Maggie Lena Walker was a remarkable person, and I'm glad that Watson found her story and wanted to share it. That being said, I ended up skimming this more than anything, because the writing style just didn't really work for me. As other reviewers have noted, it read like a first draft, disjointed, scattered, inconsistent. I have no doubt that Watson is a skilled researcher and even author but I think this particular format especially didn't suit the story; it would have made more sense as a nonfiction, perhaps even a middle-grade style of biography. I found the focus on sexual content especially jarring. I'm all for it in a romance (obvs) or even in a book that is going to examine a character's relationship with/to sex, but this felt inconsequential to and out of place with Maggie's larger story, included without intention, and a bit awkward.

I loved this story of great ambition. This story gives the perspective of a narrator not too many are familiar with. I did not know her story until reading this book and I am thankful I gave it a read.

This is one that I really wanted to get to, because it sounded fascinating and actually based in a lot of fact. Unfortunately, I found myself zoning out a lot while reading and I just wasn't able to focus on the important bits in this one.

A very informative historical fiction read highlighting the ambition and commitment to social justice and mobility in the early 1900s for Blacks, particularly women. I didn’t know anything about this time period for Blacks, so this was an eye opener for me. It’s quite slow paced and dry, but I think if you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’d like it.

The story of Maggie, growing up in a wealthy family learning all the terrible distance and separation between her mother and wealthy friends always treating black people with superiority.

Now Maggie with the help of influential friends like DuBois and Mary McLeod, will revolutionize the town of Richmond in ways that are still felt today.

love how Maggie was always strong and didn't take anything for granted, she was always trying to help and be better for everybody not just for herself.

I enjoyed the story, and the characters so much especially Maggie.

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for the advanced copy of A Right-worthy Woman in exchange for my honest review.

I really wanted to like this book and was looking forward to learning more about Maggie Lena Walker. Typically, I enjoy these types of historical fiction novels that shed light on an important woman from history whose story is not well known to me. I was not able to become engaged with the novel or the characters. At times, the novel felt disjointed, being either rushed or too drawn out for my reading taste.

This was a great work of historical fiction. I love that it was from a period that is not well-known, the post Reconstruction south. A time when there was a lot of hope, but it was unfortunately thwarted. The strength of the characters male and female was great to see. I love the depiction of the strong female with the equally strong spouse. This was an engaging book that was educational without being educational and was engaging throughout, with suspense and drama.

Ok, I'm not going to go on and on with a long review of this book, other than to say that I recommended it to multiple friends before I was even finished reading it.

Highly recommend. If you love reading about areas of history that have previously been hidden, this is a book you MUST read!!!

I had never heard of Maggie and was very appreciative to read her story and learn of her history.. She was an amazing woman.
Many thanks to Atria and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

See full review on "Atlanta Journal-Constitution" website:

Maggie Walker was the daughter of a formerly enslaved woman who became the first female in the United States to own a bank — one of few to survive the Great Depression. Born in Virginia one year before the end of the Civil War, Walker smashed every barrier constraining Black women in the Jim Crow South. Her extensive contributions to the formation of Richmond’s “Black Wall Street” are brought to vivid life in “A Right Worthy Woman,” Ruth P. Watson’s luminous work of historical fiction chronicling the trailblazer’s life.

It’s impossible not to admire a person as indomitable as Maggie Lena Mitchell Walker. Watson enlivens this powerful leader who came to be known as “the race woman” in a narrative that opens in 1876 when Walker is 12 years old. In an era when “colored girls were not to speak without being spoken to,” Walker boldly asks her mother’s boss how she, too, can become rich...

https://www.ajc.com/things-to-do/book-review-trailblazer-defies-racism-sexism-to-attain-unparalleled-success-during-jim-crow/QPETJFGSRVAOZFH3J3HOBQAXRQ/

A well-researched historical fiction that tells the story of a successful woman working with the world against her. I loved getting to know Maggie Lena Walker and all the things she has done to further the black community and women as a whole.

This was a fascinating story about a real person Maggie Walker. I hope more people read it just understand what she went through and what many women went through during these times highly recommended.

