I've read quite a few of Chiaverini's "Elm Creek" quilts series, and generally find them a pleasant, easy read that makes me want to take up quilting. I was expecting similar from this book, not realizing it was actually attempting to be historical fiction; not being familiar with the history of Elizabeth Keckley, I assumed this was a fictional history similar to the "Runaway Quilt" novel. But no, it's apparently heavily based on the memoir written by Keckley herself, just trying to transpose it into her own voice.

Which is unfortunate. Even before I realized Keckley was not a fictional character, I was very put off by the inappropriateness of Chiaverini - a white middle class woman - trying to speak in the voice of a black former slave. While I don't think there's any ill intention on Chiaverini's part, she simply does not and CAN not have the background to write this character authentically, and it shows in every paragraph. Keckley comes across as stiff and whitewashed and the whole story feels rather dull and wooden, unlike Chiaverini's normal fiction which is gentle, easy reading that flies by.

Give this one a miss, whether you like Chiaverini or whether you like historical fiction, this is a disappointment.