1919 Misfortune's End

By Paula Phelan

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Perfect Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0977819205
• ISBN13: 9780977819201
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: ZAPmedia
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Age Range: 12 years and up

Customer Reviews

A joy to read!

I found the narrative of 1919-Misfortune's End compelling. I hadn't realized how important the year was to the history of the U.S. from women's rights, to prohibition to the largest labor strikes in the history of the country. The book provided me a glimpse of how the year had a dramatic impact on the African American community for the good and bad. I had never realized the fundamental differences in the philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Dubois, much less put them in the context of actual individuals who lived during this time. If you like historical fiction you will love this book! 1919 Misfortune's End

Great Book

This novel is a engaging and entertaining look at key historical events in 1919. Phelan's interest in 'under-reported' history including bizarre but true occurrences such as "the molasses incident" provide the reader an interesting and original read. Highly recommended!!!

A great story that illuminates women's active role in history

Who would have thought, that in one year, so many famous women influenced politics and science! A riveting story that enlightened me as to how pivotal the year was to the African American community. I couldn't help reading it and seeing it as a movie. I am looking forward to the sequel.

Inspiring and educational

What I liked most about this book is what I learned. It is full of well-researched factoids that were glossed over in my history classes. The reasons behind why certain events happened. In addition, 1919 Misfortune's End gives insights into the African American experience rarely discussed. A time when the community thrived under the philosophy of Booker T. Washington and by the end of 1919 turned to follow W.E.B. Dubois. It made clear how it felt to the soldiers returning home from fighting in WWI to realize they were denied the very freedoms they had been conscripted to fight for in Europe. I enjoyed how Misfortune's End highlights women in history. Women who had a major influence on U.S. policy and economics. Women inventors, politicians, healthcare providers, activists and artists. Many of whom have been marginalized in history. Influential women of the day including Jane Addams (the most well known person in the country - able to shape presidential elections), Margaret Sanger (the founder of planned parenthood), Emma Goldman (anarchist), Madam Walker (the first African American woman millionaire), A'Lelia Walker (influential in the Harlem renaissance), Alice Paul (responsible for the 19th amendment being a federal law), Jeannette Rankin the first woman elected to congress, Helen Keller (vaudeville performer and advocate for peace), Mae West (actress and playwright) and Victoria Woodhull (the first woman to run for president). I think it would be great for a woman's studies class or any history class. It could help show young adults how one person can make a difference.

An engrossing, splendid, and extraordinary tale!

I was reminded, when reading this fabulous book, of a story once told about two great men. One was a famous statesman and diplomat; the other a renowned author and world traveler. They both had just spent a week in an European capitol and happened to meet each other at the train station upon their departure. The two talked and soon realized that they had had markedly different and contrasting impressions of their visits. Of course, each was viewing the visit through his own world view, and had not thought to consider much that was going that each had missed. Phelan's marvelous work is a tale that does not miss much for the period covered. In a tour de force of research, synthesis, contrast, and plainly delightful characterizations, Phelan not only carries the reader to the heart of the American experience of the era, but draws from so many insights on so many levels that she leaves the reader overwhelmingly satisfied with revelation. This book is for anyone eager to hear in earnest and finely wrought prose the history of this era in a brilliant format that few have pulled off. This is a must-read for historical fiction buffs of all stripes. You will not be disappointed.