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Julia: Mistress of Longwood
Go back in time to the 19th-century Deep South when America hurtled slowly to a fiery eruption. Learn how a privileged naive girl born into an aristocratic slave-holding family evolves into a woman of courage, determination, and resilience while overcoming unspeakable trials and prejudices. Based on actual historical events told through fictional diary entries from 1834-1897. Forgiveness
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 26, 2020
Julia, Mistress of Longwood
By Linda Metcalf
This entertaining biographical novel, written in the unique form of a diary, allows the reader to share the fascinating experiences of Julia, from her days as a young self-centered girl through her mature adult life. It is well written, always keeping the reader in anticipation of Julia’s continuing development throughout her life on an antebellum plantation. It discusses the normal triumphs and tragedies of a southern, white, aristocratic woman of the times – babies born, accidents, deaths, reversals and setbacks in personal relationships and in finances, especially after the Civil War.
Had I read the novel in 2019, when it was written, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it, because of its impelling story, then I would have set it aside, and forgotten about it. Julia lived through the unimaginable wealth of plantation owners with hundreds of slaves, of house servants and field hands, colored churches and cemeteries, of gross injustices and mulatto children, as did many others of her time. Many similar events have been previously recorded. Fortunately, Linda Metcalf has thoroughly researched Julia’s activities through public records, archives and libraries to give us actual dates, sales, prices, and life event, bringing the time to life for us.
However, reading the novel in the midst of 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic running rampant, with many more Blacks unemployed, infected, and dying, with accompanying racial protests escalating throughout the United States, I read it in an entirely different frame of mind. The novel is even more compelling and thought-provoking, as we experience the many injustices Black are still experiencing 160 years after the Civil War, and after the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The book continually comes to my mind, causing me to reflect on how far we yet have to go for racial equality. Thank you, Linda Metcalf for an insightful, though disturbing look back at our history.
Dr Elaine Bond
By Linda Metcalf
This entertaining biographical novel, written in the unique form of a diary, allows the reader to share the fascinating experiences of Julia, from her days as a young self-centered girl through her mature adult life. It is well written, always keeping the reader in anticipation of Julia’s continuing development throughout her life on an antebellum plantation. It discusses the normal triumphs and tragedies of a southern, white, aristocratic woman of the times – babies born, accidents, deaths, reversals and setbacks in personal relationships and in finances, especially after the Civil War.
Had I read the novel in 2019, when it was written, I would have thoroughly enjoyed it, because of its impelling story, then I would have set it aside, and forgotten about it. Julia lived through the unimaginable wealth of plantation owners with hundreds of slaves, of house servants and field hands, colored churches and cemeteries, of gross injustices and mulatto children, as did many others of her time. Many similar events have been previously recorded. Fortunately, Linda Metcalf has thoroughly researched Julia’s activities through public records, archives and libraries to give us actual dates, sales, prices, and life event, bringing the time to life for us.
However, reading the novel in the midst of 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic running rampant, with many more Blacks unemployed, infected, and dying, with accompanying racial protests escalating throughout the United States, I read it in an entirely different frame of mind. The novel is even more compelling and thought-provoking, as we experience the many injustices Black are still experiencing 160 years after the Civil War, and after the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The book continually comes to my mind, causing me to reflect on how far we yet have to go for racial equality. Thank you, Linda Metcalf for an insightful, though disturbing look back at our history.
Dr Elaine Bond
May 21, 2019
Reviewers note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book, written in the format of a journal, tells us the story of Julia Williams Nutt. Julia shares with us the highs, the lows, the good and the bad of her life in Antebellum Mississippi before, during and after the American Civil War. Like other reviewers I found the writing enchanting and although sorely tempted, I did not read it all in one go. Instead I wanted to savor each journal entry, image her in her lovely magenta gown or riding alone through Union troops to petition General U.S. Grant.
I was amazed by the incredible life she led; her pampered upbringing, the utter joy she finds in her family, and her brave reaction to all that befell her and her family. I felt like I acquired a new friend by the end of the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in historical fiction, you will utterly lose yourself in the world of the Deep South. Although not a romance novel there is a wonderful love story at the heart of the book, so I think anyone who loves great, well written historical romances will definitely appreciate this novel.
Congratulations to Linda Metcalf on a wonderful book, meticulously researched, flawlessly written. Five Plus Stars from me!
This book, written in the format of a journal, tells us the story of Julia Williams Nutt. Julia shares with us the highs, the lows, the good and the bad of her life in Antebellum Mississippi before, during and after the American Civil War. Like other reviewers I found the writing enchanting and although sorely tempted, I did not read it all in one go. Instead I wanted to savor each journal entry, image her in her lovely magenta gown or riding alone through Union troops to petition General U.S. Grant.
I was amazed by the incredible life she led; her pampered upbringing, the utter joy she finds in her family, and her brave reaction to all that befell her and her family. I felt like I acquired a new friend by the end of the book.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in historical fiction, you will utterly lose yourself in the world of the Deep South. Although not a romance novel there is a wonderful love story at the heart of the book, so I think anyone who loves great, well written historical romances will definitely appreciate this novel.
Congratulations to Linda Metcalf on a wonderful book, meticulously researched, flawlessly written. Five Plus Stars from me!
April 7, 2021
This entire historical story is written through fictional journal entries. It carried a cohesive story, and was so cool to read as if experiencing everything right along with Julia.
It was a very powerful story about Julia, her family, and that time period in history. It makes me feel that everyone in our family trees are worth their own book dedicated to telling their personal stories.
I would absolutely recommend this book. I'm looking forward to any other historical stories by Linda Metcalf!
It was a very powerful story about Julia, her family, and that time period in history. It makes me feel that everyone in our family trees are worth their own book dedicated to telling their personal stories.
I would absolutely recommend this book. I'm looking forward to any other historical stories by Linda Metcalf!
August 19, 2020
"Julia, Mistress of Longwood" by Linda Metcalf is a well written, delightful tale of a young woman and her life in Pre and Post Civil War days in the South with special attention to the resulting social changes. A great read."
August 28, 2021
Fascinating, and at times challenging, fictional account. Be warned, the early entries are the perspective of a very privileged, young, white southern woman in the 1830s and 1840s. Thankfully the author gives her remarkable character growth as time passes. The author's research must have been remarkable, and very much laudable.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews