Born a slave in Missouri, Cathy Williams never considered herself one. Her mother always told her stories of her grandmother, an African queen stolen from her home and unwillingly brought to America. Even though they have faced unspeakable hardships, the women of Cathy's family have been brought up to believe they are above their captivity. When General Sheridan takes Cathy from the plantation to work in his war camp kitchen, Cathy is torn between accepting her freedom, but being ripped away from her mother and beloved sister, Clemmie.

Once the Civil War ends, Cathy, often mistaken for a man, joins the Buffalo Soldiers, disguised as Cathay Williams. She becomes a skilled soldier, and travels across the country with the Buffalo Soldiers, on missions, and in combat. Cathy barely has a moment to let her guard down, always keeping her guise up, but through Sarah Bird's thorough research of the time period, readers are shown a multidimensional woman who defied expectations and fought for what she believed was right.

DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN by Sarah Bird is a fascinating and well-researched historical fiction novel about a truly inspiring woman. The beginning got off to a slow start but picked up about halfway through the book. Because this book was based on a real person, I was astounded by the things that happened, and that Cathy Williams really did do some of the things depicted in this story. Of course, some liberties were taken for the sake of storytelling, but I think the overarching story depicted a courageous woman who overcame every hardship set against her. Additionally, the ending is a little abrupt and didn't quite fit in with the rest of the book. Nonetheless, DAUGHTER OF A DAUGHTER OF A QUEEN is an interesting look at a historical figure who, in her own way, overcame racial discrimination, gender bias, and heartbreaking cruelty.

Book Summary

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 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 considered herself a slave. According to her mother, she was a captive, bound by her noble warrior blood to escape the enemy. Her means of deliverance is 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 vows to never give up on finding her mother, her little sister, and the love of the only man strong and noble 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 respect and independence.