tl;dr Review:

A strong and powerful female protagonist combined with the post-Civil War tensions and the rise of the Buffalo Soldiers makes for an epic and enlightening read.

Full Review:

If you can't tell from my past reading history, I'm a huge fan of historical fiction. Even better if it tackles parts of history either near and dear to my heart, or parts that I am quite unfamiliar with. Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen: A Novel by Sarah Bird managed to be that wonderful historical fiction novel that touches on pieces of history that are less frequently covered.

Though the book starts during the tail end of the Civil War (a time period that I am familiar with) it then veers into the post-Civil-War Wild West, which is a part of history that I know significantly less about. The fact that it also involved real historical figures throughout was an epic bonus. 

The compelling, hidden story of Cathy Williams, a former slave and the only woman to ever serve with the legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

“Here’s the first thing you need to know about Miss Cathy Williams: I am the daughter of a daughter of a queen and my mama never let me forget it.”

Though born into bondage on a “miserable tobacco farm” in Little Dixie, Missouri, Cathy Williams was never allowed to consider herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, destined by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her chance at freedom presents itself with the arrival of Union general Phillip Henry “Smash ‘em Up” Sheridan, the outcast of West Point who takes the rawboned, prideful young woman into service. At war’s end, having tasted freedom, Cathy refuses to return to servitude and makes the monumental decision to disguise herself as a man and join the Army’s legendary Buffalo Soldiers.

Alone now in the ultimate man’s world, Cathy must fight not only for her survival and freedom, but she also vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong enough to win her heart. Inspired by the stunning, true story of Private Williams, this American heroine comes to vivid life in a sweeping and magnificent tale about one woman’s fight for freedom, respect and independence.

In the interest of full disclosure, the minute I read "Buffalo Soldiers," I knew I had to read this novel. As someone who is half-Jamaican and who grew up listening to the Bob Marley classic by the same name, this fighting force is endlessly fascinating to me.

The fact that there was a woman who supposedly fought with them? Even better. 

What also struck me was how the issue of race and racism and the characters attitudes towards it are still being played out today.

One of the quotes that stuck with me was, "He harrumphed and said, 'You’ll see what black folk won. War was the easy part, buttercup. Peace with white folks gon be a whole new war. War we be fighting alone. You think them Rebs we saw riding off back home gonna be a hair different from what they were before the war? Only difference now is they hungrier, poorer, and meaner ’cause they got a grudge. Think they were done wrong. Since they’d die before they ever admitted what fools and traitors they were, every one of them beat Rebs’ll go to his grave sure as God that we, all us ungrateful slaves, were the reason for every bit of the misery they brought on themselves. Bad as they were before, they gon punish us now.”

The prescience and relatability to much of the racial divide and struggle that's still occurring can be captured in that quote alone.

Overall, nothing beats a badass female protagonist combined with a fascinating time period in history, and that's what this book offers.

I give it 5 out of 5 thumbs up.

I absolutely loved this story. I didnt think I would make it throught the 1st chapter but I kept reading. I was empowered by Cathy Williams and did further research on her. I would like to know what happened to Wager and I hate they didnt get their Happy ending.

I really quite enjoyed this book about a little-known woman who influenced the period of time after the Civil War in a big way. I thought Cathy had an inspiring story and this book didn't sugarcoat the struggles she went through to make it as a woman in a man's world. I couldn't believe some of the hardships she went through in the Union Army not only to hide her identity, but just to make it day-to-day.

This book was incredibly engaging read and just one of the most detailed and immersive historical fiction books I've read this year. I could tell how well-researched it was and it read almost as if Cathy were telling her own story. While the content was sometimes difficult to read because of how awful her experiences were, it was still an amazing book and work of historical fiction.

I always am delighted when I learn something new about history. I knew that there were certain times when women disguised themselves and joined the war effort, but Cathy Williams was entirely new to me. This is a shame because I would have delighted in knowing about her when I was younger. Originally taken as ‘contraband’ by General Philip Sheridan during the Civil War to serve as a cook for the arm, she eventually disguised herself and joined the Buffalo Soldiers after the war ended for two years. I feel there’s quite a disservice in that gems like Cathy are overlooked and relegated to whispers on the wind of history.

