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The Viola Factor
This book is about the friendship forged between a newly emancipated Booker T. Washington and one of his first teachers, Viola Knapp Ruffner. The story is one of overcoming limitations against incredible odds and encompasses Viola's years from 1812-1903.
The book is based on the research conducted to portray her character during my reenactment of women living in Booker’s times while volunteering at Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Va.
Viola Knapp Ruffner was a woman who left home early to support her family, bravely traveling alone to teaching positions in the pre-Civil War North and South. Her quest to uphold her mother’s dying wishes leads her through challenges that end in traumas and distort her hopes for contentment and happiness. After the war, she hired a young, emancipated boy, Booker T. Washington, and taught him to read and write. Over time her post-traumatic stress is appeased, societal norms challenged, and a friendship forged that spanned decades. This is her story and the factor she played in this man who became a nineteenth-century leader.
The book is based on the research conducted to portray her character during my reenactment of women living in Booker’s times while volunteering at Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Va.
Viola Knapp Ruffner was a woman who left home early to support her family, bravely traveling alone to teaching positions in the pre-Civil War North and South. Her quest to uphold her mother’s dying wishes leads her through challenges that end in traumas and distort her hopes for contentment and happiness. After the war, she hired a young, emancipated boy, Booker T. Washington, and taught him to read and write. Over time her post-traumatic stress is appeased, societal norms challenged, and a friendship forged that spanned decades. This is her story and the factor she played in this man who became a nineteenth-century leader.
300 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2022
6 people are currently reading
11.9k people want to read
About the author
Sheridan Brown
2 books171 followersSheridan Brown holds advanced degrees in school leadership and is a certified teacher, principal, and educational leader. Having minored in music in college, the arts have always been a central force in her life.
Ms. Brown was born in Tennessee and raised in small towns of southwest Virginia. She practiced her profession in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Florida. Upon retirement she began volunteering, painting, writing, researching, and traveling with her husband, attorney John Crawford. She has one son, Tony Hume. She is GiGi to Aiden and Lucy. She has returned to the Blue Ridge to live and explore.
blog: https://browncrawford.wordpress.com/t...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/violafactor
BookBaby Bookshop: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-v...
Ms. Brown was born in Tennessee and raised in small towns of southwest Virginia. She practiced her profession in Virginia, Massachusetts, and Florida. Upon retirement she began volunteering, painting, writing, researching, and traveling with her husband, attorney John Crawford. She has one son, Tony Hume. She is GiGi to Aiden and Lucy. She has returned to the Blue Ridge to live and explore.
blog: https://browncrawford.wordpress.com/t...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/violafactor
BookBaby Bookshop: https://store.bookbaby.com/book/the-v...
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 1, 2023
Loved learning about Viola and her story!! Inspiring!
November 21, 2024
The Viola Factor by Sheridan Brown presents an in-depth look at Viola Knapp Ruffner, set in post-Civil War America. Viola’s journey reflects resilience, courage, and her dedication to justice as she advocates for the education of the oppressed. Her relationship with Booker T. Washington, whom she mentors, is central to her legacy, showcasing her pioneering spirit. Brown’s eloquent prose and rich character portrayal capture Viola’s remarkable influence, making this historical novel a powerful tribute to an extraordinary woman’s impact on social change.
May 10, 2024
"The Viola Factor" by Sheridan Brown is a poignant tale set against the backdrop of post-Civil War America, following the journey of Viola Knapp Ruffner. Viola's story transcends mere historical narrative; it's a testament to resilience, love, and the pursuit of justice. As she navigates the complexities of her time, Viola emerges as a symbol of strength and determination, challenging societal norms and advocating for the education of the oppressed. Brown's portrayal of Viola as a multifaceted character, from a dutiful daughter to a fierce advocate, is both compelling and inspiring.
Sheridan Brown masterfully captures the essence of Viola's journey, from her humble beginnings to her pivotal role in shaping the lives of those around her. Through meticulous attention to detail, Brown brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a woman ahead of her time. Viola's evolution from uncertainty to conviction is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and resilience.
As Viola embarks on her quest for justice and equality, she encounters obstacles that test her resolve and challenge her beliefs. Yet, with unwavering determination and unwavering courage, she perseveres, leaving an indelible mark on those she meets along the way. Brown's narrative skillfully weaves together themes of love, trauma, and redemption, offering readers a poignant reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
Overall "The Viola Factor" is a captivating tale of hope and resilience, offering readers a glimpse into a pivotal period in American history through the eyes of a remarkable woman. Brown's evocative prose and richly drawn characters make this a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. Viola Knapp Ruffner's story serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of compassion, courage, and the pursuit of justice.
Sheridan Brown masterfully captures the essence of Viola's journey, from her humble beginnings to her pivotal role in shaping the lives of those around her. Through meticulous attention to detail, Brown brings to life the struggles and triumphs of a woman ahead of her time. Viola's evolution from uncertainty to conviction is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and resilience.
As Viola embarks on her quest for justice and equality, she encounters obstacles that test her resolve and challenge her beliefs. Yet, with unwavering determination and unwavering courage, she perseveres, leaving an indelible mark on those she meets along the way. Brown's narrative skillfully weaves together themes of love, trauma, and redemption, offering readers a poignant reminder of the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
Overall "The Viola Factor" is a captivating tale of hope and resilience, offering readers a glimpse into a pivotal period in American history through the eyes of a remarkable woman. Brown's evocative prose and richly drawn characters make this a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the human experience. Viola Knapp Ruffner's story serves as a timeless reminder of the enduring power of compassion, courage, and the pursuit of justice.
August 11, 2022
Moving story of the woman who mentored and motivated Booker T Washington.
November 18, 2024
Viola Knapp Ruffner is a woman who lived primarily during the 19th Century when the United States saw a lot of upheaval. The country was still being settled, and the varying stance of the north vs. south on slavery and the education of blacks was varied. Viola wanted to be a teacher and do something positive with her life. So, she taught, and she made sure that black children were taught and encouraged to read, write, and be educated. One child was brutally maimed because she took interest in him, but the "owner" didn't want his slaves to be educated. Later in life, Viola married Gen. Lewis Ruffner and raised a family. One of the children she mentored in her home was Booker T. Washington. She had a great influence on him. An incredible woman ahead of her time.
January 31, 2025
The Viola Factor by Sheridan Brown takes place during the years following the American Civil War, during the late 1800s. This was a time of significant social and cultural change in America. The country was still struggling with the aftermath of the war. Viola, the main character, is passionate about becoming a teacher. She takes on teaching a young black boy who is a recently freed slave and is later revealed to be Booker T. Washington. Viola’s decision to teach him costs her her job in the end and she decides to move from the North to the South where she finds new love. In the book some of the common themes include self-discovery, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships and how they develop. This book was very interesting, kept my attention, and well-researched. The writing was absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it to others.
November 14, 2024
‘The strength of her character stood out above all the others’
Educator/artist/author Sheridan Brown shares her skills as a teacher with her excellent books: OH SNAP! IT’S ALEX is a children’s guide to safety measures, and now THE VIOLA FACTOR, in the second edition, brings history into focus, along with excellent inspiration for resilience in life. The novel is based on extensive research into 19th century America and the lives of Viola Knapp Raffner and Booker T. Washington: the time frame of this return to history is 1812 – 1903, though the period most carefully examined is the post-Civil War era.
With lilting prose the novel follows the life of New Englander teacher Viola Knapp as she experiences the conflicts of slavery in the South and other issues that propel her desire to make a difference in a world that was bordering on changes. Along the way she encounters the lad Booker T. Washington, serves as his confidant, employer, teacher and his friend and life model – an unusual occurrence between a white woman and a Black man, a freed slave with an eager, creative mind. Viola’s life is portrayed poetically, allowing the reader to become involved with the steps this amazing woman achieved, becoming not only an influence on Washington, but also a positive icon of resilience and proponent of justice for all who encountered her. While history books (and social growth) acknowledge the impact of Booker T. Washington (1856 -1915) as the first African American voice to address the racially mixed Southern audience with dramatic success, it is rare to find mention of the impressive Viola Knapp Raffner. That empty space has now been corrected!
