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The Third Mrs. Galway
Antislavery agitation is rocking Utica in 1835 when a young bride discovers an enslaved family hiding in her shed, setting in motion the exhumation of long-buried family secrets. "This suspenseful novel vividly breathes life into the early years of the United States, and the burden of slavery the young Republic carries with it...This book engrosses the reader and does what historical fiction does best. In bringing the past into sharp focus, it shines a light on our present day. Highly recommended."
-- Historical Novels Review , Editor’s Choice Pick A 2021 Great Group Reads pick, selected by the Women’s National Book Association! "Author Sinnott is a Utica native who originated her city's Abolition History Day Celebration, facilitated 'Resisting the New Jim Crow' at the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, and is a historical consultant for the Fort Stanwix Underground Railroad History Project. She sensitively grounds her first novel in a white woman's perspective (Sinnott is white) while focusing the action and urgency around the Black Americans whose fate rests in Helen Galway’s hands."
-- Literary Hub , one of Bethanne Patrick’s 5 Books You May Have Missed in July 2021 picks "In this eloquent debut, a diverse cast of characters embodies the political, class, and racial upheavals of its time and milieu, and does it all in living local color...[A] powerful look at the prologue to Emancipation."
-- Kirkus Reviews "Potent..The book's descriptions are brutal, urgent, and realistic...In the intricate, relationship-based historical novel The Third Mrs. Galway , characters question civil disobedience and abolitionism; they also learn to be compassionate."
-- Foreword Reviews "Utica-area native and local historian Sinnott’s deep knowledge of the abolition movement in upstate New York informs this nuanced portrayal of white ambivalence and anti-slavery activism."
-- Booklist "Sinnott offers a rich history of the burgeoning abolitionist movement."
-- Publishers Weekly It’s 1835 in Utica, New York, and newlywed Helen Galway discovers a two people who have escaped enslavement are hiding in the shack behind her husband’s house. Suddenly, she is at the center of the era’s greatest moral Should she be a “good wife” and report the fugitives? Or will she defy convention and come to their aid? Within her home, Helen is haunted by the previous Mrs. Galway, recently deceased but still an oppressive presence. Her husband, injured by a drunken tumble off his horse, is assisted by a doctor of questionable ambitions who keeps a close eye on Helen. In charge of all things domestic is Maggie--formerly enslaved by the Galway family and freed when emancipation came to New York eight years earlier. Abolitionists arriving in Utica to found the New York State Anti-Slavery Society are accused by the local papers of being traitors to the Constitution. Everyone faces dangerous choices as they navigate this intensely heated personal and political landscape.
-- Historical Novels Review , Editor’s Choice Pick A 2021 Great Group Reads pick, selected by the Women’s National Book Association! "Author Sinnott is a Utica native who originated her city's Abolition History Day Celebration, facilitated 'Resisting the New Jim Crow' at the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, and is a historical consultant for the Fort Stanwix Underground Railroad History Project. She sensitively grounds her first novel in a white woman's perspective (Sinnott is white) while focusing the action and urgency around the Black Americans whose fate rests in Helen Galway’s hands."
-- Literary Hub , one of Bethanne Patrick’s 5 Books You May Have Missed in July 2021 picks "In this eloquent debut, a diverse cast of characters embodies the political, class, and racial upheavals of its time and milieu, and does it all in living local color...[A] powerful look at the prologue to Emancipation."
-- Kirkus Reviews "Potent..The book's descriptions are brutal, urgent, and realistic...In the intricate, relationship-based historical novel The Third Mrs. Galway , characters question civil disobedience and abolitionism; they also learn to be compassionate."
-- Foreword Reviews "Utica-area native and local historian Sinnott’s deep knowledge of the abolition movement in upstate New York informs this nuanced portrayal of white ambivalence and anti-slavery activism."
-- Booklist "Sinnott offers a rich history of the burgeoning abolitionist movement."