I was given an advanced reader copy of this title by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This was a fascinating read and it taught me a great deal about history and the struggle for equality. Highly recommend!

Living in the Richmond, Virginia area, I am familiar with the history behind Maggie L. Walker, so I am glad to see this historical fiction novel bring her extraordinary life story to those outside of the area. This novel is written as a historical biographical novel so you learn much about her life and times as she was born into slavery during the Civil War and became the first black woman to serve as the founder of a bank. I especially was drawn into the descriptions of Richmond’s Jackson Ward neighborhood, often called the Harlem of the South. I have visited Mrs. Walker’s home in the neighborhood and have viewed her majestic statue along Richmond’s Broad Street. What an amazing woman to overcome so much in her life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for giving me the opportunity to read A Right Worthy Woman by Ruth P. Watson.

I was unfamiliar with Maggie Lena Walker, her story, and many accomplishments. It's history story I am happy to now know and enjoyed reading

I skimmed most of this book. I love a historical fiction, however the writing style didn't lend itself to a compelling read.

Master storyteller, Author Ruth P. Watson breathes new life into the forgotten history of a true maverick, Maggie Lena Walker, the first Black woman to charter an American bank, in her latest thought-provoking remarkable, and insightful novel—A RIGHT WORTHY WOMAN.

Maggie was a pioneer, scholar, entrepreneur, and one of the most prominent bankers ever, deserving a place next to the great American entrepreneurs and leaders.

The novel is an extraordinary reimagining of historical fiction based on a true legend from 1876, covering more than 50 years —A critical and integral part of our history that often forgets the essential Black women's perseverance, passion, and significant accomplishments.

Maggie Mitchell was only 12 when her father was found dead along the James River in Richmond, Virginia, which they say was a drowning. Her mother suspects foul play, but of course, no one investigates.

Left alone to raise Maggie and her brother, they grow up poor and try to survive with their laundry business. It is hard work and low pay, and soon Maggie decides she will have the life of her mom's white, affluent clients with power and class. She would help others in the community achieve the same. Then a teacher, back to Saint Luke's, and then on to be a successful businesswoman.

I loved how, as a young girl, she asked Mrs. Thalhimer, how can I live like you?"

Why could white women make a difference and not Blacks? Maggie was determined not to settle—she would not be silenced. BRAVO!

Soon, Maggie begins attending meetings of the Independent Order of St. Luke, a humanitarian group for Blacks within the Richmond, Jackson Ward community. Later under her leadership, Jackson Ward became known as the "Harlem of the South" and the "Black Wall Street of the South."

Maggie loves her work, becomes immersed in the community, and helps change policies. It is here that she meets her future husband, Armstead Walker. He admires her tenacity, and she informs him early on her work will always be front and center, even after marriage and a family. Her husband was not threatened by her ambition and stood by her, but he often worried about her and the dangerous encounters.

She instills in her children and family the importance of building the gap between blacks and whites. She faces multiple obstacles and stands firm. With three children, she continues her work with the help of her husband by her side and her caring mom, who lives with them and helps with the children and household.

Maggie comes up against politics and life in a man's world, but she never backs down. She is focused and passionate about her work and eventually takes over the order's leadership, opening the first charter bank and a black emporium. She helps many blacks open their own business and thrive.

I love how Maggie does not back down from a man. Not her husband, her business associates, or her competition. The Author renders a critical story of a successful leader, a fearless woman who thrives and overcomes many obstacles in a time when women did not speak out.

Richly complex for a woman to go up against men in this period is almost unheard of, especially for a black woman. Highly commendable. She faces threats, tragedy, and intimidation, and many men say she does not act like a woman but a man, but nothing will STOP her.

Rich in detail, character, time, and place, I learned much - Maggie has influenced entrepreneurs worldwide to achieve their goals. Uplifting and inspiring! Even during racial times, Jim Crow, a pandemic, and the Great Depression, the bank survived, eventually merging with other banks, and still operates in Richmond today.

A true heroine and advocate, Maggie was well respected, courageous, a leader, and worked tirelessly for equal rights. She devoted her time and energies to changing and improving conditions for women and girls in business, employment, and a haven for those at risk.

