There were several bloggers who highly recommended this author but for other stories. This is the one I was able to get and it did not disappoint. My knowledge of the American Civil War is very scanty. This story filled in the historical gaps very nicely set against abolition, slavery and the very unnecessary loss of lives which followed.
The story of Amrie who has only got memories of her father who enlisted when she was ten years old. Left in the care of a mother who was a very strong, and unusual woman of the times Amrie noted and came to her own conclusions on many happenings in her world, but she did keep them to herself. She grew up too soon and was a very mature fourteen year old who understood the vagaries of war, of men and hardship. She was a capable helpmeet to her mother and to those around her and she knew when to be discreet because indiscretion meant even a loss of lives. The story also highlights the unwritten heroes and in this case heroines of war of which little is known.
The prejudices towards African Americans was so stark, the sheer inability of white slave owners to even acknowledge them as people was very marked in the story. That even a pastor would condone slavery albeit actually encourage and endorse it, quoting from the Bible in support was incomprehensible.
Controversial, disturbing but it makes you think a lot on every distasteful subjects.
Sent to me by Severn House Publishers, courtesy of Netgalley for an unbiased review.
That's not my favorite time period to read about so this probably isn't for me.
ReplyDeleteI do like this time period and want to read this book.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever read this author. Sounds interesting.
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