When I finished this book, my first thought was thank goodness its part of a trilogy! This first of the three deals with the antebellum period of the old South. Drawing comparisons to Scarlett O'Hara, or North and South, are inevitable, I suppose, but I truly feel that this excellent book stands on its own in high ranking compared to these other tomes.
The main character, James, is at once both tragic and heroic. Jessica, his wife, is detestable. To offer any more would spoil the story. The author hopes his story will draw the reader with no interest in this era into the daily conflicts faced by those who lived during that time and provide them with an insight into the events that have dramatically shaped even our times today.
Well written, with an interest that doesn't let go, I highly recommend it.