The Abolitionist's Daughter

by Diane C. McPhail

In her sweeping debut, Diane C. McPhail offers a powerful, profoundly emotional novel that explores a little-known aspect of Civil War history--Southern Abolitionists--and the timeless struggle to do right even amidst bitter conflict.

On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily's companion and often her conscience--and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan's family arrives at the Matthews farm.

A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily's stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily--sheltered all her life--is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.

In the tradition of Cold Mountain, The Abolitionist's Daughter eschews stereotypes of the Civil War South, instead weaving an intricate and unforgettable story of survival, loyalty, hope, and redemption.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, Historical, 19th Century, War, American Civil War

326 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2019

About the author

Diane C. McPhail is an artist, writer, and minister. In addition to holding an M.F.A., an M.A., and D.Min., she has studied at the University of Iowa distance learning and the Yale Writers’ Workshop, among others. Diane is a member of North Carolina Writers' Network and the Historical Novel Society. She lives in Highlands, North Carolina, with her husband.

Reviews

[Megan Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was totally engrossing, and I felt completely transported to the story's setting. The writing was very poetic, and there were so many sentences where I found myself pausing to contemplate the wisdom within them. I enjoyed the deep insight into the time period and the culture, and despite it being historical fiction, the book felt very timely, featuring characters and themes that are necessary for readers today. This story was powerful and emotional--both heartwarming and heartbreaking. And for all the horrors depicted in this book, there's a lot of light and hope, too. I highly recommend it.

[Misfit · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited to have a chance at this book, I do love the Civil War era, but this book was not what I expected it to be based on the blurb. The slave ownership/abolitionist theme was just a minor backdrop to what was an endless melodrama of high emotions and drama (I won't spoil). It didn't help that there wasn't one character in this book I could take a liking to and root for; plus some minor characters came and went and came back again later in the book and I was like: who is this person?

September heat blanketed the house like so much set cotton.

There were too many descriptions like the one above that really didn't work well (for me) to help set the mood or the scene. There was also endless blood and gore that could have been more tactfully done and not so in your face with the details (like the cow giving breached birth or the chicken getting its head lopped off). I am a less is more reader, and don't care for getting all of it tossed in my face like that; the same with the gratuitous use of violence and the "N" word. Yes, I know it was commonly used back then and don't mind it being sprinkled to remind the reader, but again - it was over the top and mostly used by the *bad* guys so the reader could pick out who was bad and who was good.

Like I cared - I didn't like anyone, even the heroine of the piece. If this had been a library book I would have closed it off after a couple of chapters, but I picked this off the Amazon Vine and wanted to give it a fair shake. Your mileage may vary, as always, I see lots of positive, gushy reviews out there.

[Jypsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of HFVBT. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Abolitionist's Daughter
By: Diane C. McPhail

REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Abolitionist's Daughter brings readers to the deep south, Mississippi, during the span of the civil war, where we meet Emily Matthews. Her father is Judge Matthews, and though he owns slaves, he vehemently opposes slavery. Emily shares the same belief. From the first page, Emily acts against slavery. The story is heartbreaking and tragic at first glance, but under the surface, hope lingers on. There are numerous characters, confusing at times, and much happens quickly. Two families are divided yet united through war and family ties. The plight of women in war time is shown in a realistic manner that I found very touching and tragic. Women preserved through horrors unimaginable. Emily is just one such example. The author beautifully renders the time and place with vivid details and memorable descriptions. The Civil War era is not my favorite; however, there is much to recommend this book. The narrative runs the gauntlet of emotions and stays with you. I found it informative, as well, and I recommend this book for historical fiction readers of all eras. The lessons here are universal.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Abolitionist's Daughter immediately caught my eye when I saw it. It is a bit different than the usual historical book in the sense it's about Southern abolitionist.
The book starts out prior to the Civil War set in Mississippi.
Emily is a young woman living with her brothers and father. Her father believes his slaves should be free but is not allowed to set them free. The Civil War is a topic that has always fascinated me regardless if I'm reading fiction or nonfiction, I'll read it.
Well written and meticulously researched, The Abolitionist Daughter is a wonderful book and I suggest it for all historical fiction readers.

