Mrs. Ballou: A novel inspired by actual people and events

by Alice Allan

In 1863, twenty-five-year-old Addie Ballou risks losing the personal freedom and self confidence she has only begun to taste when illness forces her to leave her tenure as matron for the Union Army and return to rural Wisconsin. The young mother is quickly reminded her rights, opinions, and needs are secondary to that of her husband's. Join Mrs. Ballou as she stands up to an abusive husband, outdated laws, and conventional religion to become an eloquent speaker spreading the gospel of Spiritualism and reform. Her motivation for divorce is as relevant today as it was in 1869, making her inspiring and true story a must read.

318 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2014

Reviews

[Mehreen Ahmed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mehreen Ahmed's review

This is a well researched biography of American spiritual reformist Addie Ballou. What attracted me most about this book is Alice Allen, the writer's dedication to research methodology which would stand up to scrutiny. When I examine her sources, I find that they have been collated through a credible source of interviews with Mrs Ballou's descendants, her original diary from the year 1873 which had detailed description of her reformist movement. The writer spent two years in deciphering her writing, culling important data for this very important historical puzzle.

Addie Ballou's movement rose against all odds when women were oppressed. Not only that their opinion was discredited, they were legally barred to voice one. Her conversation in the first chapter with her father speaks about her intention to become a healer and a lecturer for a Spiritualist Society. This chapter also elaborates the treatment she receives from her father-in-law who denies her rights to see her own children who were with her father-in-law until her her husband's return from the war. Addie divorces him later proving an act of great courage. Her struggles and sufferings throughout the book speak volumes of how women were treated back in the 19th century. However, this movement with the Spiritualist Society was carried with much pride and perseverance - struggles and freedom described in engaging storytelling sequence.
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[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book as a goodreads giveaway. While I personally don't care for historical fiction, Alice Allan does a great job at keeping her language consistent with the time period. It was fascinating to read about the struggles of women at the cusp of women's suffrage. I never fully appreciated the battle women went through so that we could vote. On the other hand, the Spiritualist part of Addie Ballou's life was a little disconcerting. I guess Mrs. Ballou would just call me a skeptic. I recommend this book to anyone who doesn't understand the purpose of the feminist movement.