Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 More Than Meets The Eye September 29, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Charleston, South Carolina, 1821, is the setting for Altonya Washington' novel Passion's Furies. The McIver family were freed blacks, who were able to do many things that blacks only dreamed of doing at that time. Jacinta McIver wanted to see all blacks free and she wanted them to be able to do the same things that she was accustomed to doing. Jacinta was also very involved in the teachings of Denmark Vesey and the discussion of an upcoming slave rebellion. Her father, Jason, tried everything to keep Jacinta away from the secret meetings and her plan to be apart of the revolt.
Solomon Dikembe, who was also a freed black, traveled to Charleston to meet Jason McIver to discuss business dealings. He did not know that he would meet a dark beauty that he had previously met. The problem - Solomon was a mulatto and no blacks wanted to trust him.
Washington's story raised some issues for this reviewer. I did not like the length of this book (it was 403 pages long). For me, at times, the story dragged in sections and I had to push myself to continue reading. However, the positives outweighed the books weaknesses. I liked the historical background. Washington gave a wonderful account of Denmark Vesey's teaching, his planning and his death. I also loved how Washington discussed the ways in which blacks discriminated against each other. Slaves were distrustful of freed blacks, freed blacks looked down on slaves and both groups did not trust mulattos or half -whites. There was also discussion of entitlement and class between the blacks. I really loved the way that Jacinta, as a freed black, took an interest in the stories of the slaves and began to record their stories. Solomon also discussed the manner in which he was mistreated and the hatred he had to overcome. In between all of that, Washington put together a wonderful love story where the characters had to overcome their prejudices in order to embrace the love they had for each other.
Wow!! Being a devoted fan of Beverly Jenkins, I was very skeptical of reading this book, but I genuinely wanted to read and embrace it. Well, I can honestly say that Ms. Jenkins will be very pleased to know that someone has stepped up and has joined the ranks of historical romance writing.
Reviewed by: Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
Passion's Furies September 28, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I loved this historical romance story! Since reading Beverly Jenkins historical romance novels, I have been hooked and Altonya has written a great one too. Great read and informational too.
Tia Salaam September 20, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Excellent read. This is the first book that I've read from this author, but it will definitely not be the last. There are strong characters and a good history lesson. A definite page turner.
Loved this book September 18, 2008
Well written. Postive african american characters in a difficult time period. The love story identifies with the time period.
Passion's Furies is a WINNER! August 31, 2008
I loved the book. I bought this book becuase I am a fan of Ms. Washington and I love the historical african american romance that Beverly Jenkins has made so popular. I was not disappointed. I read this book in one day; I could not put the book down. It was so well written and the book flowed like a sheet of music. This book has chemistry, history and great secondary characters. I laughed (a lot), held my breath and cried. The love between Jacinta and Solomon is one I will not forget for a very long time. This book will certainly make my list of all-time favorites.
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