The charming real-life fairy tale of an American secretary who discovers she has been chosen king of an impoverished fishing village on the west coast of Africa. King Peggy chronicles the astonishing journey of American secretary; Peggielene Bartels; who suddenly finds herself king to a town of 7;000 people on Ghana's central coast; half a world away. Upon arriving for her crowning ceremony in beautiful Otuam; she discovers the dire reality: there's no running water; no doctor; no high school; and many of the village elders are stealing the town's funds. To make matters worse; her uncle (the late king) sits in a morgue awaiting a proper funeral in the royal palace; which is in ruins. Peggy's first two years as king of Otuam unfold in a way that is stranger than fiction. In the end; a deeply traditional African town is uplifted by the ambitions of its decidedly modern female king; and Peggy is herself transformed; from an ordinary secretary to the heart and hope of her community.
#554467 in Books Flora Fraser 2016-10-18 2016-10-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .90 x 5.20l; 1.01 #File Name: 0307474437464 pagesThe Washingtons George and Martha Partners in Friendship and Love
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. The Couple Remain As Private As They WishedBy MickMWhile an entertaining read; I found the lack of detail about the personal lives of George and Martha Washington disappointing. The book clarified some misconceptions; e.g. Martha; while she was indeed older than George; the age difference was only a few months. We learn that Martha and George were often together in winter camp during the Revolutionary War; but little about their interactions with others or each other. Unfortunately; of course; they both destroyed most of their personal correspondence; but surely there are letters or memoirs of people who stayed with them and dined with them when they were both already held in high esteem. I would have enjoyed reading more about those interactions than merely that Martha had grown plump; or that George remained largely silent. Perhaps this book is the result of the lack of such information; but that is hard to believe in an age of letters and diaries.The communications between George and his siblings; and with his step-children are enlightening; not only as to their relationships; but as to George's values and economic sense. I came away with a better knowledge of those interactions than of those between the couple. Unlike some of the other reviewers; I thought the information about the purchases of goods from overseas very informative. The Washingtons wanted quality and fashion. There was vanity and nobility in the household; and the Washingtons' interactions with their agents and the items they sought fills out those traits; and their personal tastes in consumer goods.The book yields a better sense of the household and its operations; and of the relationships among the extended family. The relations between George and Martha are still veiled; at best; and that may be how it remains (it was certainly how they wished.) All in all a good read; and worth the time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Providence PrevailedBy FlowerThis is an interesting overview of the Washingtons and their time period; without feeling too much like a history textbook. I learned a few new interesting things about both George and Martha. One can appreciate and be reminded of the exemplary contributions and sacrifices each was willing to make. Relationships within and outside the family are brought to life; as well as key historical and military events. An easy read even if history is not your favorite subject.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Martha George Washington's LifeBy BonnieThis is the story of a married couple. It was also the first time I read a detailed account of Martha's life and family background. I recommend it to all who are interested in American history and the lives of the "Founding Mothers" who gave as much as their husbands to our identity as a nation.
