Sarranda

by Celia H. Miles

With unflinching honesty and a survivor's grace and humor, Sarranda chronicles her life during the pre-and post-Civil War years in isolated western North Carolina's Greene Valley. From childhood when her father leaves for the California gold fields through a youthful marriage and the turbulent losses the war brings, she finds solace in her grandfather's love and at his grist mill and an unexpected awakening in the arms of an unnamed stranger. In a time disrupted, a family fragmented, and a land almost destroyed, Sarranda reveals the strength, endurance, and spirit of the mountain woman.

202 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love reading historical fiction set in Appalachia, it doesn't get any better than this one!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having just moved to western North Carolina I was looking for a book about the region, a story of women in the area during the civil war. This book hit the mark, it was a fast read that kept me captivated throughout. The story of a young woman and the toils of living in the mountainous region that I now call home. A simple book written of a not so simple time. It is written as a woman looking back on her life, her longings, her loves, her family and regrets. A look at a life not much examined in the civil war histories, a life of the woman that were left at home, the ravages of a war close enough to home to see and feel the ravages but far enough to not have battle on the doorstep. It is interesting to see how the civil war touched every life near and far. I would recommend to anyone wanting a good story, one to bring you into place. It is not what I would call a literary masterpiece but definitely worth the time.

[Deborah Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ashamed that I did not read it SOONER.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well that was depressing.