Of course, it goes without saying there is a lot of prejudice. Even though African-Americans were freed, society wasn’t welcoming still. Out west, they’re delegated to ‘killing the red man to steal the land for the white man.’ What a joy, right? It amazes me how they could join the army, give up their lives and yet, still be treated so poorly. There were moments where I felt myself tear up at the injustice of it all.

I know you’re likely wondering, ‘how did she hide herself?’ It wasn’t easy. But she managed it. It was rather amazing, honestly. I’m always in awe of women who took that unto themselves. Made me think of Mulan, actually.

I could have done without the romance aspect, but it wasn’t something that really affected me too much. It helped push the story along. He is a man full of ideals that made him, in my opinion, way ahead of his time. He is hopeful and he dreams of justice. In a world where they could enslave people just for the color of their skin, justice didn’t seem realistic to me. He comes to this realisation too.”The Army can make a white man salute the uniform, but it can’t make him give a man the respect that goes with it.” It’s a shame to see that idealistic young man become jaded, but such was the way of life.

I loved reading about Reconstruction and the bad management of it by Andrew Johnson, (the first president to be impeached!), the historical figures and just about the time period in general. It definitely taught me about facts that I didn’t know about the time and I just really loved Cathy and her determined spirit. I wish there was more about her!

The story draws you in from the first page. I had read several reviews and found the book exceeds expectations. Based on an historical character, Sarah Bird brings Cathy Williams to life. While the book is fiction, it does not feel that way. You travel the roads with Cathy Williams as she makes decisions that will enter her name into the history books of today. I really enjoyed the journey.

I was granted access by netgalley.com to an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book was moving, captivating, and thoroughly enjoyable. I will definitely recommend this to lovers of history, African American studies, and historical fiction!

3.5 stars
Fictional biographies are always difficult for me to rate because I’m always trying to discern the true story from the imagined. I know it’s fiction, but I always hope for a realistic portrayal of the person. This novel is based on the life of Cathy Williams, who although was disguised as a man, was the first African-American woman to enlist in the US Army and the only woman Buffalo Soldier. Of course, I was inspired to find out more about her, but there doesn’t appear to be much online, except a number of articles, most of which relate her story only briefly. That made it even more difficult to tell the true story from what was imagined.

Born in Missouri, on a tobacco plantation, Cathy Williams, escapes slavery when she is taken from the plantation by Union General Sheridan to work as an assistant to his cook. This is the turning point in her life, as the Civil War is ending, and she eventually ends up enlisting as a man, calling herself William Cathay. This part of the story seems to reflect what was true. Based on the biographical information that I read, it’s apparent that the real spirit of who she was is told here. It reads as a memoir, in the first person and her courage and gumption to live among these men in disguise is evident. There is a thread that begins early in the story, when she falls in love with a dying soldier and this becomes a big part of the story told here. I couldn’t find any reference to him in any of the brief biographical information. I wish more of her true life would have been depicted, rather than a fictional relationship. The other problem I had was that it seemed to drag on in the middle.

In spite of my reservations, this novel brings us a historically significant woman, not very well known, who was tough, determined, and independent. It also seems to depict well the time in history, the views on slavery, even after the Civil War and the racism that existed in the country as well as in the army. When I read fictional biographies I have to keep reminding myself that it is fiction . However, it did for me what I like historical fiction to do - teach me something through the lives of the characters and inspire me to want to know more.

I received an advanced copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley.

The novel tells the story of a little known story about the Buffalo soldiers. I found Cathy's story to be be very emotional. I thought that Cathy was a strong heroine who was bold, brave, and selfless. There were some scenes that were hard to read. Also, the story plods at a rather slow paced. Still, this book is thought-provoking and is filled with rich details. I highly recommend it for fans of I Shall Be Near to You, The Vengeance of Mothers, and The Widow of the South!

