Black History Month| Write It Day 16| The Secrets of Mary Bowser by Lois Leveen

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Born enslaved, Mary Bowen later became a spy for the Union army. Stationed in the white house of the Confederate States of America Bower bravely contributed to the cause of freedom. Lois Leveen perfectly captured the life and times of this hero in The Secrets of Mary Bowser!


Based on the remarkable true story of a freed African American slave who returned to Virginia at the onset of the Civil War to spy on the Confederates, The Secrets of Mary Bowser is a masterful debut by an exciting new novelist. Author Lois Leveen combines fascinating facts and ingenious speculation to craft a historical novel that will enthrall readers of women’s fiction, historical fiction, and acclaimed works like Cane River and Cold Mountain that offer intimate looks at the twin nightmares of slavery and Civil War. A powerful and unforgettable story of a woman who risked her own freedom to bring freedom to millions of others, The Secrets of Mary Bowser celebrates the courageous achievements of a little known but truly inspirational American heroine.

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