The author states that her goal is not to diminish Frederick Douglass with this book, only to show that he was human. She succeeds in doing just that, but I admit I lost some respect for him as a person based on how he treated both women (but especially Anna) and his children. Anna and Ottilie are so different. Anna keeps the family whole, she cleans the house, feeds the children and makes sure Frederick (or Freddy as she calls him although he doesn't always like it) feels comfortable. She is very religious and would have been content if Frederick had simply become a Preacher. Anna has no real desire to learn to read and write, she only agrees to lessons so that Freddy will stop badgering her about her inability to read but Anna ends up never becoming literate. That is part of the reason Frederick turns to Ottilie who is more of his equal intellectually. With Ottilie, Douglass (Ottilie called him Herr Douglass for awhile and then affectionately just called him Douglass) could discuss politics, literature, art, philosophy, anything that came to mind. I had a hard time understanding why Anna wouldn't want to learn to read and write but I closed this book with a better understanding of why she was happy with who she was and I admired her for her spirit. Ottilie was young, slender, blonde. Anna was older than Frederick, curvy, black. Frederick insulted Anna by having an affair with another woman but he added insult to injury by giving Ottilie a room in his home, but Anna had her own way of asserting her quiet dominance over her home. Douglass was never physical (well one time but that was the only time noted in the book) but he was self-centered and a snob (it is fascinating how once Black people reached the upper class they forgot their roots, even our great abolitionists. Mr. Douglass fought avidly to free all slaves but he did not want his children marrying former slaves). Anna's view of love made me sad "I'd let him go 'cause it was best, Best for him. Worse for me. Ain't that love?" (pg. 38), to me that is love sometimes but not ALL the time. Plus it should be mutual, Frederick never did what was worst for him but better for Anna.In Douglass' Women the author does a skillful job of showing not just the physical differences between Anna and Ottilie but their different views on home, Douglass/Freddy and love. Neither woman is judged by the author, their stories are presented in a neutral tone, and both women have somewhat just claims on Frederick, who is both oblivious and blithely ignorant to all the pain he has caused. I like how the women never became friends, because while it is based on two very real people the author could have tried to make the story happier, instead she makes them grudgingly accepting of one another which is more authentic. The alternating points of view works well for this novel, but I do wish a timeline had been kept. I like being able to think about what other events were occurring around the world during the time this story took place (although any event pertaining to slavery was carefully noted through dialogue). I now want to know Frederick Douglass' side of the story (and to learn more about his eldest daughter, Rosetta Douglass, she seems like an exceptional woman). More than anything else this book taught me, it emphasized that love really makes no sense because although Douglass was a less than ideal family man and lover, Anna and Ottilie still loved and admired his noble bearing, his courage, and his intelligence. The funny thing is, I still do too. But they both should have left him and started a new life.
Douglass’ WomenBy Jewell Parker RhodesMs. Rhodes is an excellent writer. Her research is nearly flawless, attest to her citations at the end of the book. Her added fiction builds a passionate, emotional story.“Douglass’ Women” is about two very different women loving the same strong, ex-slave, abolitionist, a writer. I believe Ms. Rhodes knew Frederick Douglass had to be included in the story to understand his women. He is an escaped slave afraid of being enslaved again, even by the women in his life. Consequently, he juggles them, accepting their love with little emotional return.Anna Murray Douglass is a free black woman. She’s the stronger of the two women, the realist. She gives her hard-earned money to Freddy to escape his slave master. He later marries her. Anna says Freddy is “Samson-man, standing, perched on the edge of his horizon.” She does not like the name Frederick Bailey Douglass, feels it beyond her as his mate. Anna is steadfast in her loyalty and self-confidence and suffers his infidelity.Ottilie Assing, a German-Jewish woman, teaches him to read and write, and uses his ego and hatred of bondage to keep him near. He becomes Frederick to Ottilie. She is indispensable with her money and time helping him pursue his career. She clearly has a way out of the mistress role, but is too much of a romantic in love to accept the reality of her situation.Both women suffer the pains of unreciprocated love, heartache from their “great man.” They learn Freddy/Frederick doesn’t tell either one he loves her. Anna says, “Freddy never really learned to love.”I can only conclude that Frederick, husband, lover, and abolitionist is mentally disturbed as a result of his years as a slave. Freedom is the only thing he seems to focus on. This proves to create both bad and good events in his life. Nevertheless, he needs sexual love, takes it wherever he can get it, when he wants it. Yet, it does not interfere with his plans, in spite of the fact that he fathers five children with Anna. His intimate relationship with Ottilie beats his subconscious.Frederick has no time for women’s suffrage — says that can come later. He refuses to admit that he is color conscious. He tells Rosetta “I’m married to an old black log. Would you repeat my mistake?” In speaking of his oldest daughter’s love interest, Lucius, he says, “We’re at war...Fighting for racial uplift. Not degradation.” And further says, “I raised you for better than this. Better than him.” Dear timid Lucius cannot read nor write, but loves Rosetta Douglass.Every page kept me immersed, kept me wondering what next. Jewell Parker Rhodes penned vivid pictures of strong fictional characters, which reflects her understanding of humankind. What an excellent read!Reviewed by Minnie Estelle MillerAuthor of “Whispers from the Mirror.”July 6, 2011
What do You think about Douglass' Women (2002)?
