The Truth Keepers: A Novel

by June Hall McCash

THE TRUTH KEEPERS is a historical novel that tells the tale of a torn family and the struggles of a young nation. Set primarily on Jekyll Island, Georgia, in the nineteenth-century, it is based on the true story of Henri du Bignon, his wife, and his long-time mistress. Henri, the younger and favored du Bignon son, is portrayed through the eyes of his French wife, Amelia Nicolau, and his English mistress, Sarah Aust, both of whom have reasons for regret. Once well-respected in local social and business circles, Henri shocks the entire coastal community following his wife's death, with unexpected actions that ultimately drive him from the island to begin a new life elsewhere. The story begins with a fictionalized account, based on recently discovered documents of the Nicolau family in Bordeaux, France, who live through the revolution in their native land before coming to America and settling on the Georgia coast. As it explores the issues and limitations faced especially by women in nineteenth-century America, the story takes us from the French Revolution through the Civil War and its aftermath, when nearby Brunswick residents encounter many hardships, among them having to evacuate their town to the invading Union army. The novel ends in 1877, followed by a poignant epilogue set in the 1950s.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Sara Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a different read than what I usually read, but I picked this up in a gift shop on Jekyll Island. I like historical fiction but this fell a little flat for me, way more narrative than descriptive and I would have preferred a little more depth from the characters. More emotion. Instead it sometimes veered into simply laying down the facts, like railroad track that’s missing the scenery around it. It definitely showed how marriage and children were valued very differently in that time period. The writing was not my favorite though, and the only reason I probably finished it was that I had a few hours on a bus to kill.

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Family history can be messy, and readers will definitely find that out in author June Hall McCash's latest novel, "The Truth Keepers." Based on extensive research of immigrant families to coastal Georgia in the early 19th century, McCash weaves a tale of how lies and deception enter in and affect generations of local families.

An intriguing study of how many came and still come to America for a new life...even of their own creation, and the people who are ultimately affected by the decisions they made.

[Sue Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Family stories

Families have tons of stories and these were well done. I didn't see anything exceptional about their lives, but it was a good way to spend a day. As a Georgia resident whose ancestors have been here since the 1700s, I appreciated the stories, but you could get to any of our long term families and you'll get more good ones.

[Gail Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the Jekyll Island trilogy. The first book started in the late 1700s in France during the revolution as the family fled to America. The end of this book finishes with the Civil War. I enjoy historical fiction and the author does a wonderful job of pulling the actual facts into the story and making it interesting.

[Julie Link · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing not literary caliber but decent. Read because I am familiar with coastal Georgia, where the based-on-history story is set. Another fun factor is that the author is an alumna of my alma mater. Overall an enjoyable read.