Published April 30th 2019 by A John Scognamiglio Book. Kensington Books
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story begins prior to the beginning of the Civil War, and our locations is deep in Mississippi, and we are living with slave owners, but, and that is a big but, they have drawn up the manumission papers for all, but the government said they weren’t allowed to free these people.
This is a story about family, but it includes those that are not related by blood or marriage, you sure could feel the love here.
I questioned the actions of Emily’s husband, but keep reading, all is not as appears, and yet, maybe there is more to his actions than I want to read into them.
I did find myself gasping when some of the bombshells hit, no way I saw them coming, and coming they did right up to the end!
Life was not easy here for anyone, and some people just keep making them harder and harder.
I did find myself page turning for answers, but never expected the surprises that continued to happen!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Alan Hlad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to read an advanced copy of this book. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, The Abolitionist’s Daughter is a poignant Civil War tale of love, justice, and redemption. It's a stunning, stellar debut novel by an incredibly gifted author.

[Moony (Captain Mischief) MeowPoff · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was just not for me, too many characters and i could'nt get myself to care for any of them. Sometimes i got confused of what happend and where it happend.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This incredibly touching - and often tragic - story begins with one man’s fight to free his slaves, and any others he can help. As a judge, he has drawn up necessary papers. Going one step further, Judge Matthews has begun a school for slaves, giving them an education they would not get otherwise. His daughter Emily eventually takes up the fight.

Matthews was in an enviable position in his time. Like countless men in his day he owned slaves. But he did whatever was within his power to do when it came to changing as many lives as he could. He had a powerful effect on his daughter, who did not have her father’s education or experience. However, she did as much as she could to change things, even though she was a single voice.

Raised alongside a slave named Ginny, who is her closest companion, Emily shares her father’s sentiments. When Emily agrees to marriage the local doctor, Charles Tate, a devastating series of events have disastrous effects on the slaves the Matthews tried to help, as well as heartbreaking loss that Emily is forced to deal with.

Debut author Diane C. McPhail has written an incredible, albeit difficult book. What a way to make her mark! Although a mere 326 pages, this book took me two days to read due to its heavy content. Set prior to the Civil War - and before the 13th Amendment was passed - readers are reminded if not educated about the horrors of slavery. In my case, I learned about Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation in school, but had not heard of Southern abolitionists.

McPhail wrote this fictional tale based on actual history, and by making me think of such a terrible time in history, this is a book I’ll not soon forget. The research that came with writing this book was impeccable. This is a very well- written book that is bound to give readers the affect I experienced. I will definitely be following this author to see what other gems she might have in store.

This ARC was provided by A John Scognamiglio Book, a Kensington imprint and HF Virtual Fiction Blog Tours. This is my honest opinion.

[Jean Raffa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I first heard of it. I wasn't disappointed. Far from it. I was captivated from beginning to end and devoured it in three days. I highly recommend it for several reasons.

First there was McPhail's careful and thorough research into the details of the everyday lives of the people who lived on a slave-holding farm in pre- through post-Civil War in Greensboro, Mississippi. I craved the early morning biscuits made by Ginny, the housekeeper/slave who was a strong surrogate mother, wise counselor, and treasured friend to Emily, the Abolitionist's daughter. I wanted to share the feast where Ginny served a "slow-cooked stew of beef and onions; green tomato pie with potato crust, minus the called-for lemon zest; layers of sliced turnips and potatoes baked with cheese: Indian bread: and rice pudding with molasses, flavored with a bit of brandy and the carefully hoarded nutmeg." I wanted to taste the violets and pansies dipped in sugar that the children savored.

Another highlight was the author's heightened eye for beauty in ordinary things: the tangled limbs of a tree limned against a blue stained-glass sky that reminds Emily of a broken and repaired piece of pottery. A fragment of a quilt used as a potholder. A small blue feather left by a migrating bunting among the green clover and milkweed of an ungrazed pasture. It should come as no surprise that Diane McPhail is a gifted artist as well as writer.