I loved The Douglass Women, a historical fictional account of the two women romantically involved with Frederick Douglass. His black wife and his German white mistress have decidedly different needs for him and their relationships with him showcase various parts of his personality. I loved the spare, but effectively descriptive writing style of the author, Jewel Parker Rhodes. And I enjoyed the way she was able to make me sympathize with the characters, which she createed as complicated, believable and sensitive people.
—Joyce
In her latest novel, Douglass’ Women, Jewel Parker Rhodes travels back in history to the antebellum and Civil War era to examine the loves of Frederick Douglass. She stretches the imagination by exploring the psyche of Anna, a free woman of color, who loves Douglass almost to a fault and Ottilie Assing, a European, free-spirit who is attracted to the polished and principled Douglass.The novel, told in chronological alternating chapter format, provides the reader a glimpse into the character and upbringing of each woman. Anna is a quiet, hardworking homemaker, devoted wife and mother who clings to the belief that love conquers all. She has a strong sense of family and has witnessed unconditional love between her parents and siblings. Her one wish is to have the same love returned to her from Douglass. Unfortunately, Douglass, a self-taught ex-slave, has been elevated to a level of celebrity and lifestyle that pushes Anna to the background where she reluctantly finds comfort. While her husband is recognized as a skilled orator and accomplished author, Anna is regarded as a recluse and intentionally remains illiterate (despite Douglass’ urging otherwise) which creates an erudite chasm between them that widens as the years progress. Ottilie Assing, a genteel woman of German-Jewish ancestry, works as Douglass’ interpreter. She fills the intellectual void and accompanies Douglass on many engagements. They grow fond of each other and a lifetime love affair begins.Rhodes writes very vividly so the reader clearly understands the similarities, differences, jealousy, envy, and anger each woman feels toward each other and Douglass. Rhodes also parallels the societal prejudices of Jews in Europe to Africans in America which justifies Ottilie’s attraction to Abolitionist views. She also subtly touches the issues surrounding interracial relationships through her character’s dialogue and thoughts. Although this is a work of historical fiction, she carefully follows the actual timeframe of events to effortlessly blend in factual people, places, and excerpts from speeches, which lends credibility to the novel. From a literary standpoint, her use of the “water-death-freedom” symbolism was handled expertly and was used as the unifying thread for both women’s tales. This reader believes that fans of Rhodes will not be disappointed; this is a good story from an accomplished author!
—Mocha Girl
I barely remember Frederick Douglass from the abolitionist movement. It was chosen for our book club because of black history month and Valentine's Day.So I don't know much about him or his life. To read about his first wife and his longtime mistress was heartbreaking. The author reiterated something I had somewhat known to be true, about men and women and their relationships. Attraction, action, support, betrayal, responsibility, courage, obligation, depression, anxiety, compromise, miscommunication, resolution.The Douglass' children despite their father's absenteeism did thrive under their mother's care. I admire Rosetta's pride and gentle spirit.Thank you, Mrs. Rhodes. A wonderful book to learn from.
—Diane W.
