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The Women of Magnolia
In the mid eighteen hundreds, Mississippi was one of the richest states in the union. The wealthy plantation owners enjoyed an opulent life during this golden age of prosperity. The Vine family owned one of these vast plantations. Hundreds of acres of lush cotton plants covered their property and was home to over three hundred slaves. When Evan Vine's father dies suddenly he is summoned home from France to manage Vine Manor: a task that he does not relish. It is only when he meets Mary Elizabeth Cates that his life changes forever. She returns his love and accepts his proposal of marriage. As a wedding gift he presents her with a magnificent summer home called Magnolia. Mary Elizabeth begins the legacy of women who inhabit Magnolia. In this novel written in a unique style, you will meet and explore the lives of Mary Elizabeth Vine, her daughter; Hallie Vine Simmons, and granddaughters; Mary and Lydia. You will meet the prostitutes who come to Magnolia to seek refuge and the black slave women who have endured the wrath of their masters. Their compelling story will endear itself to you in the detailed profile of the women. Witness the early years when life is good, only to change at a moment's notice by an outbreak of cholera or a slave uprising. There are the middle years when the civil war tears apart the south leaving tragedy and desolation in its path. Finally. the restoration when everyone attempts to find a new life.a new life at Magnolia.
432 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2007
74 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 12, 2012
When I first started this book, I wondered if I would even finish it. The writing was mediocre at best. No beautiful prose, no searing character study, no quirky lyrical southern literature....I begin to think it is possible that I secretly like these "simple" stories. Hey, at least it's not a bodice ripper, haha.
I found myself staying up late to read this book, and ultimately really enjoying the entire thing. This book is more about the story and plot, than any literary masterpiece. If the reader can forgive the sometimes obvious writing, following along with the story can be engrossing.
The book has a good cast of characters. The black slaves are not anymore stereotyped than in other books of this nature. Probably a bit rose-colored overall, but not as unbelievable as The Help (which I was decidedly ambivalent about). The Vine family was likeable, somewhat believable, the supporting character stories were probably some of my favorite parts, especially Lola's story.
The main plot focuses on the Vine family, their life as rich plantation owners, their part in the civil war, and what they go through to rebuild their lives after the war. I identified mostly with the fact that the book focused on the women of the family. I was also surprised, and pleased, to see the women who make the choice to become "courtesans" (read: prostitutes) were treated as real women - not just sluts (and therefore vilainized throughout).
The ending had some unbelievable parts... but, as this is ultimately what I would consider a book for women, I cannot really see how it could have turned out any different.
All in all - for $2.99 from Amazon, I am not disappointed in the least.
I found myself staying up late to read this book, and ultimately really enjoying the entire thing. This book is more about the story and plot, than any literary masterpiece. If the reader can forgive the sometimes obvious writing, following along with the story can be engrossing.
The book has a good cast of characters. The black slaves are not anymore stereotyped than in other books of this nature. Probably a bit rose-colored overall, but not as unbelievable as The Help (which I was decidedly ambivalent about). The Vine family was likeable, somewhat believable, the supporting character stories were probably some of my favorite parts, especially Lola's story.
The main plot focuses on the Vine family, their life as rich plantation owners, their part in the civil war, and what they go through to rebuild their lives after the war. I identified mostly with the fact that the book focused on the women of the family. I was also surprised, and pleased, to see the women who make the choice to become "courtesans" (read: prostitutes) were treated as real women - not just sluts (and therefore vilainized throughout).
The ending had some unbelievable parts... but, as this is ultimately what I would consider a book for women, I cannot really see how it could have turned out any different.
All in all - for $2.99 from Amazon, I am not disappointed in the least.
January 17, 2014
The Women of Magnolia revolves around a group of women before, during and after the Civil War. Magnolia is the name of the estate they lived in on the Mississippi coast. At it's heart, it is a romance. And I found it interesting and important that one of the romances was a biracial relationship. I have wondered through all that I have read about the Civil War and it's aftermath just how many of these relationships existed,thrived and/or survived the volatile racial climate that was the South during and after the Civil war.
