KATE DRUMGOOLD'S autobiography is at once compelling and difficult. I found it compelling because of her heartfelt expressions of sentiment regarding her family, friends and the good and bad sides of society.

As well I found the strength religion gave her awe inspiring, while her desire to become educated nearly brought me to tears.

The 'difficult' part of the narrative was that it flowed very much as a conversation might. There would be little jumps in time as some related incident was remembered and then added to the conversation... before going back to what she was talking about previously. After I realized what was happening, I had no further problem with Ms. Drumgoold's style, but I can understand that it could be off-putting.

What I found of particular interested was the remarkably circumstances the author found herself in, and I'm not sure that I would have had the merit to come to grips the violent contrasts she was subjected to. For Ms. Drumgoold was at once a little slave girl, who's mother would be eventually sold --away from her 6 week old baby! -- but one who's "white mother" (and that is the language she repeatedly uses) brought her into her white social circle, bought her her own horse and treats such as a $20 dollar hat.

There is much else that is remarkable, and worth considering, but since the structure might create a problem for some readers, I'm giving this 4-Stars.

Pam T!
formerly of PageInHisory ( )