I especially admired the author's deep psychological understanding of her realistic characters. There were so many in the first few chapters that I began listing them on a back page with brief descriptions for quick reference. Emily, with her forgotten childhood traumas that gave rise to unexplained anxieties, her sheltered innocence, her forthrightness and innate kindness. Ginny's resilience, strength of character, maternal compassion, and indomitable determination. Benjamin's pride in his work, respect for his owner, forgiving nature, and love for his son, Lucian. Dr. Charle's well-intentioned love for Emily combined with his cluelessness as to how to understand and relate to her. His playfulness and love for healing combined with his womanizing and greedy determination--triggered by his abusive alcoholic father and impoverished childhood--to make something of himself. These are not cardboard figures, but very human, complex, and real. Through it all we watch Emily's character develop from a fearful and vulnerable childishness to a self-accepting, grateful womanhood.

Finally, the pacing of the plot is very well-conceived. Like everyday life, it moves quickly and seamlessly from tender domestic scenes to images of unspeakable tragedy. From dramatic events and powerful emotions like love, envy, greed, and hatred, to the inescapably depressive aftermath of trauma and the necessary time for recovery. This realistic development of McPhail's theme of human prejudice, greed, and resilience, combined with her graceful writing--which manages to convey a maximum of information and meaning with a minimum of carefully-chosen words--is a major strength of this, a first novel that contains a delicious basketful of strengths!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waivered between four and five stars for this book before ultimately coming down on the higher side.

Emily Matthews is a privileged young white woman in 19th C. Mississippi. Because her father is a well-known abolitionist, she has neither suitors nor prospects, so she is thrilled when Charles Slate, the handsome young doctor, comes calling. He's at the plantation first on business, to treat an injured slave ... but soon he sees Emily as the answer to his prayers and ambitions.

However, things go awry in the worst possible way between Charles and Emily's families and, on the eve of the US Civil War, Emily finds herself having to manage her household with only the assistance of two other women -- her mother-in-law, Adeline, and a woman of color named Ginny.

The only times we really see the Civil War itself in action come in the form of a few letters from Emily's brother, Jeremiah, and a visit from Union soldiers who are confiscating food for themselves and their troops. The rest of the time, we see the deprivations on the home front due to blockades, black markets and more, and the challenges of being an open abolitionist in the slave states.

The book is well-paced, and the characters believable. No one is flawless, and no one is a cardboard cut-out villain. The author has clearly done her homework and brought us into a rich, if difficult, world. Highly recommended.

[Robyne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a struggle, every time I was about to give up it would get better. It actually had some good quotes, but it never seemed to come to a point. The writing was a mess and the book just dragged.

[Bonnye Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abolitionist's Daughter is an intricate, involved story of family, of the misunderstandings and divided loyalties that result in unapproachable rifts, and of the cost of freedom. Freedom from doubt, freedom of choice, freedom to love. The backstory of a country at war with itself and the verdant glory that is the lower Mississippi delta make this a book to savor.

An outspoken proponent of manumission, plantation owner Judge Matthews was considered an oddity in Greensboro, Mississippi even after the war between the states broke out. Well respected by the people of Greensboro, he was allowed his idiosyncrasies and could be counted on to bring fairness to the table when sorting out problems in the community. To his oldest son Will and shy, motherless daughter Emily, he could do no wrong. Youngest son Jeremiah was a different story altogether.

Adeline Slate is the hard working mother of two sons and a daughter. Husband Thomas is a drunkard long delegated to the shed in the back yard. Adaline runs their small farm with the help of her youngest son Hammond. Oldest son Charles is a young medical doctor with a growing practice in Greensboro and a plan to marry Emily Matthews. Daughter Belinda, though considered a bit odd, has a hankering for Will Matthews, a widower who lost his first wife and son in childbirth.

Everything seems settled, everyone should be content. With their marriages, the Judge turns over to his children starter homes with the accompanying family land to be held for the next generations of the family. But even before casualties from war battles begin coming home, the family graveyards are filling up. Will there be anyone left in the Matthews family, the Slate family, when all is said and done?

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Diane C. McPhail, and John Scognamiglio, Kensington Books. I have read and reviewed this Civil War tale of my own volition. This review reflects my personal opinion of this work.
pub date April 30, 2019
John Scognamiglio Books
Reviewed April 27, 2019 at Goodreads and Netgalley, and on May 8th at Amazon.Smile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too quickly we forget the Civil War’s shadow in our history. We must own stories such as this one, and remember the tragic time in our history when the lives of so many were turned inside out, families torn apart, and atrocities beyond imagination took place.
With the understanding of a therapist, the heart of a priest, and the keen eye of an artist, all of which she is, Diane McPhail brings back to life in her first novel, The Abolitionist's Daughter, the Civil War story which happened in her own small Mississippi town.
As the tensions of the looming Civil War mounted in the town, parallel tensions and personal horrors were happening in the daily lives of those soon to be caught up in the conflict. We experience their heightening fear, anger, and hatred, propelling some into unparalleled acts of violence. And, we experience the hope, faith and love of others, whose higher values hold fast amidst their crumbling world. We experience love betrayed and family loyalties shattered. And, gratefully, we experience the indefatigable human spirit which even through suffering and sorrow reaches out to connect and rebuild.
Through her fine writing, Diane weaves the reader into the lives of slave owners and slaves, neighbors and families, and in each we find our own strengths and weaknesses. The Abolitionists's Daughter is a true story, well remembered. May the healing power of its retelling spread far and wide.

[Amy Bruno · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love most about Historical Fiction is that I'm learning about our history, seeing how people felt and lived in the past, and being entertained at the same time. That's what makes The Abolitionist's Daughter so wonderful - it does all three masterfully!

Set in Mississippi during the Civil War, The Abolitionist's Daughter tells the story of Emily Matthews, who is a young girl living with her father and brother. It's during the time of slavery and while the family does own slaves, her father Judge Matthews cares for them greatly and has promised to free them. Emily is of the same mindset of her father and we see that in action when the book opens with Emily trying to save a slave from being sold. I will never get used to reading about humans being bought and sold like that. Breaks my heart.

A lot of things happen in this book but McPhail writes it in a way that keeps you turning the pages. Heartbreak, tragedy, love, hope, resilience...it's all in this book and makes for one un-put-down-able read! I look forward to the next book from Diane McPhail!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Abolitionist's Daughter is an amazing story that takes place around the Civil War. The Civil War is not a focal point, but it's effects are felt deeply by the main characters. Emily is a young woman living in the south with her father and brothers. Her father believes all people should be free, but he cannot legally free his slaves. As Emily grows and learns, she is faced with tough choices that put her at odds with the world she is loving in.

This book is so many different things, but the best way I can describe it is real. It does not sugar coat the atrocities that took place during the Civil War. It is very real with the racism that came even from Union soldiers. Seeing Emily grow into a woman that she was proud of was worth every minute of this book. Great writing and compelling storytelling. 5 stars

I received an advance copy through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Fogel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this wonderful book.
Very well written and the story pulled me in to the lives of the characters with ease.
I am not the best at writing reviews so bare with me here.
I found the struggles of the women and the slaves pull at my heart, and the lies that destroyed the families and separated them from each other during a very difficult time in American History gripping.
I suspected the real person who killed Emily's father was not her husband, and it was not revealed until the end who really was responsible. It was a true tragedy that others had to die for that persons sins.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy from a Giveaway just in time to take with me to Jamaica. Started reading on the airplane and instantly became wrapped up in the well written story. The dark era of slavery continues to be a stain in the history of the US and yet this cast of characters provided the reader with the other side of the moral issue. The depth of relationships and the way they survived is so well written. Personally, I’m looking forward to either a continuation of the families story or another fresh novel from Diane McPhail.

[Lucy Meeker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book, and one that I truly enjoyed because of the time in history the book is set in. The Civil War is a topic that really interests me, and I have always loved to read about it, regardless of non-fiction or fiction. This was excellent storytelling and I highly recommend this book to Civil War fanatics and to anyone looking for a good read.

I received an advance reader copy in a Goodreads giveaway.

[Adrienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was ok, (but it was not about abolition) the characters were not well developed and the writing was maddening. For every line of 'story' there were paragraphs/pages of pointless, lengthy descriptions, for instance.....two full pages about someone baiting a fishhook. I lack the tolerance to wade through a book overloaded with drivel.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Matthews grew up in Mississippi in the 1850's.  Her father, the town Judge is an abolitionist.  Judge Matthews owns slaves and teaches the children alongside his own.  One of the slaves, Ginny has grown up raising Emily after her mother's death. Recently, at Emily's insistence Judge Matthews bought a family that was going to be broken up at auction. Nathan arrived with a broken arm, prompting Judge Matthews to call the town doctor, Charles Slate.  After the visit, Charles takes a liking to Emily and asks for her hand in marriage.  As their relationship progresses, so do tensions in the Slate and Matthews families as well as between the North and South.  Emily, Ginny and Emily's mother-in-law, Adeline forge out new relationships during the war as the forge out a new way to survive.

The Abolitionist's Daughter dives into the complex relationships between slaves, slave owners and families during the Civil War.  Most of the story focuses on Emily's choices and changing views and not much on abolition.  I felt like the most important character was Ginny, the unyielding logic and knowledge of the fragility of her situation that she constantly imparts upon Emily is a beacon of light in Emily's times of darkness and uncertainty.  Although Emily was not part of any abolitionists movement, her willingness to learn about her slave's experiences and fears combined with her small actions of defiance ultimately made a difference in their lives. Most of the plot was focuses on familial drama and the role of choice within our lives.  Within this, highlighting the strength of the women left behind finding their ability to make decisions on their own and create change.  Emily's story was heartfelt and well written with wonderful characters showing a different side of the South during the Civil War. 

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

[Linda Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set against the background of the Civil War The Abolitionist’s Daughter tells the story of Emily Matthews a young woman living in rural Greensboro, Mississippi. Her father, Judge Matthews, owns slaves but provides them with an education and has signed certificates of emancipation for each of them, believing strongly in their right to be free. Emily has a close relationship with her father, her brother Will, and many of the Negroes who work on their farm, especially Ginny, in whose care she has been entrusted since her mother died when she was very young. During the course of the novel, successive senseless tragedies separate Emily from those closest to her. With each loss she struggles to recover from the absence of those dear to her and leans more heavily on the slaves who surround her and understand her better than she understands herself.

I truly appreciate the care Diane McPhail took in creating a detailed image in the reader’s eye of Emily’s world. Emily’s interaction with nature throughout this work makes her a completely endearing character. I particularly enjoyed the passage where she follows the bunting and as well as the one she finds delight in the chicken laying blue colored eggs.

I was very fortunate to have received this book as a giveaway. Whenever I picked this book up it held me spellbound. I would have finished it in much less time had I read it at different time of the year as December is a busy month for me.

Although the sequence of events included is quite adequate to weave this tale, I would love to have had a chapter or two giving insight to Emily’s life prior to the start of the story as is. I felt like it took me awhile to get to know her and what was going on inside her head. Including a vignette of Emily and Belinda in their time together at school and a scene which portrays the chemistry between Emily and her brothers in an earlier time would help the reader to know her a bit better sooner and give more depth to the story.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Kensington Books and Diane C McPhail for my free copy of The Abolitionist's Daughter.

Emily Matthew's is the only daughter of a local judge who lived in the southern state of Mississippi even though he did own slaves, he was against slavery and owing people. He had signed papers stating the slaves he owned were free but he kept this as a secret and even from his own family.
Due to the law at the time it was illegal to free slaves or educate them and he couldn't give his slaves their freedom papers.
Due to her father's beliefs Emily didn't have a lot of suitors and when a young doctor Charles Slate came courting Emily decided to accept his marriage proposal. As a wedding present her father gifted them some land, built them a house and gave them three slaves.

Emily's brother Will decided to marry Charles sister Belinda and the basis of the story is about how the two marriages change both families lives both before and after the war.
The story is about the slavery, disputes over land, property and how the families struggled during the war.
Emily is a strong person, she never gave up, despite what happened to her before and after the war.

I did expect due to book being called "The Abolitionist's Daughter" to have more details included in the book about slavery, the underground railroad, runaway slaves and the battle's that took place during the war. The war was mentioned but not a lot about the battles and I think a little more information regarding this might have added more depth to the book and also the effect the Union army had on the southern states during the war wasn't really discussed in the book.
I enjoyed reading The Abolitionist's Daughter, especially about the relationships between Emily and her slaves.
I gave the book 3 stars, I shared my review on Goodreads, NetGalley, Twitter, Australian Amazon and my blog.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars

As much as I wanted to love this book, I didn’t. None of the characters was captivating, which was particularly frustrating since I got the impression that Emily would be the most understandable and the easiest character to root for. I think that a lot of the problem was way too much melodrama. One tragic, overdramatic thing after another kept happening to the point where I stopped caring and just wanted to finish the book. Also, there are a lot of preachy moments that definitely come from a blatantly 2019 societal mindset. And that’s not a bad thing per se because yes, we can so easily now say as a general blanket statement that slavery is BAD. And yes, there were people back during this time period who knew it, too, which is why abolitionists were even a thing in the first place, but some of the arguments were heavily laden with such 2019 morals and views that it was no longer believable in the setting of the book and read far more as the author trying to put her personal stance into the context of an antebellum/Civil War novel. Which just...isn’t great, or at least the execution of it this time around wasn’t great.

Unfortunately, I didn’t care much for this book, and I can’t say I recommend it. There are certainly far more compelling Civil War novels about female abolitionists in the south.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Abolitionist's Daughter is a lovely story told from atypical point of view. It took me about half way into the book before I felt engrossed in the story. So much action never is depicted only referred to as part of the narrative. It also felt strange that so little of the war visited in the southern setting. I think a editor would have cleared up a few distracting details i.e. horses panting?after a run or A man having his arm cut off but remaining silent?as it happens...this story is really about a feud loaded with misunderstandings between two families causing so much heart wrenching pain, death and estrangement . Regret leads to change and even self enlightenment. The reader can sense the research of facts of this family division and resolution. All in all, a pretty first good book for this new author.

[George Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading an ARC and I don’t know when was the last time I was captured by a book. This is one you just cannot put down. Brilliantly written, it is a series of stories that will put you on the edge of your chair. This writer made me feel that I was there in pre-civil war Mississippi. I was not aware of there being abolitionists in the South and of all places, Mississippi. The Judge, naive enough to believe slavery would soon be abolished, broke the law by having his slaves educated by the same teachers who taught his own children. After they were free he wanted them to be well prepared for the opportunities ahead.
I was told that this was McPhail’s first book which is very hard to believe.

[Avary Doubleday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diane McPhail has written a beautiful book, telling a complicated story of the lives of two Mississippi families, during the Civil War. Misunderstandings and lies tear these closely tied families apart, leaving women to suffer through war on their own. McPhail describes their suffering, confusion, desperation, and toughness so that the reader feels for characters on both sides of the divide. She describes sounds, smells, and sensations in a way that brings them alive, both physically and emotionally. A masterful debut novel.

I wish McPhail had included a (partial) bibliography or list of sources.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not just another civil war story. This engaging story is told from the point of view of Southern abolistionists. It was meticulously research and I could not put it down. It’s tale of conflict, struggles, love and redemption, sadness and despair. There is so much wisdom and beauty in the telling, I hated finishing it.
Many thanks for the ARC from Net Galley and the author.

[Sharyn Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book because it was told the story through a woman's eyes of the courage, love,and how she handles situations before the civil war and during. A wonderful history and insight from a realistic side o what women went through those times.

[Sharon McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Very quick and easy read. You feel like you are right there living the circumstances of the Civil War with the characters in the story.
Would recommend it highly, even if you are not interested in this type of story, I guarantee you will love it too!

[Donna Everhart]

My review is posted here:

https://www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book...