The women in the story were realistically portrayed with all their virtues,prejudices and foibles in full display.I easily identified with the characters and their individual stories.
I really enjoyed this story. I felt like it dragged a little in places and skimmed over others especially toward the end of the book.
The women in the story were realistically portrayed with all their virtues,prejudices and foibles in full display.I easily identified with the characters and their individual stories.
I really enjoyed this story. I felt like it dragged a little in places and skimmed over others especially toward the end of the book.
August 28, 2022
The first part of this book was terrible. I rarely don't finish a book I start reading but seriously considered it. The story really turned around about the time the Civil War began. While it was still not a literary masterpiece by any means, the story was engrossing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The last part returned to less than mediocre, although it did its job of tiring up all the loose ends. I feel like the author had a great idea for the meat of the story but was uninspired when it came to how to get into and out of it. Still, I enjoyed it overall!
April 22, 2014
I really enjoyed how the author wove the lives of several characters together throughout this book. She had a way of revealing how the civil war impacted the lives of all those involved.
March 31, 2014
This book needed both a proofreader and a copy editor.
March 22, 2022
I adored this book set in the era of the Civil war~ The Women of Magnolia revived my lost love of reading so I am very grateful. The deep development of the characters, the described beauty of Vine Manor and the breathtaking Plantation, Magnolia, I could not put the book down. I read it in 2 days and would highly recommend it!
5 full Stars
5 full Stars
July 17, 2019
Oh my gosh...I was hoping I would love this book and I was not wrong! The characters, the storyline, the time period, just everything! It’s the first book in a while that I’ve felt like crying at the end.
November 13, 2023
beautiful story. historical fiction set both before and after the Civil War, it spans several generations of a family and how the war affected the lives of the women and slaves.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator really brings the strong characters that the author created to life.
I listened to this on audio, and the narrator really brings the strong characters that the author created to life.
February 7, 2022
bit of a slow start but well worth the read
February 5, 2024
Set in civil war era and how the brave women survived through their inner strength. Good book but was a little long.
August 16, 2015
The Women of Magnolia is by Marlene Mitchell. It takes place in pre-Civil war Mississippi and Ohio as well as during the Civil War and during post-civil war construction. It follows one family as they do the best they can to survive. It has many humorous sections as well as very sad ones. It is a great book of Southern Mississippi life.
Evan Vine was the heir of Vine Manor as he was the only child. He would rather forfeit the Manor and the Southern plantation life for a life in France. He lived there after graduating from college and loved every moment of it. He was a shy boy and a loner as he grew up in Mississippi. He stayed away from all social engagements that he could. He never quite grasped the social grace of other young plantation men. He covered up his lack of grace with arrogance. He was uncomfortable with Southern women who were after nothing but marriage and a successful one. Life in France kept him from always being identified as belonging to the Vine family of Vine Manor. He was happy in France but left when he received a letter telling of his father’s illness. Unfortunately, his father died before he got home and now he was the owner of the plantation and the slaves.
He really didn’t want to run the plantation and he didn’t like having slaves although he saw the need for them. He purchased his first slaves as personal servants. He purchased Nona and her husband Jasper and they became his loyal servants and friends.
His life changed again when he hosted a friend of his father’s from Charleston. Alston Handmaker wanted to visit and to purchase Vine Manor. He came with his wife and her niece from England. Mary Elizabeth Cates was quite unusual and she didn’t always follow the rules of society. She didn’t intentionally break them, she just got involved with other things. She was talkative where Evan was silent, lively where he was a little dull, and didn’t always follow the rules. She was a perfect match for Evan and stayed when her uncle left. They married and he gave her Magnolia, a place on the coast of Mississippi for a wedding gift.
What was their life to be like now that the clouds of war threatened? What would Magnolia mean to the family? What would happen to the family?
