The premise is interesting. The fact that’s it’s based on a true story is eye opening. I enjoyed this throughout

I requested this title by mistake. I had gotten a title from a friend and thought that this was the book, it isn't. After reading various reviews I realized that this is definitely not a book for me since it contains graphic descriptions of violence.

Sorry for requesting the incorrect book and thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

The Great Storm of 1900 that struck Galveston, Texas on September 8, was the deadliest natural disaster in United States history. Matt Bondurant’s Oleander City recounts the days and weeks after the disaster from three points of view. Readers are immediately submerged in the devastating descriptions of human suffering and loss through the frantic, scared eyes of six-year-old Hester, the lone survivor from The Sisters of the Incarnate Word Orphanage. The second is the ringside view of bold, educated Jewish boxer Joe Choynski, who is hired to fight the “Galveston Giant” in a fund raiser for the recovery effort. The third view is from Diana, assistant to Clara Barton, American Red Cross Director, in Galveston to minister to survivors.
Based on the true story of a famous boxing match, Matt Bondurant ties Galveston’s gambling history, persecution by the Ku Klux Klan and the island’s recovery efforts into knots that are only untangled because of his in-depth historical research and superb weaving of the three narratives. This account goes beyond the architectural devastation and rebuilding to the colossal human effort that was required to restore families, businesses and hope for the future of the island.

Oleander City
by Matt Bondurant
Pub Date: June 14, 2022
Blackstone
Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Based on a true story.
In the wake of the 1900 Galveston hurricane, three lives converge despite persecution from the Ku Klux Klan, a bare-knuckle boxing match gone wrong, and the recovery efforts of the American Red Cross.
Good Book!
4 stars

Oleander City was definitely an interesting read. Based on the true events of the Galveston hurricane of the early 1900s, I found this book to be well researched and very detailed. This book held my attention and I loved the lawlessness, wild wild west feel to it. For those who love books based on true events, this one is a solid choice.

I love a book where I learn something, and this delivers. Historical fact is interwoven with an excellent story around the hurricane of 1900 in Galveston. I had heard of this event, but this book really brought alive the horrific natural disaster in all its horrible tragedies. The descriptions of the aftermath are difficult to read but create such a visual that I don’t need to see the movie. Poignant and heart-wrenching are just two words that touch on the power of Bondurant’s narrative. His writing is beautiful!
Hester, Joe and Diane are such memorable characters. We care deeply about them from first meeting each and this only intensifies as we hear more of their backstories. I was actually quite shocked and disappointed when the book ended as I was anticipating more plot and more insights into the character. (My e reader wasn’t set to warn me that I was already done!) That said, the ending was a good one – satisfying and believable.
I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end where he explains the genesis of this novel and what ultimately and historically became of the characters. The inclusion of a photo was a great addition to this education.
Thanks so much to Blackstone and to Net Galley for the review copy. I will be checking out this author’s other works.

Any book about my home state of Texas always catches my eye. I wanted to know more of the history of the devastating Galveston hurricane. It was way outside my comfort zone and not my usual type of story. It is adult subject matter and contains some sensitive material. The bygone era, clothing, food and drink, prejudices and discrimination, all seemed authentic and realistic. The devastation descriptions of the aftermath were painfully atmospheric.
It is related by alternating characters per chapter. There were no quotation marks used in this ebook for the different characters when they spoke, which I found confusing to read. It is not a lengthy book and the pace was good after struggling at first with the authors intended concept.
Clara Barton is part of the story but, she is not the primary focus, her aide is. Diana is one of the American Red Cross ladies dispatched to assist in the hurricane aftermath. As Ms Barton ages and her health and mind deteriorates, Diana takes on more responsibility for overseeing and directing distribution of supplies, goods and donations.
Young Hester, only hurricane survivor of ninety-three, from St. Mary’s Orphan Asylum, is a central piece of the story. Her trauma has not ended as she witnesses more of mankind's inhumanity towards one another. I found myself cheering her on throughout the book. Diana makes it her personal mission to protect and care for Hester.
Boxing is another prominate part of the story.
Chrysanthemum Joe, from San Francisco, is touted as the greatest Jewish boxer in America. He's contracted to fight in a match raising relief funds. Joe's left his critically ill wife, Lutie, back home while he travels to matches. He's quite a complicated character and not what people expect. He's cultivated, likes theater, drama, plays, acting, literature, and good healthy food. He's the most developed in the story. Joe’s Scientific Boxing Revue bouts are detailed and prolific. His manager, Salazar, is peculiar and quirky.
Rabbi Henry Cohen of the Central Relief Committee was another relevant part of the story.
Overall the author's historical portrayal of the corruption, lawlessness, wild west atmosphere, and class disparity made for a thought provoking read. It seemed accurate to time period.
Thanks to NetGalley, Matt Bondurant and to Blackstone Publishing for the advance digital copy of "Oleander City". These are my honest and personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.

I loved reading this book! I found the writing to be very insightful and interesting. I was intrigued by the premise and I enjoyed reading it from start to finish.