Here is a tidbit about myself, one of my favorite era’s is the 1920’s. In fact one of my all time favorite authors is F. Scott Fitzgerald. I’ve read most of his books, and love them each time. Although I’ve always loved to read, during high school I think I would have apprenticed having to read The Great Gatsby as opposed to Romeo and Juliet. I’m not a big Shakespeare fan! So when I started college I began to scope out F. Scott Fitzgerald books and short stories to read. His stories have a way of transporting you to the past with descriptions and vocabulary that induces a realness. Many times while reading his books I would stop and think, “how did he know how to describe it in that manner?”
So with my love of the 1920’s era and the master author that was F.Scott Fitzgerald its safe to say that anytime I see a book following the theme I will read it. It was no different when I saw the book Becoming Bonnie by Jenni L. Walsh. As you might have guessed through the title it is a fictional story about Bonnie of the infamous Bonnie and Clyde duo. With touches of facts thrown into the book, the story follows Bonnelyn as an innocent teen. Although due to a difficult financial situation, disappointing husband and growing into a woman, she slowly becomes the Bonnie we’ve all heard of.
Facts That Were Part of the Book:
- Bonnie’s dad died when she was young
- Bonnie had two siblings, Buster and Billie
- Bonnie got married at 16
- Her husband was not a good one
- Both Bonnie and Clyde grew up very poor
- Clyde’s siblings in the book, were real and so were the some of the crimes he committed
- Bonnie really did snuggle a gun to Clyde while he was in jail
- Bonnie’s best friend in the book, was a real life fellow member of the Barrow Gang…and more.
What I loved about the book:
It was quite interesting to see Bonnie and Clyde depicted from Bonnies point of view. Many times when this pair is depicted it is from the point of view of Clyde or both. You get to know Bonnie on her own, and learn what motivates her. Bonnie is depicted a smart, strong girl and women. The type of Bonnie you would want to be part of such an infamous duo. Without being too sappy, you could understand the deep love Bonnie and Clyde had for each other. And finally, like the U.S. economy at the time Bonnie’s life hits a crash and she learns how to deal with it.
I hope I didn’t give to much away about the book! I really enjoyed the book, and hope you read it! What type of books do you love?
T.S.
What do you think?