A triumph! A RIGHT WORTHY WOMAN is a beautiful, heartfelt story of an extraordinary woman from a forgotten history. Watson has recreated Maggie Lena Walker's life with meticulously researched historical details, and her passion shines through as the characters come alive on the page.

Thank you, Ruth, for telling this remarkable story of a hidden figure whose account is long overdue. Her character sets the stage for Black women and all women for many generations. Maggie's strength, ambition, passion, tenacity, and determination will inspire all women, regardless of color or class.

A RIGHT WORTHY WOMAN shines, eloquently capturing the perseverance, grit, and heart of a formidable woman who builds an empire and community while facing insurmountable obstacles.

I enjoyed her business and personal relationships with her friend, Mary, her mom, husband, children, grandchildren, and her contemporaries—a bonus: The Author's Note, additional book resources, photos, and history.

Top 10 Historical Fiction of 2023! Highly recommend! I look forward to reading Watson's backlist. For fans of Kianna Alexander's Carolina Built, which I also enjoyed.

"When it comes to success, the choice is simple. You can either stand up and be counted or lie down and be counted out."—Maggie Lena Walker

I especially enjoyed reading about Thalhimers (her competition) and its main rival, Miller & Rhoads. The Winston-Salem, NC Thalhimers store, housed in the Sosnik-Morris-Early Commercial Block, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, where I worked as regional marketing manager in the 80's downtown at Bank of America (former NCNB, NationsBank) before moving to Atlanta and then South Florida.

Thanks to #AtriaBooks for a gifted ARC via #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: June 13, 2023
My Rating: 5 🌟 Stars
June 2023 Must-Read Books
Top Historical Books of 2023

Thanks to Atria Books for the copy of this book!

The true story of Maggie Lena Walker, who became secretary-treasurer of the Independent Order of St. Luke and founded a newspaper, a bank, and a department store where Black customers were treated with respect. I was totally unfamiliar with Maggie’s story and I learned so much! This woman is AMAZING and really persevered and made a difference despite a lot of opposition and loss in her life. Pick this up if you need a dose of inspiration!

A very big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Atria Books for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of A Right Worthy Woman by Ruth P. Watson in exchange for my honest review.

I am thankful that Ruth P. Watson felt it necessary to tell the story of Maggie Lena Walker. I would probably still be ignorant to all that she has accomplished and contributed to the advancement of Black people and woman. She is yet another hidden figure whose story needs to be heard! What I enjoyed most about this book is that you can really tell the author did her research! There were plenty of times that I had to remind myself that this was a work of fiction because her life was filled with some high highs and very low lows that all of the information presented was believable.

While I enjoyed reading about Maggie’s life there were a couple things that could be improved on for me to love the story. Because this is a bio historical fiction the story felt very repetitive at times. Nothing a little editing for a more seamless flow can’t fix. I also thought the story was a bit surface level. We got a lot of information on Maggie; however I struggled with connecting with the characters because the relationships felt a little flat.

Overall this was an intriguing read that I would definitely recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction and reading about Black women doing the darn thing!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review, All opinions are my own.
A Right Worthy Woman tells the story of Maggie Lena Walker, the first Black woman to start a bank, additionally rising to become the first Black woman to serve as bank president. With this book compared to Carolina Built, it has the similar style of biographical fiction, following Maggie in her rise from “humble” beginnings in post-Civil War Virginia, and how she begins her determined rise to greatness. She had obstacles that stood in her way, but she never let that stop her from trying, starting small and growing from learning how to run a business from her mom to becoming a teacher to establishing and running her own bank.
This book did fall into some of the pitfalls of biographical fiction, where it has a lot of ground to cover in a concise number of pages. It results in some of the story feeling very surface-level, while covering a long period of time. It’s very much a personal preference, but I do sometimes struggle with this style of book for this reason, as it results in there being a level of distance between the reader and the characters. I can appreciate the reasons for why Ruth P. Watson chose to tell the story this way, to capture the major high (and low) points of Maggie’s story, however.
In spite of my personal issues, I enjoyed this book for the most part, and love that love that this book exposed me to Maggie’s life and contributions. If you enjoy biographical historical fiction about lesser known people, especially from Black women’s history, I’d recommend checking this out!