-- Publishers Weekly It’s 1835 in Utica, New York, and newlywed Helen Galway discovers a two people who have escaped enslavement are hiding in the shack behind her husband’s house. Suddenly, she is at the center of the era’s greatest moral Should she be a “good wife” and report the fugitives? Or will she defy convention and come to their aid? Within her home, Helen is haunted by the previous Mrs. Galway, recently deceased but still an oppressive presence. Her husband, injured by a drunken tumble off his horse, is assisted by a doctor of questionable ambitions who keeps a close eye on Helen. In charge of all things domestic is Maggie--formerly enslaved by the Galway family and freed when emancipation came to New York eight years earlier. Abolitionists arriving in Utica to found the New York State Anti-Slavery Society are accused by the local papers of being traitors to the Constitution. Everyone faces dangerous choices as they navigate this intensely heated personal and political landscape.
336 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 14, 2022
The Third Mrs Gallway by Deirdre Sinnott is a novel about Mes Gallway who was 2nd but actually third as the story tells. She marries Mr Gallway and comes into his home meeting his lifetime friend and cook. Cook runs the house. As the story goes on Mrs Gallway encounters two run away slaves. It is 1833. She hides them and lives in fear for them and herself. The story goes on. In the end it really tells a story of freedom and the deep price for freedom.
Characters are well developed. Mr Gallway a weak man. Strong female characters throughout. It tells of men’s weakness for drugs and alcohol. It has a sinister side as well. With corrupt doctors and slave owners. As always I will end with; can an author not write without using the “N” word? I understand it is an expression of those times. It is vile, as is racism.
Characters are well developed. Mr Gallway a weak man. Strong female characters throughout. It tells of men’s weakness for drugs and alcohol. It has a sinister side as well. With corrupt doctors and slave owners. As always I will end with; can an author not write without using the “N” word? I understand it is an expression of those times. It is vile, as is racism.
August 10, 2021
The history revealed in this book was all new to me having known nothing about a place called Utica, New York previously.
Utica 1835 – young Helen is married off to an older widower Augustin Galway. Helen is introduced into his household with only one long time Negro servant Maggie.
Shortly after the honeymoon Augustin has a riding accident and breaks his leg. A doctor of unscrupulous nature brings Augustin home and inveigles himself into the household plying Augustin with drink and drugs.
At the time there is the American Colonization Society, of which Augustin is a part, seeking to relocate Negroes to Liberia ‘for their own good’ and then there are those that favor abolition.
By sheer accident Helen discovers a Negro woman with child and a young boy in the barn of the Galway property. Without much thought she is keen to help them even as two slave catchers arrive seeking the very woman and boy in her shed.
The story takes many interesting turns and Helen, while somewhat naive, is a kind and likable character.
Maggie is a fierce but loving warrior of a woman and I liked her immensely - it is soon clear that she and Augustin have a very special bond.
There are parts of this story that will require a strong stomach and can be cause of a bad headache, but it is a story that has every right to be told.
*On Page 54 there is mention of the port city of Imari (Japan). The Negro slave hiding in the Galway shed is named Imari, but the notice presented by the slave catchers mention a slave named Suzy. I found this all a bit strange and none of it was ever explained, if indeed there is an explanation.
Utica 1835 – young Helen is married off to an older widower Augustin Galway. Helen is introduced into his household with only one long time Negro servant Maggie.
Shortly after the honeymoon Augustin has a riding accident and breaks his leg. A doctor of unscrupulous nature brings Augustin home and inveigles himself into the household plying Augustin with drink and drugs.
At the time there is the American Colonization Society, of which Augustin is a part, seeking to relocate Negroes to Liberia ‘for their own good’ and then there are those that favor abolition.
By sheer accident Helen discovers a Negro woman with child and a young boy in the barn of the Galway property. Without much thought she is keen to help them even as two slave catchers arrive seeking the very woman and boy in her shed.
The story takes many interesting turns and Helen, while somewhat naive, is a kind and likable character.
Maggie is a fierce but loving warrior of a woman and I liked her immensely - it is soon clear that she and Augustin have a very special bond.
There are parts of this story that will require a strong stomach and can be cause of a bad headache, but it is a story that has every right to be told.
*On Page 54 there is mention of the port city of Imari (Japan). The Negro slave hiding in the Galway shed is named Imari, but the notice presented by the slave catchers mention a slave named Suzy. I found this all a bit strange and none of it was ever explained, if indeed there is an explanation.
February 28, 2023
I love Historical Fiction, especially when the story is told the way this one is told..
I was engrossed in this audiobook from the beginning to the end. The narrator's did an Amazing job which kept the story even more interesting.
This is a slave story full of love/hate; friends/enemies; right/wrong and it just keeps going.
I have read many slave narratives, but none like this one.
Sometimes slaves/freed slaves have a Happily Ever After!!
I loved it and I highly recommend it.
I was engrossed in this audiobook from the beginning to the end. The narrator's did an Amazing job which kept the story even more interesting.
This is a slave story full of love/hate; friends/enemies; right/wrong and it just keeps going.
I have read many slave narratives, but none like this one.
Sometimes slaves/freed slaves have a Happily Ever After!!
I loved it and I highly recommend it.
September 18, 2021
The book itself was okay but I feel complicated about it. Mainly in that it's a white author making slavery a central plot, and having a lot of AAVE dialogue. I personally wouldn't feel like it's my lane to write something like this as a white person. I haven't actually looked into the level of help that was gotten from AAVE speakers, or if there was at all, but it isn't something the average white audiobook listener would notice anyway.
(I also want to disclaim that I didn't check if the author was Black until after I finished. In future I'll probably check before reading things with these topics though.)
I also felt like the writing was very hard to follow when almost every character was treated as a POV character at some point. The audiobook did kind of help because the characters had different dialogue voices. But overall it was difficult and I didn't feel like I could predict it.
TWs:
You should also be warned before reading of pretty much all the genocide stuff relating to enslavement, in particular rape and CSA, whipping and so on. The sexual violence against Black folks happens offscreen.
Helen is assailed by the doctor a bit. There's also just the fact that Helen is 19 and her husband is significantly older (grey age). The stuff between them is largely offscreen as well.
(I also want to disclaim that I didn't check if the author was Black until after I finished. In future I'll probably check before reading things with these topics though.)
I also felt like the writing was very hard to follow when almost every character was treated as a POV character at some point. The audiobook did kind of help because the characters had different dialogue voices. But overall it was difficult and I didn't feel like I could predict it.
TWs:
You should also be warned before reading of pretty much all the genocide stuff relating to enslavement, in particular rape and CSA, whipping and so on. The sexual violence against Black folks happens offscreen.
Helen is assailed by the doctor a bit. There's also just the fact that Helen is 19 and her husband is significantly older (grey age). The stuff between them is largely offscreen as well.
October 21, 2021
An interesting plot based, maybe loosely, on some historical events in my local area. I always enjoy fiction that takes place in familiar locales and this is the main reason I purchased the book (and to support a local author). I wasn't too absorbed in the story or the characters, as much as I'd expect to, and I think it's because they're pretty flat. The villainous doctor is, just, vile. The abolitionists and Quakers are all...perfect. The racists are as awful as can be; there wasn't a character I could identify with.
The best parts were the discussions about Liberia and Utica's involvement with that; it's sparked an inquiry.
I do recommend the book to locals.
The best parts were the discussions about Liberia and Utica's involvement with that; it's sparked an inquiry.
I do recommend the book to locals.
August 25, 2024
The first chapter or two in, I was pretty well convinced I would not like this book. Helen was a very young bride, immature and flighty, and making a series of bad choices. But it didn’t take long before the book hooked me. I came to like most of the characters very much. And Helen showed a remarkable amount of growth.
I learned a little about the period before the Civil War from a northern point of view. I’d known that some people had suggested colonizing the slaves back to Africa, but hadn’t realized how concrete that plan was, with a colony already in place. It was also interesting to read the points of view of the ‘colonists’ vs. the ‘abolitionists’. They both had the same goal—to end slavery—but favored different paths to reach this goal. They let their differences divide them to the point they attacked each other and forgot about their common goal. I think that has some lessons for us today, and would make a great topic for book clubs to discuss.
One thing I didn’t like so much was the ending. Overall I was happy with it; it had the ‘happy ending’ I wanted for most of the characters. But I also felt some of it was a little unrealistic. Without giving spoilers, I can only say that there seemed to be no consequences for the actions at the end, and I don’t think that was realistic.
This wasn’t the type of historical fiction that sent me rushing to Google to learn more, and the only real people in the story had minor roles, but it was a book that I enjoyed, and a story that will keep me thinking about it for quite some time.
