ABOUT THE BOOK
Josephine N. Leary is determined to build a life of her own and a future for her family. When she moves to Edenton, North Carolina, from the plantation where she was born, she is free, newly married, and ready to follow her dreams.
As the demands of life pull Josephine’s attention away, it becomes increasingly difficult for her to pursue her real estate aspirations. She finds herself immersed in deepening her marriage, mothering her daughters, and being a dutiful daughter and granddaughter. Still, she manages to teach herself to be a businesswoman, to manage her finances, and to make smart investments in the local real estate market. But with each passing year, it grows more and more difficult to focus on building her legacy from the ground up.
“Filled with passion and perseverance, Josephine Leary is frankly a woman that everyone should know” (Sadeqa Johnson, author of Yellow Wife) and her story speaks to the part of us that dares to dream bigger, tear down whatever stands in our way, and build something better for the loved ones we leave behind.
352 pages Gallery Books September 6, 2022 publish date
MY THOUGHTS
I find books based on actual people to be fascinating. I once again learned a lot about a woman I had never heard about.
Carolina Built celebrates the life of black woman Josephine N. Leary who after emancipation from the plantation home she was born on in North Carolina becomes a real estate magnate.
Very well researched we see the struggles and successes Josephine encounters as she brings her dreams to life.
Marriage is sweet and produces two smart daughters, but it is not smooth sailing all the time. Josephine’s successes lead to feelings of inadequacy in her husband and brings about marital stresses.
There is a very strong sense of family here, Jo is mothering her daughters and a devoted daughter and granddaughter. We see many instances of this family’s strength as they spend a lot of time in each other’s company.
Jo becomes one of the first black women real estate magnates despite a lot of opposition. While there is racism and many other obstacles lobbed at her she perseveres.
The woman persevered through her endeavors, and she showed her children not to let anyone tell you that you can’t do it but follow your dreams. An uplifting and encouraging book.
Pub Date 22 Feb 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Like any good Southern belle, Kianna Alexander wears many hats: doting mama, advice-dispensing sister, fun aunt and gabbing girlfriend. She’s a voracious reader, an amateur seamstress and occasional painter in oils.She has a passion for history and an endless curiosity. Kianna is proud to tell stories where Black women are loved, valued, and thriving. A native of the TarHeel state, Kianna still lives there while maintaining her collection of well-loved vintage 80’s Barbie dolls.
Have a beautiful day. Thank you for stopping in.
Vegan Book Blogger 