The Secrets of Mary Bowser

A Novel

By: Lois Leveen

Narrated by: Robin Miles

“Masterfully written, The Secrets of Mary Bowser shines a new light onto our country’s darkest history.”
—Brunonia Barry, bestselling author of The Lace Reader

“Packed with drama, intrigue, love, loss, and most of all, the resilience of a remarkable heroine….What a treat!”
—Kelly O'Connor McNees, author of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

Based on the remarkable true story of a freed African American slave who returned to Virginia at the onset of the Civil War to spy on the Confederates, The Secrets of Mary Bowser is a masterful debut by an exciting new novelist. Author Lois Leveen combines fascinating facts and ingenious speculation to craft a historical novel that will enthrall readers of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and acclaimed works like Cane River and Cold Mountain that offer intimate looks at the twin nightmares of slavery and Civil War. A powerful and unforgettable story of a woman who risked her own freedom to bring freedom to millions of others, The Secrets of Mary Bowser celebrates the courageous achievements of a little known but truly inspirational American heroine.

Impressive

Any additional comments?

An amazing combination of fact and fiction in this historical novel. I commend the Lois Leveen and Robin Miles for the creation of this excellent novel!

A great read & listen

Wonderful book, with a narration worthy of the tale. I only wish it continued past the fall of Richmond, since Mary Bowser's life is such a mystery after the war. Sequel!

This is history that creates our present.

The story is told from a perspective with a voice that needs to be heard today. This is history that creates our present. The story is as enlightening as the performance is engaging! -kg

Informative

Loved the narration and information provided. I was not aware of Mary Browser until listening to this book. Great information!

Wonderful performance of a great story.

This was a wonderful story that was masterfully performed by Robin Miles. Much more than reading the story, she brought to life each of the characters with distinctive voices that really brought the whole story to life. Set mostly in the south 150 years ago, the characters include male and female slaves, wealthy slave owners, and the rest of society including highly educated as well illiterate characters. This is the best performance I have ever listened to and because it is a really good story I enjoyed it very much.There are many aspects of the lives of the people living in that time leading up to and including the Civil War, that were brought out in different and thoughtful ways. I highly recommend this audiobook.