This was an interesting story.This is a fictionalized account of Cathy Williams, a young slave woman who was taken as 'contraband' by General Philip H. Sheridan during the Civil War, traveled with his army working as a cook, and then disguised herself as a man to join the Buffalo Soldiers after the war, where she served for two years.We have a lot of action from the beginning and the story is captivating.

Incredible! This book was fantastic. Based on a true story, Cathy Williams, is a newly freed slave in the south, the granddaughter of an African queen, which was left with very narrow possibilities, being an African American woman in the south. Through much travel, tales and tribulations, she hid her gender, and joined the army of the legendary Buffalo Soldiers. Defying death a hundred times over, with the spirit of her brave mother and grandmother as her angels, this brave and spunky Cathy lives to be a true hero. Loved the history, the spunk, the language uses, and the thorough research put into this book. I highly recommend it. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the e-copy for my review. All opinions are my own.

Cathy Williams started life as a slave. But her mother never let her forget that she was the daughter of a daughter of an African queen. She was born in Missouri in the 1840s and worked as a slave in Little Dixie until a Union Army general came and burned the farm. Mistaking Cathy for a boy, the general took her to be a cook's assistant. Later, she posed as a boy again to join the Buffalo Soldiers and fought in the Civil War.

What a great book! Cathy is strong, brave and true to herself. She perseveres through intense hardship and the horrors of war. As an old woman she stands up to those who scoff at her to proudly tell her story. Lovely!

For me, this book was absolutely captivating. Cathy is such a strong main character and she goes through so much. She never let anything beat her down. I found this story disturbing because of the images of slavery, war and prejudice...but also quite empowering and uplifting. Cathy had one hell of a life because she never stopped living it like she was the granddaughter of a warrior. Beautiful and haunting story!

I loved this book. I am definitely going to read more by this author!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St. Martins Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Excellent read! I learned something new by reading this book. I've never heard of Cathy Williams until reading this book. She was definitely a force to be reckoned with. Fierce and proud, Cathy set out to do what most wouldn't do, especially as a woman of color. A true heroine in my opinion. I enjoyed this book very much!! I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion..

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen by Sarah Bird tells the amazing life story of Cathy Williams. Though born a slave to a father who was an educated free man and a mother who was a slave Cathy never wore the yolk of slavery. Her grandmother was an African warrior wife of the Kingdom of Dahomey who instilled in her family the belief that they were not slaves, they were captives and should have pride in themselves.

As the civil war neared it's end Cathy was taken as "contraband" by General Henry Sheridan to help his cook. Making the best of it Cathy proved herself to be smart, able and personable. She and the General developed a grudging respect for each other that lasted a lifetime.

After the war, believing her mother and sister are dead, Cathy posed as a man and joined the U.S. Calvary as a Buffalo Soldier named William Cathay. Sent west to fight in the Indian insurrection. Completing her enlistment Cathy vows to find the only man she ever loved, reunite with her sister and lead a life of prosperity and independence.

This is a phenomenal story masterfully told by Sarah Bird. It's a story that at times made me laugh out loud and at others brought tears to my eyes. The true strength to this book and storyline is the amount of respect and awe the reader can't help but feel for this amazing American woman. The story development is spot on and engages the reader immediately.

Character development is so well done I feel like I know all of the people in this book, especially Cathy. She is so fleshed out I felt like I could reach out and touch her. She's someone I wish I could truely know and talk to. I can just imagine the stories she'd have to tell. As a female USN Veteran I know how hard military life can be now, the fact that this woman not only succeeded but thrived in the military at that time is astounding. The reader is taken on the journey with her.

This is one of the best books, best stories, I have ever read. I can't recommend this book highly enough. Cathy Williams is someone I had never heard of and someone EVERY American should know about. She is an example to be held up to our young girls and should be celebrated for what she accomplished. If you have a teen daughter buy her this book. If you have a teen son buy him this book that instills respect for strong women. If you are an adult buy yourself this book because I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.

This is a wonderful historical fiction novel about an incredibly real and strong woman and her struggle to survive alone in the aftermath of the Civil War. Cathy enlists as a Buffalo soldier, posing as a male freed slave among an army of African American men.