I received this book as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
I learned a little about the period before the Civil War from a northern point of view. I’d known that some people had suggested colonizing the slaves back to Africa, but hadn’t realized how concrete that plan was, with a colony already in place. It was also interesting to read the points of view of the ‘colonists’ vs. the ‘abolitionists’. They both had the same goal—to end slavery—but favored different paths to reach this goal. They let their differences divide them to the point they attacked each other and forgot about their common goal. I think that has some lessons for us today, and would make a great topic for book clubs to discuss.
One thing I didn’t like so much was the ending. Overall I was happy with it; it had the ‘happy ending’ I wanted for most of the characters. But I also felt some of it was a little unrealistic. Without giving spoilers, I can only say that there seemed to be no consequences for the actions at the end, and I don’t think that was realistic.
This wasn’t the type of historical fiction that sent me rushing to Google to learn more, and the only real people in the story had minor roles, but it was a book that I enjoyed, and a story that will keep me thinking about it for quite some time.
I received this book as part of the Library Thing Early Reviewers program.
May 24, 2021
This a riveting read that will linger with you long after the last page is turned. One of the reason I wanted to read this book is I’m familiar with the area, I know where the streets are located as we follow the characters.
This story is rich in history, and we put faces to those, actually on both sides.
As you put yourself in the shoes of these different people, maybe you will understand how much freedom is worth, we take so much for granted, and parents willing to die to give this gift to their children.
I loved how the third Mrs. Galway played into this read, and she should be recognized, she has given it all.
From the charlatan doctor, to noted abolitionists, to people looking to survive, and those willing to give it all!
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Kaylie Jones Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
This story is rich in history, and we put faces to those, actually on both sides.
As you put yourself in the shoes of these different people, maybe you will understand how much freedom is worth, we take so much for granted, and parents willing to die to give this gift to their children.
I loved how the third Mrs. Galway played into this read, and she should be recognized, she has given it all.
From the charlatan doctor, to noted abolitionists, to people looking to survive, and those willing to give it all!
I received this book through Edelweiss and the Publisher Kaylie Jones Books, and was not required to give a positive review.
September 14, 2021
My favorite kind of historical fiction, a novel that really explores the complexities of its time and place, including truths many readers won't know like slavery in Northern states. The characters feel convincingly of their era, despicable and deeply sympathetic by turns. Not quite a 5 star read for me, but I'll round up. I thought the author was too forgiving of Augustine; because of the power imbalance, his actions were rape IMO (trying to avoid spoilers here). The praise of the White heroine at the end made me uncomfortable. And all of the on-screen Underground Railroad operatives were White; we only hear about David Ruggles. I hate how it's easier for me to describe what I disliked than what I liked. Overall, this is one of the best novels dealing with U.S. slavery and race relations I've read, and I've read a LOT of them.
May 22, 2023
Another enjoyable audiobook with a satisfying ending, given the era I am not sure it was completely plausible but good to have all ends nicely tied up and justice done. The slave trade was barbaric and it is awful to think that it persists in some ways even now. The persecution of black Americans was terrible and I realise that they still face discrimination. However whilst I am naive in many ways it was a happy story.
September 7, 2021
I originally wanted to commend Deirdre Sinnott’s The Third Mrs. Galway for being an exciting book of historical fiction, and it is, but it’s so much more than that. Sinnott’s meticulously researched debut novel offers a deep-dive into the lives of both the enslaved and the enslavers, and freedom fighters, circa 1835. The writing is fluid, sensitive and vibrant, with each character alive on the page. It's a thriller too, fast paced and engaging. I know that it’s a cliché to say “I couldn’t put the book down,” but I couldn’t; many nights my light stayed on so I could dig deeper into the writing. I’ve already purchased copies to give as gifts to feminist friends, history buffs, romance readers, and everyone I know who longs for a book that will keep them enthralled.
July 25, 2022
I started it because I hoped it was going to be a sneaky overthrow of white oppressors …. But it was just white saviorism and then a sneak attack romance style ending?
Like the book was thriller-esque with some 90210 level intertwining of the characters - everyone is dating and related and plotting and I just thought it would get resolved in very cool ways and it did not.
Also I’m EXTREMELY uncomfortable with a white author writing a book with the N word thrown around/making money off fictional accounts of the enslaved that focused so little on the experiences of the trauma used as plot devices.
Cw for everything. Like is there a trigger? It’s here.
(But it really did start out SUPER interesting)
Like the book was thriller-esque with some 90210 level intertwining of the characters - everyone is dating and related and plotting and I just thought it would get resolved in very cool ways and it did not.
Also I’m EXTREMELY uncomfortable with a white author writing a book with the N word thrown around/making money off fictional accounts of the enslaved that focused so little on the experiences of the trauma used as plot devices.
Cw for everything. Like is there a trigger? It’s here.
(But it really did start out SUPER interesting)
January 3, 2024
I was engaged with the story line throughout, but very disappointed in the ending.
Spoiler alert: all the good people live and get their every wish and all the bad people die or go away. It’s too perfect, too easy.
Spoiler alert: all the good people live and get their every wish and all the bad people die or go away. It’s too perfect, too easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2023
3.5⭐️
‘As the cart turned towards Oriskany, Helen realized that three generations were finally going to be together, and heading towards their own destines, free of the dreadful institution that had enslaved them all.’
I really liked this book and I was very reluctant at first because of the authors race. I didn’t want to read a book about how white people treated black people as though they aren’t humans and then went on to be their only hope to freedom especially from an author that might not be able to do it proper justice, but this turned out okay. It was nice to see how the women played a major role in this. Yeah they mostly got help from the people against slavery but the fact that they also took major steps towards their path to freedom was really nice to see.
I also liked that we were reading this from two different perspectives. Imari’s and Helen’s. It was nice to see Helen’s growth and her path towards going against the rules of the society that ultimately put the whites above anyone else. But I mostly really liked Imari and Maggie. I would love a second book focused on their individual pasts and their journey towards their growing a familial relationship.
Overall it was a good read but it wasn’t necessarily perfect. Some parts felt really out of place and tone deaf but it somehow worked because of the extreme conditions during that time. You could also tell that this wasn’t written by an author of colour in so many instances and that sort of robbed off in the way you viewed some of the things that happened. I also felt like the ending was really rushed and not done properly. We could have had at least two more chapter to wrap it up but atleast we got to see that idiotic doctor killed off so that’s a plus.
‘As the cart turned towards Oriskany, Helen realized that three generations were finally going to be together, and heading towards their own destines, free of the dreadful institution that had enslaved them all.’
I really liked this book and I was very reluctant at first because of the authors race. I didn’t want to read a book about how white people treated black people as though they aren’t humans and then went on to be their only hope to freedom especially from an author that might not be able to do it proper justice, but this turned out okay. It was nice to see how the women played a major role in this. Yeah they mostly got help from the people against slavery but the fact that they also took major steps towards their path to freedom was really nice to see.
I also liked that we were reading this from two different perspectives. Imari’s and Helen’s. It was nice to see Helen’s growth and her path towards going against the rules of the society that ultimately put the whites above anyone else. But I mostly really liked Imari and Maggie. I would love a second book focused on their individual pasts and their journey towards their growing a familial relationship.
Overall it was a good read but it wasn’t necessarily perfect. Some parts felt really out of place and tone deaf but it somehow worked because of the extreme conditions during that time. You could also tell that this wasn’t written by an author of colour in so many instances and that sort of robbed off in the way you viewed some of the things that happened. I also felt like the ending was really rushed and not done properly. We could have had at least two more chapter to wrap it up but atleast we got to see that idiotic doctor killed off so that’s a plus.
February 7, 2021
This story had it all - the main theme of the fight the New York Anti-Slavery Society had in protecting the emancipation laws. It also had romance, but not the mushy kind, family and a twist I didn't see coming. This is a must read - well done!
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for a free e-ARC in exchange for my opinion.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for a free e-ARC in exchange for my opinion.
October 4, 2022
The novel reveals the irrationality of building a society on racial discrimination. Humanity goes beyond race. Wherever societal divisions exist, humans prove that division and discrimination are no match for love, compassion, wisdom, and all other human attributes.
September 6, 2021
Helen Galway is young and newly married to Augustin Galway, a widower who is older than her and who misses his beloved first wife. The first Mrs. Galway’s presence seems to follow Helen everywhere as she struggles to figure out how to run a household. To add to her stress, she finds two runaway slaves in her husband’s shed behind their house. Does she report the slaves, or help them? Helen has been raised in a rather sheltered environment in Utica, New York and up until now she hasn’t fully comprehended how slaves are being treated in the southern states. As she learns more about their lives, she has to decide whether to follow her moral compass, or report the fugitives as required by law.
Author Deirdre Sinnott brings to life what it was like in 1835 New York for both slaves and abolitionists, and everyone in between. Utica was central to the underground railroad; she really brings to life what it was like at that time for those seeking their freedom and the slave-catchers who were determined to return them to their owners. There’s a little romance thrown in, but not too much so it doesn’t take away from the story. She has succeeded in writing a novel that’s both entertaining and educational. I found it bogged down slightly in a couple of spots but otherwise, a very good debut novel!
Author Deirdre Sinnott brings to life what it was like in 1835 New York for both slaves and abolitionists, and everyone in between. Utica was central to the underground railroad; she really brings to life what it was like at that time for those seeking their freedom and the slave-catchers who were determined to return them to their owners. There’s a little romance thrown in, but not too much so it doesn’t take away from the story. She has succeeded in writing a novel that’s both entertaining and educational. I found it bogged down slightly in a couple of spots but otherwise, a very good debut novel!
April 13, 2023
"Antislavery agitation is rocking Utica in 1835 when a young bride discovers an enslaved family hiding in her shed, setting in motion the exhumation of long-buried family secrets."
This was a very absorbing and immersive read! I looked for every opportunity to take long walks or deep clean so I could listen to this book in peace for hours on end.
While I was deeply invested on the story and the characters, I've given the book 4 stars because it is very neat and tidy. I learned from the very beginning that although this is a book about escaped slaves (and naturally there are a lot of horrible things theyve gone through that are mentioned in the book) things always turn out well in the end. It is the fairytale happy ending that you wish for all those suffering, yet for me everything always working out dulls this story just a little bit making those shiny, bright moments a little less special.
This was a very absorbing and immersive read! I looked for every opportunity to take long walks or deep clean so I could listen to this book in peace for hours on end.
While I was deeply invested on the story and the characters, I've given the book 4 stars because it is very neat and tidy. I learned from the very beginning that although this is a book about escaped slaves (and naturally there are a lot of horrible things theyve gone through that are mentioned in the book) things always turn out well in the end. It is the fairytale happy ending that you wish for all those suffering, yet for me everything always working out dulls this story just a little bit making those shiny, bright moments a little less special.
June 5, 2021
I was totally hooked on this book. It is a suspense-filled story of a political/moral battle that continues to play out today on a much larger and more complex stage. It was chilling to recognize characters from history, those filled with fear, anger and hate, who continue to create chaos among us, desperate to prevent change.
Here are some of the things that stood out for me:
- Pacing of plot created wonderful tension and suspense
- Transitions to/from flashbacks were flawless
- Characters were well formed, interesting, unique
- Setting, dialect, culture and politics felt authentic and accurate
- Feminist theme was powerful but not in your face
- It was an unsettling reminder of how human beings were treated and thought of, and how this horror was so widely accepted as normal/moral. And how this type of abuse continues to happen around the world and in our own country.
I see potential for a sequel! I hope this becomes a Netflix series!
Here are some of the things that stood out for me:
- Pacing of plot created wonderful tension and suspense
- Transitions to/from flashbacks were flawless
- Characters were well formed, interesting, unique
- Setting, dialect, culture and politics felt authentic and accurate
- Feminist theme was powerful but not in your face
- It was an unsettling reminder of how human beings were treated and thought of, and how this horror was so widely accepted as normal/moral. And how this type of abuse continues to happen around the world and in our own country.
I see potential for a sequel! I hope this becomes a Netflix series!
October 1, 2024
*3.5 Stars
The Third Mrs. Galway was set in the time where slavery was rampant and still legal in some areas and where there was emancipation happening in other areas.
The story is weaved that showcases how slaves were (mis) treated and how judgement was passed upon anyone who was deemed nice to them. It must not have been easy living among those times.
This book clearly brings out humanity in a very moving way and I would recommend picking it up if you want to have a clear understanding of how life was during those times.
The Third Mrs. Galway was set in the time where slavery was rampant and still legal in some areas and where there was emancipation happening in other areas.
The story is weaved that showcases how slaves were (mis) treated and how judgement was passed upon anyone who was deemed nice to them. It must not have been easy living among those times.
This book clearly brings out humanity in a very moving way and I would recommend picking it up if you want to have a clear understanding of how life was during those times.
November 27, 2022
4.5 stars
This is an excellent historical fiction book about the true events based on the abolitionists and riots in Utica in 1835. Historical fiction gives us people to root for and turmoil to feel frustrated and angry with. I love learning parts of our American History which are often not taught in school. Thought provoking and an interesting perspective (I didn’t love all the characters but so many I rooted for)
This is an excellent historical fiction book about the true events based on the abolitionists and riots in Utica in 1835. Historical fiction gives us people to root for and turmoil to feel frustrated and angry with. I love learning parts of our American History which are often not taught in school. Thought provoking and an interesting perspective (I didn’t love all the characters but so many I rooted for)
August 31, 2021
I generally hate period pieces. I mean detest them. Occasionally I can get sucked into something like Downton Abbey but it always takes me a lot of time.
So I’ll begin by saying the reason I started reading this book was twofold: I went to school with the author and the book was set near my hometown.
Well, I am delighted to say I LOVED this book from the very start. I found the characters engaging, the story compelling and the pace excellent. Yes, it made it better for me that my first job after college was in the city in which the book is set. However, it was the actual story and the history which really held me throughout. It’s the kind of book that makes me sad it’s over. I miss the characters.
Well, I am delighted to say I LOVED this book from the very start. I found the characters engaging, the story compelling and the pace excellent. Yes, it made it better for me that my first job after college was in the city in which the book is set. However, it was the actual story and the history which really held me throughout. It’s the kind of book that makes me sad it’s over. I miss the characters.
May 4, 2023
Living in Central NY,I am very interested in the regions history. . This story takes place in Utica,N. Y. In 1835. A young newly married woman has a lot to deal with. Her husband is older and ailing,his Physician makes unwanted advances towards her and the cook,who is an emancipated black women runs the house with an iron fist. Then to complicate matters she discovers a run away pregnant escaped black woman.and
her ten year old son hiding in a shed in her back yard.
her ten year old son hiding in a shed in her back yard.
December 24, 2022
The Third Mrs. Galway, by Deirdre Sinnott, historical fiction book with powerful freedom seekers drama. I can see the movie out of this book, it runs in such a smooth way scene to scene that you feel yourself transported to the time and places. The description of each character in 1830 and the actual events occurring in Utica, for the crash between the anti-abolition riots against the New York with Anti-Slavery Society brings reality to today’s scenario. Easy and fast to read.
August 8, 2021
Action-packed with many opportunities for discussion even if you are not in or from the central NY area.
December 8, 2022
Historical fiction based on actual events in New York. Overall it was an interesting read, well-written and researched.
January 11, 2023
So good!!! I was sad when it was done. I read this in two days.... Wish there was a sequel so we could find out what's to come of Helen. Loved that it was set in Utica.
December 9, 2021
With impressive historical detail, Deirdre Sinnott has given readers an engrossing story populated with characters you’ll long remember. Set in Utica, NY in 1935, this uplifting novel brings a piece of our ugly history to life with insights into the complex antislavery attitudes before the Civil War. Once again, historical fiction taught me more about the subject than I learned in school, and in a much more enjoyable way. Grab your copy now.
July 19, 2023
Even though I did this book on audiobook. This book was absolutely amazing. The way the narrator talked about the slaves and people trying to abolish slavery, and how slavery was accepted in certain states, and not others and the families that you indoor and find in this book are absolutely priceless absolutely beautifully written.
July 31, 2023
My husband and I thought this book was well written, and well researched. I can’t say it was an easy book to read, but it was very eye-opening. I think I had heard in passing that there were people who were wanting to send the slaves and Negroes to Liberia, but I didn’t realize that those people that were for that were not for abolition. As with any book that deals with slavery. Truly, there are some very hard things but I don’t think the author focused on that but yet definitely got the point across I would recommend the book but know there is some language. Strong language. And sexual situation’s that anyone would find offensive.
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