Evan Vine was the heir of Vine Manor as he was the only child. He would rather forfeit the Manor and the Southern plantation life for a life in France. He lived there after graduating from college and loved every moment of it. He was a shy boy and a loner as he grew up in Mississippi. He stayed away from all social engagements that he could. He never quite grasped the social grace of other young plantation men. He covered up his lack of grace with arrogance. He was uncomfortable with Southern women who were after nothing but marriage and a successful one. Life in France kept him from always being identified as belonging to the Vine family of Vine Manor. He was happy in France but left when he received a letter telling of his father’s illness. Unfortunately, his father died before he got home and now he was the owner of the plantation and the slaves.
He really didn’t want to run the plantation and he didn’t like having slaves although he saw the need for them. He purchased his first slaves as personal servants. He purchased Nona and her husband Jasper and they became his loyal servants and friends.
His life changed again when he hosted a friend of his father’s from Charleston. Alston Handmaker wanted to visit and to purchase Vine Manor. He came with his wife and her niece from England. Mary Elizabeth Cates was quite unusual and she didn’t always follow the rules of society. She didn’t intentionally break them, she just got involved with other things. She was talkative where Evan was silent, lively where he was a little dull, and didn’t always follow the rules. She was a perfect match for Evan and stayed when her uncle left. They married and he gave her Magnolia, a place on the coast of Mississippi for a wedding gift.
What was their life to be like now that the clouds of war threatened? What would Magnolia mean to the family? What would happen to the family?
February 17, 2025
I wasn't sure I was going to finish this book. The first half was way too fluffy and simple for me; I was expecting something deeper and with more well developed characters. The story jumped ahead several times with no explanation of the intervening years. However, I perservered and when the author introduced a completely new story line at the halfway point, I became more interested and wondered how she was going to tie in the new characters and story to the earlier part of the book. The tie-in was a surprise (I hate when I can figure out what's going to happen way too early in the book); however, the ending was predictable. I'd have preferred a surprise there, as well. Overall I enjoyed the book. I read this right after reading "The Kitchen House" by Katheen Grissom (see my review), which really sucked me in and affected me deeply. Perhaps if I would have read this book first, I'd have enjoyed it more.
April 27, 2012
I didn't think I was going to like this book when I first started. It took place in the south pre and post civil war. I especially liked Aden's story, who's grandmother was captured in Africa and sold into slavery. Raped by a white man and gave birth to a baby girl. At fifteen her daughter got pregnant by the plantation owner and gave birth to Aden. Aden being only one quarter black, looked white. He becomes educated and excepted as a white man. The Magnolia house was a refuge to those who were trying to survive post war struggles. I wish I could give it 31/2 stars. Lots of feminine courage!
July 26, 2012
I don't even know where to begin with this story. I know Ive said it before, but this is definitely my FAVORITE yet in the 19th Century genre. The characters are so well written, they are on my mind frequently throughout my day. I would have proudly stood beside Hallie and defended Vine Manor and Magnolia faithfully. Sometimes it hard to fathom all the hardships and triumphs this family can have. My momma is currently reading it. She started Tuesday (this is Thursday) and shes over 50% done. With the quilt that has all her free time tied up, it appears she cant put it down. lol
January 3, 2014
An excellent story
I purchased this book due to my deep love of the history of south during the 1800s. While I found some parts of the story to be a little far-fetched for the time period in which the novel takes place, I still found it captivating.
Also, the grammar-Nazi in me found a few grammatical errors, mostly with punctuation and accept- except mix ups. I was able to overlook them because I was so engrossed in the story, and think all but the most strict of high school English teachers will be able to as well.
I purchased this book due to my deep love of the history of south during the 1800s. While I found some parts of the story to be a little far-fetched for the time period in which the novel takes place, I still found it captivating.
Also, the grammar-Nazi in me found a few grammatical errors, mostly with punctuation and accept- except mix ups. I was able to overlook them because I was so engrossed in the story, and think all but the most strict of high school English teachers will be able to as well.
October 22, 2012
Well this story claimed most of my weekend. Eventhough the writing was fair, the story was very good and I couldn't wait to see how all the different story lines would connect. However, there was a point where I almost stopped reading. The author's characterization of one of the slaves was almost offensive to me. Once again, I decided to accept this as a work of fiction and move on. If not for this, I would have given this book four stars.
October 1, 2014
The ending sucked
Some characters were unnecessary but I persevered. Just when the story was coming to nice turn of events it ended...we are left to assume things I would rather be spelled out. what happened when she got to Tahiti. did she get a welcome from Adens son, did Aden have another lover? I guess the answer is yes and no...I guess...the book had good bones but needed good editing.
Some characters were unnecessary but I persevered. Just when the story was coming to nice turn of events it ended...we are left to assume things I would rather be spelled out. what happened when she got to Tahiti. did she get a welcome from Adens son, did Aden have another lover? I guess the answer is yes and no...I guess...the book had good bones but needed good editing.
February 6, 2012
Really enjoyed this book. The setting is before, during and after the CIvil War. The life of a wealthy white plantation family and their slaves is the center of the plot. As their lives go through the the cycles of the war, attitudes begin to change and survivial brings about the biggest changes of all. If you choose to read this, I truly think you will enjoy the dynamics in the book.
May 27, 2012
I really enjoyed this book but then I am a sucker for books about the old south and during the Civil War period. The story is about three generations of the family's women and takes place before, during, and after the Civil War. It was a good read even with a couple of plot twists in the second half that had me wondering for awhile.
July 22, 2012
Don't be fooled by the cover of The Women of Magnolia. At times, this book was sweet and idyllic and then it would become harsh and almost disturbing. The narration went back and forth like that the entire novel! Overall, it was an enjoyable and interesting read, although it could stand a good editing.
August 23, 2012
Though Ms. Mitchell could've benefited from a better editor (grammatical and spelling errors) the story itself was so enchanting. I kept wanting to know what would happen to each of the characters and their descendents and I felt their pain and loss. Great story and the price for kindle was even better!
February 11, 2013
Don't know what it was with this book. Seems like the first part of it was interesting and from that point on, it became tedious to try and finish even though I continued with it so much so that I literally had to push through the last chapters. Good try but not as good as Silent Voices, in my opinion.
March 14, 2012
It is a very good story!! Really enjoyed the characters and the history!! I recommend it for those that like some slave history, not too hard core, and some romance and just people living their lives.
October 18, 2012
An enjoyable read! Historical and discusses the slave trade in the Southern US during the 1800s. Switches midway without any explanation to a completely different story and then again, which surprised and confused me breifly. It did pull the 3 stories together in the end.
November 7, 2013
Horribly written book. Storylines that start and abruptly end with no closure, mixing tenses and genders. Jumps around without rhyme or reason. I think the editor should be fired. I read about half of the book and gave up.
April 3, 2014
A fairly typical romance!
While some characterization was good, the overall plot was typical of romance stories. A little confusing with sudden shift
between the first and second parts. No table of content to indicate this.
While some characterization was good, the overall plot was typical of romance stories. A little confusing with sudden shift
between the first and second parts. No table of content to indicate this.
September 26, 2014
this was a very good book.I love how the author had many characters and how they all came together. I wanted a better ending and felt like they could have been more in the end. The story flowed. great read for anyone looking for historical romance
July 27, 2014
Women of Magnolia
Women of Magnolia
I enjoyed reading this story very much. The. characters cAme to life and I could envision each one of them as well as care about what happened to them. well written.
Women of Magnolia
I enjoyed reading this story very much. The. characters cAme to life and I could envision each one of them as well as care about what happened to them. well written.
December 18, 2014
Meh. Just okay. It was g good book to read when you are busy at work and want some mindless wind-down time before sleep. It was interesting enough for me to finish but simple enough that I didn't think about it before or after I opened the pages.
September 17, 2015
Takes the Reader Through Many Emotions
Vivid characters, lives changed by love, loss, circumstance, even despair. Enjoyed the many stories within the big story set before, during, and after the Civil War.
Vivid characters, lives changed by love, loss, circumstance, even despair. Enjoyed the many stories within the big story set before, during, and after the Civil War.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews