The Folklorist

by Eileen O'Finlan

1830s Birch Falls, Vermont

One by one Jerusha Kendall’s siblings fall victim to consumption, the scourge of the 19th century. Devastated by the loss of her children, Jerusha’s mother Mary is horrified over the outlandish folk remedy proposed by her dearest friend, Lavinia. Unable to divert the people of Birch Falls from carrying out Lavinia’s ghastly plan, Mary succeeds only in convincing them never to let Jerusha find out what they’ve done. But Jerusha knows a secret is being kept from her, and she is determined to uncover it.

1973 Middlebury, Vermont

Newly-minted folklorist Charlotte Lajoie accepts the position of Assistant Director at the New England Folklife Museum, the perfect first step in her career. But her sexist boss uses her to hide his incompetence and steal her ideas. Charlotte’s misery at work is assuaged only by a gift from her grandmother – the diary of their ancestor, Jerusha Kendall. Fascinated, Charlotte suspects that her family may have been involved in the 19th century’s New England Vampire Panic. Her discoveries could prove to be a goldmine for her career but only if she can outwit her jealous boss and pacify a vengeful ghost.

455 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2023

About the author

Eileen O’Finlan lives in central Massachusetts with a calico Maine Coon cat named Autumn Amelia who likes to "help" her with her historical research and writing mostly by shoving her research books onto the floor, sleeping on her keyboard, and demanding treats at inopportune moments. Eileen loves Autumn Amelia.

Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later retunred to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.

She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.

Find out more about Eileen O’Finlan at www.eileenofinlan.com , https://www.facebook.com/eileenofinla... , https://www.bookbub.com/profile/eilee... , https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B...

Reviews

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Lesoir has found her dream job as a folk Laura assistant at a museum a subject she holds a graduate degree in. Not everything is hunky-dory however because her boss who is a chauvinist pig either dismisses her ideas are takes them as his own something Charlotte cannot stand it is 1973 and women are coming into their own and it seems she works for a man who hasn’t got the memo. This is why when her grandmother finds a diary from one of their long loss family members she gives it to Charlotte. Charlotte waste no time getting home and reading it and although it is mostly about the weather her chores her sister Lizzie‘s passing and little tidbits about rumors like why her mom doesn’t speak to Mrs. Cutter anymore but it will be when Charlotte starts investigating her family history starting with Jacinda the writer of the diary that she will find out more of the story. While all this is going on we also hear more of the story from Jucinda her self, where we hear more of the story about her sister Rachel dying and then her sister Lizzie but ultimately went Seth gets consumption this is when mom Mary and dad Issac gets visits from neighbors and friends telling them privately of course about a cure they read in the paper what they speak of this too gastly to contemplate but when it looks like they’re going to lose their only son they start to rethink their options. This book is told from two different points of view both of historical one is 1973 in the other is in the 1800s it’s a story that seemed to start at a steady pace and then slow down only to quicken the pace and end with a flurry I really enjoyed this book and although I expected a bit more from it I think that has more to do with what I thought the book was about and what it actually was about and no fault of the author. Because as you read you really do care for these characters and get involved in the story and it is a very interesting story. I want to thank Book Sirens for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unique novel seamlessly weaves historical and supernatural elements across two distinct time periods. In 1973 Vermont, we are introduced to Charlotte, a budding folklorist embarking on her new role in a museum. Her journey is fraught with challenges, particularly in gaining recognition from her contentious boss, Brad. Simultaneously, we are transported to Birch Falls, Vermont, in 1830, where the Kendall family grapples with the devastating impact of consumption. Jerusha, one of the daughters, chronicles their family's trials in her diary, a document that Charlotte later stumbles upon. Rooted in reality, this novel draws from the historical phenomenon known as the New England vampire panic, where locals attributed deaths to restless spirits preying on the living. Will they succeed in halting the consumption pandemic? Will Charlotte finally receive the recognition she merits, or will Brad succeed in ousting her?

The book's eloquent prose and gripping suspense effortlessly propel readers through its pages. The supernatural elements seamlessly blend with the narrative, evoking believability. Charlotte emerges as an endearing protagonist, urging us forward in her quest to uncover Birch Falls' enigmatic truths. Moreover, the novel provides insight into the gender bias prevalent in 1970s America. The vividly described atmosphere of the 1830s and the intricate details of daily life add depth to the narrative.

The novel is an engaging read, though occasionally, I would have welcomed a little more depth. I yearned for a deeper exploration of Charlotte's inner thoughts—her emotional journey as the narrative unfolded.

The Folklorist by Eileen O'Finlan is a beautiful blend of women's fiction and a vampire thriller, giving readers a new take on these genres. This book is bound to resonate with female enthusiasts of historical fiction intrigued by the intersection of folklore and the ethereal world intermingling with our reality. It invites contemplation on the potential existence of such phenomena.

[Pat Trattles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is an amazing tale told from two viewpoints spanning across generations. In the 1970s Charlotte is the assistant director at a Vermont museum. Nine-year-old Jerusha watches several of her siblings slowly waste away from consumption (tuberculosis) during the 1800s Charlotte learns of Jerusha by reading through the pages of her diary. This is a story of the New England Vampire Scare, a part of New England folklore I was totally unaware of. The author did a beautiful job of not only introducing us to the gruesome practice in a compelling way, but also showing us how those brought up with “wisdom” passed down through the generations could be so gullible to truly believe they were acting out of love. The amount of typos and grammatical errors, while acceptable in an ARC, gave me pause, however, as this was a published book. I can only surmise that it was self-published (or from a vanity press.) The author’s storytelling ability is stellar. She would be wise to invest in the services of a professional line editor for future publications. 5 stars for story. 3 for editing. Overall 4.5 stars rounded to 5. I received a copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Andrea]

It is not your usual historical fiction because it deals with the unknown to some extent. It is also written in two time frames which are very well integrated by this author. In 1830, a Kindall family has to deal with unusual deaths, ghosts, vampires which are very scary. Jerusalem Kendall, sees her siblings dying and the why's and what's are kept secret from her.

Then in 1973, Charlotte Lajole, a folklorist, gets a good job with an unfortunate boss who is a male sexist and torches her unfairly. Her family gives her a diary from an ancestor. As she picks it apart she finds she is related to the Kendall family.

The story melds easily has interesting characters, is an unusual part of history it has family secrets, suspicions, and unique beliefs. Give it a try it's a quick read.

[Katherine Azad · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I started reading this, I was in the mood for a light, quick read. This book does not fit that description at all. It took me a bit to get invested in this one. Despite that, I really enjoyed the story. Especially Jerusha’s story. I recently visited the grave of Mercy Brown in Connecticut, whose grave was desecrated by the town, fearing that she was feeding on her living family members. Reading about the sadness and trouble this caused in the lives of those who were living in fear of consumption gave me a whole new perspective on this. And the love and forgiveness that restores lives give me hope for all of us now. Great story!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the mix of Charlotte's story in the 1970s, and Jerusha's in the 1830s. This was a cool mix of historical fiction and contemporary feminism. There were a few times that the book felt like it was moving slowly, but whenever that happened, it would pick right back up. The main issue I had was in the last third of the book, there were a few minor editing errors (you instead of your, missing quotation marks). Overall, I thought this book was great and would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for historical fiction that has two different timelines.
I received a free copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend of 1800s and the 1970s with clearly established and developed connection between the two time periods. Thoroughly enjoyed the introduction to the darker side of history that never had heard about before about the 1900s tuberculosis outbreak and people trying to figure out what they didn't understand and stop it. Fascinating read and blend of historical fiction, horror elements, and more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jessica Vachon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly recommend this dual-timeline historical novel! It bounces back and forth between the 1830s and 1973, and sheds a lot of light on folklore and the development and continuation of beliefs.

The characters are engaging and the setting and events are very descriptive; it definitely sucks you in! I found the ending satisfying as well.

[Martha Bergin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very informative about customs .