THE VIOLA FACTOR succeeds on many levels, including the impact ‘true teachers’ have made and continue to enhance our world. This is an exceptionally fine novel and superb examination of American history!
Educator/artist/author Sheridan Brown shares her skills as a teacher with her excellent books: OH SNAP! IT’S ALEX is a children’s guide to safety measures, and now THE VIOLA FACTOR, in the second edition, brings history into focus, along with excellent inspiration for resilience in life. The novel is based on extensive research into 19th century America and the lives of Viola Knapp Raffner and Booker T. Washington: the time frame of this return to history is 1812 – 1903, though the period most carefully examined is the post-Civil War era.
With lilting prose the novel follows the life of New Englander teacher Viola Knapp as she experiences the conflicts of slavery in the South and other issues that propel her desire to make a difference in a world that was bordering on changes. Along the way she encounters the lad Booker T. Washington, serves as his confidant, employer, teacher and his friend and life model – an unusual occurrence between a white woman and a Black man, a freed slave with an eager, creative mind. Viola’s life is portrayed poetically, allowing the reader to become involved with the steps this amazing woman achieved, becoming not only an influence on Washington, but also a positive icon of resilience and proponent of justice for all who encountered her. While history books (and social growth) acknowledge the impact of Booker T. Washington (1856 -1915) as the first African American voice to address the racially mixed Southern audience with dramatic success, it is rare to find mention of the impressive Viola Knapp Raffner. That empty space has now been corrected!
THE VIOLA FACTOR succeeds on many levels, including the impact ‘true teachers’ have made and continue to enhance our world. This is an exceptionally fine novel and superb examination of American history!
November 15, 2024
The Viola Factor by Sheridan Brown
Love this story because it's about the US history, salt mines, history and personal life and growth.
Viola starts out as a young woman teaching encompassing many states, VT, VA, etc. Like the parts where her teachings make a difference to those receiving them. She does lose her job when she attempts to teach a black boy, a slave how to read and write. She did not understand the rules of the state.
She finds other jobs and advances her career and ends up marrying a man who had lost his wife and she now inherits his ready made family. They do have children of their own.
The talks of their life, reading to one another, her work with the community, she style of landscaping and teaching others how to tend to it.
Booker T. Washington was a child she took under her wing to educate him. Love hearing about the US presidents and rules of the land and how they effected her, her teaching, and her life.
Such an amazon, ententaining story of a strong woman. There is even a German favorite cookie recipe from the husbands family that I want to try. There are pictures, photos of letters, sketchings of various topics in the book. There are discussion questions at the end, resources are listed and even the slang of the language used..
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
Love this story because it's about the US history, salt mines, history and personal life and growth.
Viola starts out as a young woman teaching encompassing many states, VT, VA, etc. Like the parts where her teachings make a difference to those receiving them. She does lose her job when she attempts to teach a black boy, a slave how to read and write. She did not understand the rules of the state.
She finds other jobs and advances her career and ends up marrying a man who had lost his wife and she now inherits his ready made family. They do have children of their own.
The talks of their life, reading to one another, her work with the community, she style of landscaping and teaching others how to tend to it.
Booker T. Washington was a child she took under her wing to educate him. Love hearing about the US presidents and rules of the land and how they effected her, her teaching, and her life.
Such an amazon, ententaining story of a strong woman. There is even a German favorite cookie recipe from the husbands family that I want to try. There are pictures, photos of letters, sketchings of various topics in the book. There are discussion questions at the end, resources are listed and even the slang of the language used..
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2022
Fascinating insight into the life of the woman who played such a huge role in the life of Booker T. Washington.
November 25, 2024
What a wonderful & thoughtful account of Viola’s life!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews