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The Undertaker's Assistant
An enthralling novel of historical fiction for fans of Lisa Wingate and Ellen Marie Wiseman, The Undertaker's Assistant is a powerful story of human resilience set during Reconstruction-era New Orleans that features an extraordinary and unforgettable heroine at its heart.
"The dead can't hurt you. Only the living can." Effie Jones, a former slave who escaped to the Union side as a child, knows the truth of her words. Taken in by an army surgeon and his wife during the War, she learned to read and write, to tolerate the sight of blood and broken bodies--and to forget what is too painful to bear. Now a young freedwoman, she has returned south to New Orleans and earns her living as an embalmer, her steady hand and skillful incisions compensating for her white employer's shortcomings.
Tall and serious, Effie keeps her distance from the other girls in her boarding house, holding tight to the satisfaction she finds in her work. But despite her reticence, two encounters--with a charismatic state legislator named Samson Greene, and a beautiful young Creole, Adeline--introduce her to new worlds of protests and activism, of soirees and social ambition. Effie decides to seek out the past she has blocked from her memory and try to trace her kin. As her hopes are tested by betrayal, and New Orleans grapples with violence and growing racial turmoil, Effie faces loss and heartache, but also a chance to finally find her place . . .
"The dead can't hurt you. Only the living can." Effie Jones, a former slave who escaped to the Union side as a child, knows the truth of her words. Taken in by an army surgeon and his wife during the War, she learned to read and write, to tolerate the sight of blood and broken bodies--and to forget what is too painful to bear. Now a young freedwoman, she has returned south to New Orleans and earns her living as an embalmer, her steady hand and skillful incisions compensating for her white employer's shortcomings.
Tall and serious, Effie keeps her distance from the other girls in her boarding house, holding tight to the satisfaction she finds in her work. But despite her reticence, two encounters--with a charismatic state legislator named Samson Greene, and a beautiful young Creole, Adeline--introduce her to new worlds of protests and activism, of soirees and social ambition. Effie decides to seek out the past she has blocked from her memory and try to trace her kin. As her hopes are tested by betrayal, and New Orleans grapples with violence and growing racial turmoil, Effie faces loss and heartache, but also a chance to finally find her place . . .
337 pages, Paperback
First published July 30, 2019
3765 people are currently reading
28130 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Skenandore
15 books2,258 followersAmanda Skenandore is an award-winning author of historical fiction and a registered nurse. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and garnered accolades from the American Library Association, Reader’s Digest, Silicon Valley Reads, and Apple Books. She is a 2024 Nevada Arts Council’s literary fellow. Amanda lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their pet turtle, Lenore.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 833 reviews
July 26, 2019
I enjoyed Amanda Skendandore’s debut, Between Earth and Sky. She writes beautiful, sweeping historical fiction, and her latest, The Undertaker’s Assistant, also has a mystery plotline to it.
Effie Jones is an escaped slave who made it safely to the Union as a child. She was adopted by an army surgeon and his family during the war and educated, not just with books. With war-torn bodies.
Now that she is free, Effie has returned to the south to live in New Orleans as an embalmer. She is working for a white man but is more skilled. Effie loves her work and she keeps to herself mostly, until she meets a state legislator and a Creole woman, Adeline, who get her involved in activism, parties, and the social set.
Racial turmoil grows in New Orleans, including violence, and Effie has to find her footing as she experiences loss.
The Undertaker’s Assistant is a fascinating story, and Effie’s voice was a refreshing one. I’d not known much about New Orleans during the Reconstruction, and I have to admit, Effie’s job kept me interested.
Effie is a character to champion. She is complex and dynamic, brutally honest, driven, and captivating to watch grow. Overall, Skenandore has given us another solid work of historical fiction with a fabulous main character and an unsettling time in our nation’s history.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Effie Jones is an escaped slave who made it safely to the Union as a child. She was adopted by an army surgeon and his family during the war and educated, not just with books. With war-torn bodies.
Now that she is free, Effie has returned to the south to live in New Orleans as an embalmer. She is working for a white man but is more skilled. Effie loves her work and she keeps to herself mostly, until she meets a state legislator and a Creole woman, Adeline, who get her involved in activism, parties, and the social set.
Racial turmoil grows in New Orleans, including violence, and Effie has to find her footing as she experiences loss.
The Undertaker’s Assistant is a fascinating story, and Effie’s voice was a refreshing one. I’d not known much about New Orleans during the Reconstruction, and I have to admit, Effie’s job kept me interested.
Effie is a character to champion. She is complex and dynamic, brutally honest, driven, and captivating to watch grow. Overall, Skenandore has given us another solid work of historical fiction with a fabulous main character and an unsettling time in our nation’s history.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
August 20, 2019
Effie Jones was an escaped slave raised by an army surgeon and his wife. During her time in Indiana, she learned to read and write while gaining life skills living with a doctor. She eventually returns to her native New Orleans during the reconstruction era seeking work as an embalmer. Her motivation is to trace her roots and to reconnect with anyone from her family.
Effie focuses on her work as an assistant to an undertaker and has little time to socialize. Her mindset changes after she meets Samson Greene and activist who is passionate about changing the culture of the city. Effie starts to experience romantic feelings for Samson but he is not ready for a relationship. In the background, racial tensions in New Orleans begin to spiral leading to a dark period of violence.
The Undertaker by Amanda Skenandore brings to life a delicate period of U.S. history with her realistic characters and plot line. Effie is an engaging person and I enjoyed watching her navigate through social and personal barriers.
Effie focuses on her work as an assistant to an undertaker and has little time to socialize. Her mindset changes after she meets Samson Greene and activist who is passionate about changing the culture of the city. Effie starts to experience romantic feelings for Samson but he is not ready for a relationship. In the background, racial tensions in New Orleans begin to spiral leading to a dark period of violence.
The Undertaker by Amanda Skenandore brings to life a delicate period of U.S. history with her realistic characters and plot line. Effie is an engaging person and I enjoyed watching her navigate through social and personal barriers.
July 5, 2023
This is an entertaining, well-written and thoroughly researched, post Civil War historical fiction novel. It has an intelligent, strong and capable female protagonist, vividly described settings, a touch of romance, friendship, betrayal, the quest for identity, and hope. I listened to the audio version of this novel, and the narrator, Ms. Allyson Johnson, has a lovely voice and is truly talented.
July 24, 2019
The beginning of the story is slow to start, and required many recesses on my part in order to proceed. It was difficult to tell where the direction of the story was going at first. It seemed like one activity jumped to something unrelated. But then around 40% of the novel it picked up and I was able to attach myself.
In this novel, the main character, Effie, reaches to answer the questions- Does emptiness feel better than pain? Is it better to be alone during life or alone after life?
The story is very dark, per the title itself, and centers around the motif of death. While the story details Effie's life as an undertaker's assistant in New Orleans as a freedman during the Reconstruction Era, she constantly affiliates her experiences to death itself not only in her thoughts, but shares these thoughts with those around her. The writing style carries dark comedy, which I found enticing and humorous. At times I found myself laughing out loud at Effie's awkward social interactions.
This historical aspects were my favorite part. Effie is able to tell the story of the Reconstruction Era, in her own unique way as an embalmer, through the party scenes and political organizations. The sociology in Louisiana at this time are best reflected in her relationships which comprised of all shades, budgets, and walks of life. Most of the brutality and violence incorporated was researched on part by the author and is included in the epilogue.
I recommend reading this book on the Kindle since there is profuse use of anatomical words, historical 19th century vernacular, and French spoken in this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amanda Skenandore, and Kensington books for allowing me to read this advanced copy.
In this novel, the main character, Effie, reaches to answer the questions- Does emptiness feel better than pain? Is it better to be alone during life or alone after life?
The story is very dark, per the title itself, and centers around the motif of death. While the story details Effie's life as an undertaker's assistant in New Orleans as a freedman during the Reconstruction Era, she constantly affiliates her experiences to death itself not only in her thoughts, but shares these thoughts with those around her. The writing style carries dark comedy, which I found enticing and humorous. At times I found myself laughing out loud at Effie's awkward social interactions.
This historical aspects were my favorite part. Effie is able to tell the story of the Reconstruction Era, in her own unique way as an embalmer, through the party scenes and political organizations. The sociology in Louisiana at this time are best reflected in her relationships which comprised of all shades, budgets, and walks of life. Most of the brutality and violence incorporated was researched on part by the author and is included in the epilogue.
I recommend reading this book on the Kindle since there is profuse use of anatomical words, historical 19th century vernacular, and French spoken in this novel.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amanda Skenandore, and Kensington books for allowing me to read this advanced copy.
August 19, 2019
Having lived up North for most of her adult life Effie, newly arrived in New Orleans where she is originally from, gets herself hired by the local undertaker.
Very shortly thereafter she comes upon a political meeting in the street and falls in love with the speaker.
This discombobulates her to the extent that she cannot sleep and is making mistakes in her work that was unheard of before.
She is taken to a séance by her lodger friends although she is aware that such things are nonsense.
However, she later seeks out the séance woman to give her a potion to stop her from being in love.
By this time I am finding Effie to be really irritating.
A bit later a couple pages are devoted to Effie buying new boots.
I saw no reason to go on.
Very shortly thereafter she comes upon a political meeting in the street and falls in love with the speaker.
This discombobulates her to the extent that she cannot sleep and is making mistakes in her work that was unheard of before.
She is taken to a séance by her lodger friends although she is aware that such things are nonsense.
However, she later seeks out the séance woman to give her a potion to stop her from being in love.
By this time I am finding Effie to be really irritating.
A bit later a couple pages are devoted to Effie buying new boots.
I saw no reason to go on.
August 29, 2019
Location: New Orleans
Time: the post Civil war
Our heroine: Effie Jones, a young woman, a former slave with quite a history. She is now what is referred to in the book as a “freed woman.”
As a young girl in Indiana, Effie escaped to the Union side and was taken in by a surgeon in the army along with his wife, who taught her some of the necessary life skills and exposed her to the blood and gore of the war. While some of this is more than what a young girl should see, it has given her the knowledge and experience to becoming an embalmer. It has made her a resilient and strong person in some ways. She does lack some other important life skills, and we read about her struggles with that.
She is quite excellent at her New Orleans embalming job - her calm demeanor, her attention to detail, her knowledge of anatomy and science. The fact that she is a woman and the fact that she is a “Negress” which is a term used to describe her in the book, makes it difficult for her to be taken seriously by some folks and for her to have a firm confidence in herself. One reason being, she does not know or clearly remember the history of her life before she came to the army surgeon and wife’s care. She remembers bits and pieces, but frustratingly enough cannot put all the pieces together. It’s difficult to be your own true self when you really don’t know who you are at all.
I was very impressed with her embalming work and the different situations she became involved in. Her perfection, care and compassion for the deceased. Her white employer’s booziness and political and family attachments were always abrading away in the background, but she had a way about herself that she could manage him and saved his reputation many a time by stepping in when he could not perform. This all comes to a head as Effie becomes involved in and with some political and racial activism and falls in love with a captivating speaking and handsome state legislator by the name of Samson Greene.
Attempting to juggle her job, her employer, her landlady and the women at the boarding house, Samson, the activist group(s), trying to research her past, as well as having and learning about relationships with some unusual friends, she is thrown into some trying personal circumstances which include confusion, betrayals, violence, ignorance, racial turmoil and illegal activity.
This book was not on my TBR list, it was kind of a “rogue” pick at the library. I’m pleased to say that I’m very happy with my selection and enjoyed reading a bit of important post-history and the life and times of our heroine, Effie.
Time: the post Civil war
Our heroine: Effie Jones, a young woman, a former slave with quite a history. She is now what is referred to in the book as a “freed woman.”
As a young girl in Indiana, Effie escaped to the Union side and was taken in by a surgeon in the army along with his wife, who taught her some of the necessary life skills and exposed her to the blood and gore of the war. While some of this is more than what a young girl should see, it has given her the knowledge and experience to becoming an embalmer. It has made her a resilient and strong person in some ways. She does lack some other important life skills, and we read about her struggles with that.
She is quite excellent at her New Orleans embalming job - her calm demeanor, her attention to detail, her knowledge of anatomy and science. The fact that she is a woman and the fact that she is a “Negress” which is a term used to describe her in the book, makes it difficult for her to be taken seriously by some folks and for her to have a firm confidence in herself. One reason being, she does not know or clearly remember the history of her life before she came to the army surgeon and wife’s care. She remembers bits and pieces, but frustratingly enough cannot put all the pieces together. It’s difficult to be your own true self when you really don’t know who you are at all.
I was very impressed with her embalming work and the different situations she became involved in. Her perfection, care and compassion for the deceased. Her white employer’s booziness and political and family attachments were always abrading away in the background, but she had a way about herself that she could manage him and saved his reputation many a time by stepping in when he could not perform. This all comes to a head as Effie becomes involved in and with some political and racial activism and falls in love with a captivating speaking and handsome state legislator by the name of Samson Greene.
Attempting to juggle her job, her employer, her landlady and the women at the boarding house, Samson, the activist group(s), trying to research her past, as well as having and learning about relationships with some unusual friends, she is thrown into some trying personal circumstances which include confusion, betrayals, violence, ignorance, racial turmoil and illegal activity.
This book was not on my TBR list, it was kind of a “rogue” pick at the library. I’m pleased to say that I’m very happy with my selection and enjoyed reading a bit of important post-history and the life and times of our heroine, Effie.
August 15, 2019
Set in post Civil War New Orleans, The Undertaker's Assistant is a riveting historical that captivated me from the start.
New Orleans is trying to bounce back after the war and recession when Effie arrives looking for work. Her skill and talent for embalming quickly lands her a job. Havig been taught the process at a young age from an Army Sargent that took her in as a child, Effie is more comfortable among the dead than she is with the living. Her penchant for calling things as they are and her unwillingness to deal with fools made me adore her, and her intelligence and strength were inspiring. I loved her! I really enjoyed the bits of her past life that were peppered throughout the book.
My favorite part of the book was when the embalming process was described. It's not for the faint of heart, but I didn't know much about it so I enjoyed learning.
Skenandore does a remarkable job with bringing post-war New Orleans to life. It's a book that is meant to be savored like a fine wine. You know you read a good book when you still think of the character months or years later and I know I will still be thinking of Effie for a long time to come. Highly recommend!
New Orleans is trying to bounce back after the war and recession when Effie arrives looking for work. Her skill and talent for embalming quickly lands her a job. Havig been taught the process at a young age from an Army Sargent that took her in as a child, Effie is more comfortable among the dead than she is with the living. Her penchant for calling things as they are and her unwillingness to deal with fools made me adore her, and her intelligence and strength were inspiring. I loved her! I really enjoyed the bits of her past life that were peppered throughout the book.
My favorite part of the book was when the embalming process was described. It's not for the faint of heart, but I didn't know much about it so I enjoyed learning.
Skenandore does a remarkable job with bringing post-war New Orleans to life. It's a book that is meant to be savored like a fine wine. You know you read a good book when you still think of the character months or years later and I know I will still be thinking of Effie for a long time to come. Highly recommend!
October 15, 2021
THE UNDERTAKER'S ASSISTANT
Amanda Skenandore
I looked forward to this book becoming available at my library, and I greedily started it. I wish I could say that the book lived up to my expectations, but alas... not so much. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't more than an average read. I found the start a bit slow, and then the middle was also a bit draggy... until about 1/2 of the book then it did pick up some.
I thought the main character, Effie was very similar to the GOOD DOCTOR, a bit over intelligent without much emotional attachment. Her answers were often extremely analytical even by today's standards. Effie is an undertaker's assistant in New Orleans after having been raised in the north by a Union Officer and his wife. She was an escaped slave child who found the Union Army and was taken in. So the return to the south was more than just a location change, I assume she went from living with a white family to living in a more diverse society with color restrictions.
On the high side, the time setting is the reconstruction era in the south, so there was a great deal of historical information offered.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
Amanda Skenandore
I looked forward to this book becoming available at my library, and I greedily started it. I wish I could say that the book lived up to my expectations, but alas... not so much. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't more than an average read. I found the start a bit slow, and then the middle was also a bit draggy... until about 1/2 of the book then it did pick up some.
I thought the main character, Effie was very similar to the GOOD DOCTOR, a bit over intelligent without much emotional attachment. Her answers were often extremely analytical even by today's standards. Effie is an undertaker's assistant in New Orleans after having been raised in the north by a Union Officer and his wife. She was an escaped slave child who found the Union Army and was taken in. So the return to the south was more than just a location change, I assume she went from living with a white family to living in a more diverse society with color restrictions.
On the high side, the time setting is the reconstruction era in the south, so there was a great deal of historical information offered.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
July 6, 2023
The Undertaker’s Assistant by Amanda Skenandore
Is another good HF book by this author. In post civil war New Orleans, a young black woman is taken in by a surgeon and his wife. She learns how to become an embalmer. This trade allows her as a freed woman to support herself. Her mission is to find her family. This well written, research book takes you through a part of history recovering from war where racism still runs high.
Is another good HF book by this author. In post civil war New Orleans, a young black woman is taken in by a surgeon and his wife. She learns how to become an embalmer. This trade allows her as a freed woman to support herself. Her mission is to find her family. This well written, research book takes you through a part of history recovering from war where racism still runs high.
January 9, 2023
4.5⭐️
“The Undertaker's Assistant" is a fantastic historical fiction set just after the Civil War. MC is tough-as-nails Effie (Euphenia), a freedwoman, who was the assistant to a surgeon during the Civil War - almost unheard of for a woman and particularly unheard of for a black woman. Effie has very few memories from her childhood and seems to be doing everything to avoid dwelling on the past. She goes to New Orleans to make a living as an undertaker's assistant, it is definitely not a job for everyone but Effie seems to be more comfortable with the dead than the living oftentimes.
At times you despise Effie's character; she seems quite cold, strange, stand-offish. As the book unfolds, we see that there is much more there than meets the eye. We see her grow and bloom throughout the book and you really start rooting for her.
Not discussed much in history is all the things that were going on after the Civil War as people grappled with what the outcome meant for them and the lives they wanted to live.
I love historical fiction yet I haven't read a lot of books set during Reconstruction, so it was so interested to read how people were grappling with this brand new world. She dealt with prejudices because of the color of her skin from whites and because she was a "northern" black woman she also deals with prejudices from the black community. Orphaned as a slave, and then later being betrayed by the man who took her in. At almost every step she feels like she doesn't belong.
“The Undertaker's Assistant" is a fantastic historical fiction set just after the Civil War. MC is tough-as-nails Effie (Euphenia), a freedwoman, who was the assistant to a surgeon during the Civil War - almost unheard of for a woman and particularly unheard of for a black woman. Effie has very few memories from her childhood and seems to be doing everything to avoid dwelling on the past. She goes to New Orleans to make a living as an undertaker's assistant, it is definitely not a job for everyone but Effie seems to be more comfortable with the dead than the living oftentimes.
At times you despise Effie's character; she seems quite cold, strange, stand-offish. As the book unfolds, we see that there is much more there than meets the eye. We see her grow and bloom throughout the book and you really start rooting for her.
Not discussed much in history is all the things that were going on after the Civil War as people grappled with what the outcome meant for them and the lives they wanted to live.
I love historical fiction yet I haven't read a lot of books set during Reconstruction, so it was so interested to read how people were grappling with this brand new world. She dealt with prejudices because of the color of her skin from whites and because she was a "northern" black woman she also deals with prejudices from the black community. Orphaned as a slave, and then later being betrayed by the man who took her in. At almost every step she feels like she doesn't belong.
March 8, 2023
took time
For some reason I did not connect with the characters. Found this book slow and hard to finish. I liked the plot, and where the story was going but just could not connect.
For some reason I did not connect with the characters. Found this book slow and hard to finish. I liked the plot, and where the story was going but just could not connect.
December 18, 2019
This one is different than your usual Civil War book. Set during Reconstruction-era New Orleans, the cast of characters especially Effie Jones, a former slave who escaped to the Union side as a child will make you sit up and take notice . Taken in by an army surgeon and his wife during the War, she learned to read and write, to tolerate the sight of blood and broken bodies. Things that are just not the norm for women and especially women of this time period Effie is not afraid to get involved in and becomes an undertakers assistant.
She returns south as a free woman to New Orleans and becomes an embalmer, her skills make up for the lack of competence of her employer.
Despite the difficulties Effie faces in her life she shows a quite and unmatched inner strength no one can fault.
Deals with racial turmoil, uncertainty revolving her relationships with state legislator Samson Greene, and a beautiful young Creole, Adeline.
There is a goal to all of this as suppressed memories all come back to her at the end despite trying to block it as she tries to seek out her kin.
Quite the unexpected ending I just didn't see it coming. A must read, this historical kept me memorized through out as I turned the pages. The author has a captivating writing style.
Published July 30th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
She returns south as a free woman to New Orleans and becomes an embalmer, her skills make up for the lack of competence of her employer.
Despite the difficulties Effie faces in her life she shows a quite and unmatched inner strength no one can fault.
Deals with racial turmoil, uncertainty revolving her relationships with state legislator Samson Greene, and a beautiful young Creole, Adeline.
There is a goal to all of this as suppressed memories all come back to her at the end despite trying to block it as she tries to seek out her kin.
Quite the unexpected ending I just didn't see it coming. A must read, this historical kept me memorized through out as I turned the pages. The author has a captivating writing style.
Published July 30th 2019 by Kensington Publishing Corporation
I was given a complimentary copy. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Read
February 23, 2025RTC. . .
July 30, 2019
Effie a former slave escaped the south during the war and, raised as a ward by a couple in the north. At, the tender age of seven she began learning the skills of an embalmer. Now as a young free woman, she has returned to New Orleans, near the place they found her. She finds work as an undertaker’s assistant to a northern sympathizer who’s beliefs, drinking, and unsteady hands have left his business in shambles. She quickly turns things the business around, earning herself a dollar a day.
She lives in a boarding house for young women on the colored side of town, and stumbles upon a Ward meeting. Here she hears the charismatic state legislator named Samson Greene speak. It is the first time she feels smitten for a man.
Through the girls at the boarding house she visits a fortune teller and meets a beautiful young Creole, Adeline whom she eventually befriends.
There are a lot of firsts for Effie in this story and as she experiences things, the memories of her past sneak back in flashes, smells and more. Effie cannot remember anything before her ward found her beside a river bank where she uttered the words, “I’m lookin’ for da’ Yankees.”
Amanda Skenandore recreates the dangerous political climate highlighting some darker moments that occurred in Louisiana during this period. She shared the struggles, fear, hatred and determination of these proud people. From social activism to burned marble cake she shared it all.
I laughed, and I cried right along with Effie. The scenes where she regained her full memories felt very surreal, as did her fear by the river, and in the woods. Mixed in we have romance, betrayal, friendship, family and finding home.
I would be neglectful if I didn’t mention the darker sides of this tale. There is murder, racial brutality, rape, physical beatings and flashbacks. While none were overly graphic, the author didn’t gloss over these painful truth to our nation’s history. Then we have the embalming details. The geeky side of me found all of this fascinating but once again confirmed my preference for cremation.
The story offers a glimpse into Effie Jones life and journey as she looks for answers and a place to call home. I laughed, cried, was angered and became emotionally invested in the story as it unfolded. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
She lives in a boarding house for young women on the colored side of town, and stumbles upon a Ward meeting. Here she hears the charismatic state legislator named Samson Greene speak. It is the first time she feels smitten for a man.
Through the girls at the boarding house she visits a fortune teller and meets a beautiful young Creole, Adeline whom she eventually befriends.
There are a lot of firsts for Effie in this story and as she experiences things, the memories of her past sneak back in flashes, smells and more. Effie cannot remember anything before her ward found her beside a river bank where she uttered the words, “I’m lookin’ for da’ Yankees.”
Amanda Skenandore recreates the dangerous political climate highlighting some darker moments that occurred in Louisiana during this period. She shared the struggles, fear, hatred and determination of these proud people. From social activism to burned marble cake she shared it all.
I laughed, and I cried right along with Effie. The scenes where she regained her full memories felt very surreal, as did her fear by the river, and in the woods. Mixed in we have romance, betrayal, friendship, family and finding home.
I would be neglectful if I didn’t mention the darker sides of this tale. There is murder, racial brutality, rape, physical beatings and flashbacks. While none were overly graphic, the author didn’t gloss over these painful truth to our nation’s history. Then we have the embalming details. The geeky side of me found all of this fascinating but once again confirmed my preference for cremation.
The story offers a glimpse into Effie Jones life and journey as she looks for answers and a place to call home. I laughed, cried, was angered and became emotionally invested in the story as it unfolded. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
January 16, 2024
This book didn’t need to be happy, but so many bad things happened to Effie it was unbelievably depressing. I was sad that such an enthralling tale ended so terribly. Life can’t be all happy endings, but to leave the protagonist’s heart broken, betrayed and still taken in by Adeline made me upset. That woman stole her life. In some respect, I guess she should be thankful Adeline stole Sampson away, because if she had married him, he probably would have been unfaithful after a week of marriage and would have had to live a life full of misery due to her husband’s infidelities. Also, the Undertaker she worked for Mr. Whitaker trading in his morals for money, just doesn’t fit. He took on a black woman as an assistant, fought for the North, was a Republican and threw it all away, to live a lie and have money??? Yes, I suppose he was a drunk and unhappy at being ostracized after he fought for the Union, but for him to become a white leaguer just seems kind of ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2023
After reading The Nurse’s secret, I was excited to read more from this author.
The story started off strong, but as it progressed, the pacing seemed a bit off. It became a slow read for me. I felt like I wanted more exploration of Effie’s character as well as that of Tom, and Mr. Whitmark. And what was the point of Colm?
Where the author shinned in my opinion was the detailed
depiction of Effie working as an embalmer, the process and procedure was something I had never read before. It was interesting and insightful.
I felt like this book had such potential to be great, but the various characters were not developed enough and parts of the story didn’t tie together cohesively.
The story started off strong, but as it progressed, the pacing seemed a bit off. It became a slow read for me. I felt like I wanted more exploration of Effie’s character as well as that of Tom, and Mr. Whitmark. And what was the point of Colm?
Where the author shinned in my opinion was the detailed
depiction of Effie working as an embalmer, the process and procedure was something I had never read before. It was interesting and insightful.
I felt like this book had such potential to be great, but the various characters were not developed enough and parts of the story didn’t tie together cohesively.
June 9, 2019
This is a story set in New Orleans after the Civil War. Effie Jones was a slave who escaped and lived a big part of her life in Indiana learning anatomy and the art of embalming. Looking for her roots she returns to New Orleans and experiences life on her own. Lots of action to experience in this work by Amanda Skenandore. "This book was provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion."
January 1, 2020
This was a great book filled with history. It was beautifully written and utilized great word choices! Definitely worth a read.
June 10, 2019
The novel began so interesting regarding the story line but it became too wooden for me Had to put it down
January 20, 2023
This is my third book by the author and she’s become an auto-buy author for me. Everything I’ve read by her has been 4 or 5 stars. In The Undertaker’s Assistant, I loved the development of Effie’s character. We experience so many facets of Effie’s life: her past experiences and how she deals with them in the present, her personal and professional relationships, as well as developing an understanding of the challenges of being a black woman post-Civil War.
August 15, 2019
It passed my 50 page test and initially the characters were interesting, the descriptions were alive and vivid. About 1/2 way through the book lost its appeal and was difficult to continue. Sorry
September 2, 2024
That was a battle
July 28, 2019
The setting of this book instantly caught my eye and made me want to read it. It is set in Reconstruction Era Louisiana and features an undertakers assistant as the heroine. As many of you know, my Masters thesis was on women in Civil War nursing specifically Southern nurses through the Reconstruction era.
So to say that this book caught my eye was an understatement—I was practically chomping at the bit to read it! I finished my Masters degree three years ago, and since then I have not read a ton of books set in the Civil War or Reconstruction eras mostly because I felt burnt out but every once in a while, a book catches my eye and I can’t resist it—hence this book.
The other thing that excited me about this book was the main character, who is a freed slave who returns to the South to work as an embalmer. I thought this was an interesting angle and was excited to see how it played out in the story.
There was a lot to process in this book. There was the historical elements that the author included, the character Effie, and of course the mystery itself. Effie was a difficult character for me to like at times. She was overly analytical at times and I had difficulty relating to her even though I can be equally as analytical and to the point, in this book I wasn’t sure that it completely worked for me.
The first half of the book I wasn’t sure that I really liked her all that much but by half way through I was starting to warm up to her and found her rather interesting by the end of the book. I just wish that I had liked her more in the beginning. The first part of the book is a little on the slow side, even though it picked up later in, it took a while for me to get into it and I didn’t read it as fast as I had anticipated.
Despite the pacing of the book and my conflicting opinions about Effie, I did enjoy the historical parts of the novel. I thought that the author took great care to provide the readers with the sociology of the South during the Reconstruction as well as some of the other cultural and social conflicts between the classes. The author also incorporated lots of French which helped add to the authenticity of the book and lots of medical terms which showed her research.
In the end this book fell into the 3 star category for me. It was good and had lots of potential, I look forward to seeing how this author progresses in future books!
See my full review here
So to say that this book caught my eye was an understatement—I was practically chomping at the bit to read it! I finished my Masters degree three years ago, and since then I have not read a ton of books set in the Civil War or Reconstruction eras mostly because I felt burnt out but every once in a while, a book catches my eye and I can’t resist it—hence this book.
The other thing that excited me about this book was the main character, who is a freed slave who returns to the South to work as an embalmer. I thought this was an interesting angle and was excited to see how it played out in the story.
There was a lot to process in this book. There was the historical elements that the author included, the character Effie, and of course the mystery itself. Effie was a difficult character for me to like at times. She was overly analytical at times and I had difficulty relating to her even though I can be equally as analytical and to the point, in this book I wasn’t sure that it completely worked for me.
The first half of the book I wasn’t sure that I really liked her all that much but by half way through I was starting to warm up to her and found her rather interesting by the end of the book. I just wish that I had liked her more in the beginning. The first part of the book is a little on the slow side, even though it picked up later in, it took a while for me to get into it and I didn’t read it as fast as I had anticipated.
Despite the pacing of the book and my conflicting opinions about Effie, I did enjoy the historical parts of the novel. I thought that the author took great care to provide the readers with the sociology of the South during the Reconstruction as well as some of the other cultural and social conflicts between the classes. The author also incorporated lots of French which helped add to the authenticity of the book and lots of medical terms which showed her research.
In the end this book fell into the 3 star category for me. It was good and had lots of potential, I look forward to seeing how this author progresses in future books!
See my full review here
August 22, 2019
There are many great novels set during the Civil War, but far fewer, at least that I know of, set just afterwards during Reconstruction. Yet, this too, was a pivotal time in U.S. history. The Undertaker's Assistant brings the reader into the world of the Reconstruction era south, New Orleans to be precise. Effie, the main character, is a former slave, trained as an undertaker - a profession that began to take off during the Civil War when embalming practices became more routine. Effie is an intriguing character. She's an African American woman performing a "man's" job in the south just after the war. That alone makes for a real story. But Skenandore gives us so much more. Effie is a complex character living in a complex and changing world where she's not quite sure how to fit in. She's also looking for her past - the time before the war - a time she can only remember in tiny fragments. Her slowly emerging relationships with other characters are beautifully rendered as she moves from an isolated loner unwilling to get close to anyone to a true friend.
Running throughout this story is the undercurrent of racial tensions and the determination and bravery of the African American people of the south in the face of an emerging white supremacy movement. The book is redolent with the feel of New Orleans - from Mardi Gras to Creole culture, to the many languages and backgrounds of the population. The author also handles the subject of death and the preparation of bodies in a way that is both informative and tactful.
I was especially pleased that this book didn't end in the way I expected it to. I was very pleasantly surprised by the ending. Highly recommended!
Running throughout this story is the undercurrent of racial tensions and the determination and bravery of the African American people of the south in the face of an emerging white supremacy movement. The book is redolent with the feel of New Orleans - from Mardi Gras to Creole culture, to the many languages and backgrounds of the population. The author also handles the subject of death and the preparation of bodies in a way that is both informative and tactful.
I was especially pleased that this book didn't end in the way I expected it to. I was very pleasantly surprised by the ending. Highly recommended!
September 6, 2024
Meh. Was hard to follow.
August 5, 2019
Effie Jones was born a slave before she escaped to Union lines where she was taken in by an army surgeon and taught the trade of embalming as the ward of the surgeon and his wife. Now, ten years after the war Effie is compelled to leave the only home she remembers and travels to New Orleans. Effie knows that there might not be many opportunities for a young freedwoman, but she takes a chance by knocking on the door of Mr. Whitmark, the local Undertaker and a former Union soldier. Mr. Whitmark takes Effie on and while improving the shop, Effie tries to find where she fits in. Effie quickly falls for the orator and state legislator Samson Greene and becomes involved in his political committee fighting for rights. Effie also finds an unlikely friend in Adeline, a Creole who teaches Effie social graces in return for help with her tricks of the spiritual trade. However, Effie is looking for more than friendship and love, she is looking for what she forgot before she was found in the Union camp, a family to miss her when she is gone. The answers Effie is looking for might be closer than she thinks.
Thoughtful and distinctive, The Undertaker's Assistant is a historical fiction novel of Reconstruction era south that intelligently weaves together the experiences of a freedwoman and a woman on a journey of self discovery. I was easily able to connect with Effie's character and the turbulent but exciting times in Reconstruction-era Louisiana. Effie also shows the unique lens Undertaker and the very well researched practice of embalming. The impact of the Civil War left it's mark on more than just the freed slaves and the soldiers. Effie's employer, Mr. Whitmark, a southerner who fought for the Union is treated as an outcast even though the Union won. Adeline is a Creole whose family has been hit by the economic downturn. There is also Sampson Greene who has found his calling in helping others to rise above and using his freedom for political action. With this diverse cross-section of people in one place, I can feel the tension rising over the course of the story. In addition to the setting, Effie's search for herself and ties to her own culture drive a second story line. Effie's quest to discover her roots and the people from her past was heartfelt and emotional. Throughout the story there is a foreboding foreshadowing that something traumatic has happened in Effie's past, I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery within Effie's mind as her travels revealed hidden memories locked in her mind.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Thoughtful and distinctive, The Undertaker's Assistant is a historical fiction novel of Reconstruction era south that intelligently weaves together the experiences of a freedwoman and a woman on a journey of self discovery. I was easily able to connect with Effie's character and the turbulent but exciting times in Reconstruction-era Louisiana. Effie also shows the unique lens Undertaker and the very well researched practice of embalming. The impact of the Civil War left it's mark on more than just the freed slaves and the soldiers. Effie's employer, Mr. Whitmark, a southerner who fought for the Union is treated as an outcast even though the Union won. Adeline is a Creole whose family has been hit by the economic downturn. There is also Sampson Greene who has found his calling in helping others to rise above and using his freedom for political action. With this diverse cross-section of people in one place, I can feel the tension rising over the course of the story. In addition to the setting, Effie's search for herself and ties to her own culture drive a second story line. Effie's quest to discover her roots and the people from her past was heartfelt and emotional. Throughout the story there is a foreboding foreshadowing that something traumatic has happened in Effie's past, I enjoyed the unraveling of the mystery within Effie's mind as her travels revealed hidden memories locked in her mind.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
What a great read!
This is the story of Effie Jones, a former slave and freedwoman. She becomes an undertakers assistent in New Orleans shortly after the civil war, she falls in love with a black leader en become friends with a creole fortune teller. A very good story of survival and so very very out of my comfort zone. But i loved every word of this book! The Undertakers Assistent both entertained and educated me. Amanda's very well researched novel sucked me right into this post civil war period. She brought the characters to life with an unbelievable amount of knowledge. The setting of New Orleans in the 1870's and Effies profession as an embalmer are truly fascinating. The medical details made the story even more interesting for me, described so vividly you almost looking over Effies shoulder while she does the embalming process. Fun detail for me (since English is not my first language), Amanda used a great deal of French in the book , i did not had to look those words and sentences up. Some English words and expressions did require a little investigation. For example Yellow Jack? In the context of the story I would say yellow fever. Anyway, highly recommended !
This is the story of Effie Jones, a former slave and freedwoman. She becomes an undertakers assistent in New Orleans shortly after the civil war, she falls in love with a black leader en become friends with a creole fortune teller. A very good story of survival and so very very out of my comfort zone. But i loved every word of this book! The Undertakers Assistent both entertained and educated me. Amanda's very well researched novel sucked me right into this post civil war period. She brought the characters to life with an unbelievable amount of knowledge. The setting of New Orleans in the 1870's and Effies profession as an embalmer are truly fascinating. The medical details made the story even more interesting for me, described so vividly you almost looking over Effies shoulder while she does the embalming process. Fun detail for me (since English is not my first language), Amanda used a great deal of French in the book , i did not had to look those words and sentences up. Some English words and expressions did require a little investigation. For example Yellow Jack? In the context of the story I would say yellow fever. Anyway, highly recommended !
July 24, 2019
Effie is a young woman who, thanks to having escaped slavery during the Civil War is now trained as an undertaker’s assistant. She was found by a Union officer who took her in and encouraged her intelligence. He taught her what she knows but even though he took her in, she would never really be part of the family or replace the child he and his wife lost. It was time for her to go back from where she came and maybe find her people. So Effie returns to New Orleans after the War and talks herself into a job with an aging, conflicted undertaker.
Effie goes about her work learning that while much has changed in her world, it is also true that little has changed in the way she is treated. Her presence is tolerated because of her boss but she is still perceived as little more than a servant. She is doing the bulk of the work and it is thanks to her that the business has revived.
As Effie finds her confidence she starts to explore the city where she stumbles into a political meeting. There she meets a man that steals her breath. She quickly falls under his spell, as he gives her the kind of attention she has never received before. She also meets a young woman and makes a friend for the first time. Both of them help her to find her roots but with limited success. She does find a semblance of family with the people she meets, but as tensions start to flair between black and white in the city it could all be lost.
This was a fascinating book for a number of reasons from the ghoulishness of the embalming to the class divisions of black New Orleans pre and post Civil War. Effie has been far removed from all of this as she ran away when she was a child and was living with a Union family. The politics of the changing city and the cultural upheavals are a whole new arena of education for Effie. One she navigates in a less certain way than she did her studies for her profession for there is no scientific surety in dealing with emotions and feelings.
Ms. Skenandore kept me rapt from page 1 to the very end of the book. This most unusual character really got under my skin; she was not immediately likable as Effie is quite prickly. But it’s because she holds herself so closely. Life has given her some extraordinary opportunities for her time but it has not been particularly kind to her. It’s a rich story about an equally rich culture. Reconstruction was not a magical time fo the suddenly freed slaves in the US. Many were suddenly adrift with no means of support and little sympathy from the white populace of the South.
This book offers a small insight into what that might have been like. Put yourself in the shoes of of a smart young woman as she tries to do here best to survive.
4.5
Effie goes about her work learning that while much has changed in her world, it is also true that little has changed in the way she is treated. Her presence is tolerated because of her boss but she is still perceived as little more than a servant. She is doing the bulk of the work and it is thanks to her that the business has revived.
As Effie finds her confidence she starts to explore the city where she stumbles into a political meeting. There she meets a man that steals her breath. She quickly falls under his spell, as he gives her the kind of attention she has never received before. She also meets a young woman and makes a friend for the first time. Both of them help her to find her roots but with limited success. She does find a semblance of family with the people she meets, but as tensions start to flair between black and white in the city it could all be lost.
This was a fascinating book for a number of reasons from the ghoulishness of the embalming to the class divisions of black New Orleans pre and post Civil War. Effie has been far removed from all of this as she ran away when she was a child and was living with a Union family. The politics of the changing city and the cultural upheavals are a whole new arena of education for Effie. One she navigates in a less certain way than she did her studies for her profession for there is no scientific surety in dealing with emotions and feelings.
Ms. Skenandore kept me rapt from page 1 to the very end of the book. This most unusual character really got under my skin; she was not immediately likable as Effie is quite prickly. But it’s because she holds herself so closely. Life has given her some extraordinary opportunities for her time but it has not been particularly kind to her. It’s a rich story about an equally rich culture. Reconstruction was not a magical time fo the suddenly freed slaves in the US. Many were suddenly adrift with no means of support and little sympathy from the white populace of the South.
This book offers a small insight into what that might have been like. Put yourself in the shoes of of a smart young woman as she tries to do here best to survive.
4.5
July 29, 2019
Effie Jones is a young black freedwoman whose primary goal is to find her family and the past she has forgotten, and survive in a time of turmoil. Her memories before her rescue by an Army surgeon and his wife are pretty scarce. She takes the place of their daughter who died and the surgeon gives her a good education, including being an embalmer. So she searches for a family that may be nonexistent. She is employed by a white undertaker in New Orleans which to some people is an oddity. But someone has to do it and as she has the skills, it is what she does as she feels that she doesn't know anything else, even though she is highly educated for a black woman in the South.
She lives in a boarding house for young women but keeps pretty much to herself. Until that is when she meets state legislator named Samson Greene where she enters a world of politics, protests, activism, soirees and where racism is the norm. She also forms a female friendship with Adeline, a young Creole who has no clue about poverty. The more she listens to Samson talk the more she falls in love with him. Effie finds that she is interested in the politics of the time, but more interested in Samson. But fate is not in her favor as she is betrayed by those she loves, which leads to tragedy and bloodbath.
This story takes place post Civil War where even though the slaves were freed, racism abounds, so are they really free? What I found interesting was not only the fact that there were women embalmers/undertaker assistants and that there were quite a few black officeholders in government. The author did such a great job with describing New Orleans This novel was very entertaining and informative. I rarely give a book 5 stars but this one is right up there. I highly recommend this book!
She lives in a boarding house for young women but keeps pretty much to herself. Until that is when she meets state legislator named Samson Greene where she enters a world of politics, protests, activism, soirees and where racism is the norm. She also forms a female friendship with Adeline, a young Creole who has no clue about poverty. The more she listens to Samson talk the more she falls in love with him. Effie finds that she is interested in the politics of the time, but more interested in Samson. But fate is not in her favor as she is betrayed by those she loves, which leads to tragedy and bloodbath.
This story takes place post Civil War where even though the slaves were freed, racism abounds, so are they really free? What I found interesting was not only the fact that there were women embalmers/undertaker assistants and that there were quite a few black officeholders in government. The author did such a great job with describing New Orleans This novel was very entertaining and informative. I rarely give a book 5 stars but this one is right up there. I highly recommend this book!
November 7, 2019
Set in the reformation post Civil War New Orleans I thought this was good.
I love anything about the Civil War and this book was no exception.
As in most historical novels that I read I learned a lot from this book. I never tire of saying I learn from books because I do. If you ever wonder how most things get started and affiliate in today's world this is a wonderful way to start.
The author has a cool style to her writing. I love how she engages her readers from the beginning. Even though the subject of embalming bodies isn't my favorite topic of discussion. It still was some great reading.
Wonderful Characters, supporting characters and a great plot!
Effie is an amazing character. I love her strength, stamina and endurance. Plus we can't forget her sweet sense of humor. I don't blame her for wanting to "find herself." I felt of Effie's emotions coming through this book. It has been a pleasure watching Effie grow into the young woman I knew she could be. Along with the help of her friend Adeline she learns what loving another person really is.
Ever hear that old saying that the dead can't hurt you, only the living can." This is so true. But I will say this the dead can make you hurt yourself if you let it.
I don't think I'd want that type of job. I'd be afraid of what would happen! I guess back in those days you have to take what jobs you can get however unpleasant.
I also enjoyed learning about the people who lived in New Orleans and the history although I couldn't understand the language that was being said even though I knew it was spoken in French since that city was settled by the French people.
I strongly recommend this book by Amanda Skenandore She's truly a wonderful storyteller.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own
I love anything about the Civil War and this book was no exception.
As in most historical novels that I read I learned a lot from this book. I never tire of saying I learn from books because I do. If you ever wonder how most things get started and affiliate in today's world this is a wonderful way to start.
The author has a cool style to her writing. I love how she engages her readers from the beginning. Even though the subject of embalming bodies isn't my favorite topic of discussion. It still was some great reading.
Wonderful Characters, supporting characters and a great plot!
Effie is an amazing character. I love her strength, stamina and endurance. Plus we can't forget her sweet sense of humor. I don't blame her for wanting to "find herself." I felt of Effie's emotions coming through this book. It has been a pleasure watching Effie grow into the young woman I knew she could be. Along with the help of her friend Adeline she learns what loving another person really is.
Ever hear that old saying that the dead can't hurt you, only the living can." This is so true. But I will say this the dead can make you hurt yourself if you let it.
I don't think I'd want that type of job. I'd be afraid of what would happen! I guess back in those days you have to take what jobs you can get however unpleasant.
I also enjoyed learning about the people who lived in New Orleans and the history although I couldn't understand the language that was being said even though I knew it was spoken in French since that city was settled by the French people.
I strongly recommend this book by Amanda Skenandore She's truly a wonderful storyteller.
My thanks to Netgalley. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own
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