Born a slave in Missouri, Cathy Williams never considered herself one.
Her mother always told her stories of her grandmother, an African
queen stolen from her home and unwillingly brought to America. Even
though they have faced unspeakable hardships, the women of Cathy's
family have been brought up to believe they are above their captivity.
When General Sheridan takes Cathy from the plantation to work in his
war camp kitchen, Cathy is torn between accepting her freedom, but
being ripped away from her mother and beloved sister, Clemmie.
Once the Civil War ends, Cathy, often mistaken for a man, joins the
Buffalo Soldiers, disguised as Cathay Williams. She becomes a skilled
soldier, and travels across the country with the Buffalo Soldiers, on
missions, and in combat. Cathy barely has a moment to let her guard
down, always keeping her guise up, but through Sarah Bird's thorough
research of the time period, readers are shown a multidimensional
woman who defied expectations and fought for what she believed was
right.
DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A
QUEEN by Sarah Bird is a fascinating and well-researched
historical fiction novel about a truly inspiring woman. The beginning got
off to a slow start but picked up about halfway through the book.
Because this book was based on a real person, I was astounded by the
things that happened, and that Cathy Williams really did do some of the
things depicted in this story. Of course, some liberties were taken for
the sake of storytelling, but I think the overarching story depicted a
courageous woman who overcame every hardship set against her.
Additionally, the ending is a little abrupt and didn't quite fit in with the
rest of the book. Nonetheless, DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN is an
interesting look at a historical figure who, in her own way, overcame
racial discrimination, gender bias, and heartbreaking cruelty.
The compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former
slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary
Buffalo Soldiers.
\"Here\'s the first thing you
need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of
a daughter of queen and my mama never let me forget
it.\"
Though born into bondage on a \"miserable
tobacco farm\" in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was
never allowed to considered herself a slave. According to
her mother, she was a captive, bound by her noble warrior
blood to escape the enemy. Her means of deliverance is Union
general Phillip Henry \"Smash \'em Up\" Sheridan, the
outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young
woman into service. At war\'s end, having tasted freedom,
Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the
monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join
the Army\'s legendary Buffalo Soldiers.
Alone now in
the ultimate man\'s world, Cathy must fight not only for her
survival and freedom, but she vows to never give up on
finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the
only man strong and noble enough to win her heart. Inspired
by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this
American heroine comes to vivid life in a sweeping and
magnificent tale about one woman\'s fight for respect and
independence.
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