it with a specific purpose: to enjoy the author’s choice in language, to understand cultural and historical perspectives, to enjoy the story, to learn something to apply to your own life. You will, no doubt, understand better when you read with a purpose. I highly recommended to anyone reading this text that they pick their purpose for reading before reading a page of this text. Make
the experience more meaningful by following a specific path. If you have the chance to read it again, try reading with a different purpose and notice how the experience changes.
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Post by Sam_G »

Though personally I am not interested in historical books especially war based but your brief review awoke an interest in me to read the book.
Yes there are some dry areas found in the story and facts somewhere over rolled with fiction.
But its a quite interesting book shows bravery and a good option for history lovers.
Thank you for your brief review.
Great Work..!!
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nelson1
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Post by nelson1 »

The book is very interesting, the author did a very nice work. I find it worthy reading.
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Post by Lesliersmith »

I am always up for a good fictional novel. I am, however, unsure of how the deeply historical approaches are going to go if I were to read this novel. Thank you for your review.
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Post by Scerakor »

I absolutely love historical war fiction and I have yet to read on the Confederate brigade trying to conquer the entire Western US for the Confederacy. I love when they have descriptive settings and realistic battles and characters, and it teaches me a bit of something new.
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Post by CaitlinGonya »

I enjoy reading historical fiction and I think I would enjoy reading about the Civil War. However, due to your one complaint I feel I would need to do more research on the book.
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Post by ruchira »

rate:03Out Of 04
This Seems Perfect!!!
I am still Reading.
..
Thank You!!!
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