Golden Poppies: A Novel: 3 (Yellow Crocus) Paperback – 1 Jun. 2020

I am so enjoying this series of books. They make one wonder at the cruelty of the human race although this has ever been so. Historically correct, this series is a work of fiction and extremely readable. Highly recommended.

I read Laila Ibrahim's 'Yellow Crocus' several years ago and found it really enjoyable. When I spotted that one of this month's Amazon Prime First Reads was another of her books, I grabbed it without hesitation. When I realised it was a continuation of the 'Yellow Crocus' characters, I was even happier with my choice - although I have to admit I did read the whole thing without realising I'd missed the volume that goes between 'Yellow Crocus' and 'Golden Poppies'. The great thing is that I didn't need to have read 'Mustard Seed' (the middle book) or to have any detailed memory of 'Yellow Crocus' in order to enjoy this one.If you ask me "Can I read this without reading the others?" I'd say you can, but you might get a bit more context if you've read at least one of the previous books.In 'Yellow Crocus' Ibrahim took on the issues of slavery and the ownership and abuse of other human beings. Time has passed and 'Golden Poppies' is set in the late 1800s, at a time when slavery is no more, but prejudice is still rife. It focuses on the cross-racial relationships and friendships of the two families descended from Mattie the black slave-woman who was wet nurse to Lisbeth, the slave-owner's daughter. Younger generations come to the fore in this book and themes include the campaign for women's rights, and the campaign to prevent the lynching of black men. We're also introduced to wage inequality between the races, 'passing off', and domestic abuse between experienced by the characters.As a Brit reading about the campaign for Universal Sufferage in the USA, I'm at a disadvantage because the historical characters are not so familiar to me as they would be if the book were set in my home country. I may, therefore, miss some of the significance of the famous characters introduced, but that didn't stop my enjoyment. I really like Laila Ibrahim's style of writing and her willingness to take on controversial story-lines and put her characters through the wringer in sometimes extreme ways.I now REALLY need to go back and read Mustard Seed.

I enjoyed this family saga would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good read

Golden Poopies is the weakest of the 3 books even though I still enjoy it. The characters aren’t complex they’re one dimensional. What the book makes up for is the historical background. I learn so much from these three novels especially about the USA post the Civil War and pre- the two World Wars. It’s very informative and makes one despair how long and hard the struggle for equality has been for black people in America and people of colour. The book draws some parallel with women’s struggle for equality with that of black people’s. Then show us the powerful currency that whiteness is. That in order for white women to achieve universal suffrage, they had to divorce themselves from black women’s struggles. That’s the power of this book in spite of its flaws. Still enjoyed it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this third instalment in this series of books. Again, we meet these really strong women who are fighting for the equal rights of women. Their stories are brilliantly written and you face every emotion possible during the story. It is unbelievable how cruel people can be. These are very strong women who face some really challenging situations. I'm really looking forward to reading the fourth book.

This is a great follow on from The Yellow Crocus and The Mustard Seed. It is now set at the end of the 1800’s . The characters from the first two books are now older Lisbeth her daughter Sadie, Jordan and her daughter Naomi set the story. It covers the time in USA when women were trying tog get votes for women and how unfair the rights for the Blacks were with regard to jobs and pay.. This is. Wonderful book that I couldn’t put down I absolutely loved it and hope there will be a 4th book in this series as I want to know what happens to the characters next. Thank you Laila I got so much enjoyment from it. Perfect for the current COVID pandemic I bought all three books formy twin sister on our birthday in June. She is loving the first one.

After reading "Scarlet Carnations" I loved the story and its characters so much that I bought the other books in the series. I wasn't disappointed. Each one has been deeply moving and thought provoking.

I tried, but this book simply could not hold my interest, as the story element was swamped by the politics and history of the day and the never-ending "church" references. Sorry Laila, as I know this is where your heart is, and you can only be true to yourself, and that is what you have held onto.