Josephine N. Leary is a powerhouse. Learning about her life through this fictionalized account was interesting. It’s always interesting learning about famous women in history who have had so much stacked against them and still managed to succeed as an integral part of society. It’s equally fascinating that a writer can distill a compelling story using only historical records, journal entries, and imagination.

Carolina Built is a compelling story of triumph and determination despite numerous setbacks. We learn more than Leary’s great feats, but other pivotal women in her community at the time. We get to see a thriving Black city during reconstruction and the contributions of inspirational Black people.

Listening to the audiobook, however, took away from the experience for me. I’m not sure if the narrator wasn’t engaging enough, or the material just felt too much like recounting events. The story felt a lot like “I felt like…” instead of powerful descriptions. I didn’t feel as if I were experiencing life through the characters’ eyes. It felt as if it were just another historical account.

I still would recommend this story because stories like Josephine Leary’s are so important. So often the historical accomplishments of Black women are erased and fade away through time.