Book Info
Ida, In Love and in Trouble by Veronica Chambers
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publishing Date: September 10, 2024
Synopsis
Before she became a warrior, Ida B. Wells was an incomparable flirt with a quick wit and a dream of becoming a renowned writer. The first child of newly freed parents who thrived in a community that pulsated with hope and possibility after the Civil War, Ida had a big heart, big ambitions, and even bigger How to be a good big sister when her beloved parents perish in a yellow fever epidemic? How to launch her career as a teacher? How to make and keep friends in a society that seems to have no place for a woman who speaks her own mind? And – always top of mind for Ida – how to find a love that will let her be the woman she dreams of becoming? Ahead of her time by decades, Ida B. Wells pioneered the field of investigative journalism with her powerful reporting on violence against African Americans. Her name became synonymous with courage and an unflinching demand for racial and gender equality. But there were so many facets to Ida Bell and critically acclaimed writer Veronica Chambers unspools her full and colorful life as Ida comes of age in the rapidly changing South, filled with lavish society dances and parties, swoon-worthy gentleman callers, and a world ripe for the taking.
Content Warning: death of parents, racism, sexism
Book Links
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204593755
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CR938MFY
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ida-in-love-and-in-trouble-veronica-chambers/1144547236
IndieBound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/ida-in-love-and-in-trouble-veronica-chambers/21012405
About the Author
Veronica Chambers is an author and currently a writer/editor for The New York Times. Born in Panama and raised in Brooklyn, her work often reflects her Afro-Latina heritage. She’s written the acclaimed memoir, Mama’s Girl which has been course adopted by hundreds of high schools and colleges throughout the country. She has also authored several children’s books including the NYT bestselling Finish the Fight,Call and Response, Shirley Chisholm Is a Verb and The Go-Between.
Author Links
Website: https://www.veronicachambers.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/vvchambers
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vvchambers
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/39430
Why Should You Read It?
Veronica Chambers’ Ida, in Love and in Trouble offers a compelling and richly detailed exploration of the early life of Ida B. Wells, long before she became a pioneering journalist. Chambers skillfully intertwines historical accuracy with vivid storytelling to bring to life the youthful ambitions and personal struggles of this remarkable woman. The novel paints a vibrant picture of the post-Civil War South, showcasing Ida’s journey from a witty, ambitious young woman to a fierce advocate for racial and gender equality. Chambers excels in capturing the social dynamics of the era, from lavish society dances to the challenges Ida faces in a world that often marginalizes women who speak their minds.
While the novel is deeply engaging and educational, it occasionally leans heavily into romantic subplots, which can sometimes overshadow the broader historical context. Nevertheless, Chambers’ writing is both evocative and enlightening, offering readers a heartfelt portrayal of Ida B. Wells’ formative years. Ida, in Love and in Trouble is a thought-provoking read that celebrates a trailblazing figure and provides an insightful look into her early life, earning it a well-deserved four stars.