Heartbreaking, hopeful, bittersweet - this book sweeps up the reader as Cathy’s story unfolds.

This book is written in the form of a memoir by Cathy Williams, the slave who disguised herself as a man and enlisted in the Buffalo Soldiers after the end of the Civil War. Williams was a real person, but unfortunately she did not write her memoirs and not much seems to be known about her. The author of this book invented Cathy's experience and I found the description unsatisfying. Sometimes historical fiction enhances the true story but that wasn't the case with this book. There was just too much imagined, including a completely unnecessary romance with a fellow soldier. Understandably, Cathy repeatedly feared that her gender would be discovered, but once you read about that scenario once, there is really nothing new to say about it. The author had an annoyingly twee habit of substituting dashes for curse words. Soldiers curse. If you don't want to put that in your book, fine. But don't be cute about it. I would have been better off reading a nonfiction book about the Buffalo Soldiers. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

I was just unable to finish this book. I liked the premise, but the characters failed to engage my imagination. After reading about 1/3 of the book, I was bored and gave up.

This was a very interesting read. It must have been difficult to create a life story for a woman that so little is known about. Cathy Williams, born into slavery in Missouri, chances upon a position as a cook's assistant to General Sheridan's cook. She shoots some Rebels and holds the line as most of the Yankees flee during a surprise attack, while Sheridan is away in Washington. After the war ends, she has no prospects. She disguises herself as a man and joins the black cavalry unit. After many close calls, harassment for presumably being homosexual, and a long internal battle over telling her Sergeant that she loves him and is a woman, she is finally outed as a female while being treated for cactus wounds and dehydration.

This book is historically very significant. Its characters are believable. The moral dilemmas, racial injustices and search for recognition make this a compelling read. It does contain a lot of violence, sexual innuendo, and some language. For these reasons, I can only recommend it for adults or the very mature teen.

One of the things I love about reading historical fiction is discovering people, places, and events that are new to me. Cathy Williams - doesn’t ring any bells. The Buffalo Soldiers - nope nothing, even General Sheridan offers no recognition. Mind you I am Canadian but I have heard my fair share of US history. Now I do know the time, slavery has been abolished, and though I’ve heard of former slaves joining the army, a women doing this, yea that’s a new one. Part of me was skeptical, not even believing it could actually happen, let alone go on for 2 years. It was my friend Stephanie and fellow blogger from Layered Pages that changed my mind. I always notice when 5 stars come from her.

This book was told from Cathy’s POV, and I went the audio route here. I say that because audio in first person is wonderful. It’s like Cathy was sitting right there telling me her story and what a story it is. Every time I had a question she answered it, she shared the struggles and horrors the troop encountered. The reader was Bahni Turpin, she did a great job capturing Cathy’s voice, it was like I was right in the action.

Sarah Bird is a new author to me, how she came about writing this book was a bonus feature in the audio version and I loved it. Her research shines through, and she doesn’t hold back but tells it like it was.

Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen is definitely a book I recommend, especially for those looking for strong female figures from the past.

My thanks to the publisher for an advanced copy (via Netgalley).

I really struggled with this book. I found it to be incredibly slow in spots and some of the storyline was a little unbelievable. I didn't care for the end, as I felt it left the reader hanging. While I liked the idea of telling the story of an African-American woman as a Buffalo Soldier, I thought there were some serious plot holes. The characters could have used a little more developing.

Just finished DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN...
Let me just start by saying that I love books set in ‘the old west’. I also love books about slavery because I believe in reading such things, we can learn of the unjustice and not repeat.
With that said, this book was about a black woman named Cathy Williams who served in the Army as William Cathay. The way this book flowed through Cathy’s life was intriguing. She persevered through a difficult time. Not only being in the army, but being in a black army trying to disguise herself. She was strong, intelligent, sassy and proud....which often put her in precarious situations.
This book has it all to keep the readers interested. It has historical facts, a bit of romance, hatred and indignities, and mystery with a twist.
I truly enjoyed this book as it was like nothing I have ever read! I will definitely read this authors work again!
Thank you Net Galley for the opportunity to read this gem!