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The Legend Of Mammy Jane: An Uneducated Girl Becomes the Lady of the Manor In Appalachia
First published over 30 years ago, this West Virginia classic is available once again. It is the story of Mammy Jane, a 17-year old girl who marries a widower with five children.
It's an amazing story of romance, hardship, devotion, hard work, grief, and love of family. The epic spans several generations and gives an accurate account of life in West Virginia during and after the Civil War.
When Jane's new husband goes to fight in the war, she is left to run the household. Starting with next to nothing, Jane teaches herself what she needs to know to raise a family, build a home, and eventually become a prosperous landowner.
The book includes authentic and humorous remedies and sayings. It explains traditional rituals of the day including burials, birthings, and weddings. This is a story you will never forget.
'MAMMY JANE' IS GREAT APPALACHIAN FICTIONTHE CHARLESTON GAZETTE By TERRA WEILAND
Now that it's winter, the weather is much colder and the days are shorter. We spend more time inside during winter than any other season. So rather than sitting around twiddling your thumbs all day, why not pick up a good book to pass the time?
The question, then, is what to read. Clay County High School teacher Lisa Arnold offers her suggestion. As an English teacher, she is well-versed in what teenagers love and hate to read.
As an antidote to cold winter days, she recommends her personal favorite, "The Legend of Mammy Jane" by Sibyl Jarvis Pischke. "It's an excellent book - historical fiction [in the] Civil War time period."
"It is about my ancestors," she added. "Mammy Jane is a Jarvis and my mother was a Jarvis. So, way back in the line somewhere, I'm related to Mammy Jane."
In fact, since Mammy Jane was a real West Virginia woman, other readers may also be able to trace their lineage back to her.
The book was published more than 20 years ago. Though it's based on a real woman, the book is labeled as fiction.
It's the heartwarming tale of a 17-year-old who weds a widower with five children. After her husband leaves to fight in the Civil War, Mammy Jane must raise the children, build a home and deal with hardships, all with few resources besides her own pluck.
Because its central character is a teenager, Arnold feels the book might especially appeal to teens. Also, its language may be familiar to many West Virginia high school students.
"[Pischke] published it the first time written in true Appalachian dialect," Arnold said. "She thought maybe that dialect was keeping other parts of the country from appreciating it, so when she published it again, she fixed it - polished it, so to speak. It did not sell well at all, so in its third printing, she went back to the original Appalachian dialect."
Based in West Virginia during the Civil War, "The Legend of Mammy Jane" can teach local readers about their state's fascinating history. It's a great way for students to connect to the past.
Since Mammy Jane really existed, readers can even see the actual house she built in Chloe (Calhoun County) if they want. Near the farmhouse is an old cemetery where Mammy Jane had to bury many of her children.
It's an amazing story of romance, hardship, devotion, hard work, grief, and love of family. The epic spans several generations and gives an accurate account of life in West Virginia during and after the Civil War.
When Jane's new husband goes to fight in the war, she is left to run the household. Starting with next to nothing, Jane teaches herself what she needs to know to raise a family, build a home, and eventually become a prosperous landowner.
The book includes authentic and humorous remedies and sayings. It explains traditional rituals of the day including burials, birthings, and weddings. This is a story you will never forget.
'MAMMY JANE' IS GREAT APPALACHIAN FICTIONTHE CHARLESTON GAZETTE By TERRA WEILAND
Now that it's winter, the weather is much colder and the days are shorter. We spend more time inside during winter than any other season. So rather than sitting around twiddling your thumbs all day, why not pick up a good book to pass the time?
The question, then, is what to read. Clay County High School teacher Lisa Arnold offers her suggestion. As an English teacher, she is well-versed in what teenagers love and hate to read.
As an antidote to cold winter days, she recommends her personal favorite, "The Legend of Mammy Jane" by Sibyl Jarvis Pischke. "It's an excellent book - historical fiction [in the] Civil War time period."
"It is about my ancestors," she added. "Mammy Jane is a Jarvis and my mother was a Jarvis. So, way back in the line somewhere, I'm related to Mammy Jane."
In fact, since Mammy Jane was a real West Virginia woman, other readers may also be able to trace their lineage back to her.
The book was published more than 20 years ago. Though it's based on a real woman, the book is labeled as fiction.
It's the heartwarming tale of a 17-year-old who weds a widower with five children. After her husband leaves to fight in the Civil War, Mammy Jane must raise the children, build a home and deal with hardships, all with few resources besides her own pluck.
Because its central character is a teenager, Arnold feels the book might especially appeal to teens. Also, its language may be familiar to many West Virginia high school students.
"[Pischke] published it the first time written in true Appalachian dialect," Arnold said. "She thought maybe that dialect was keeping other parts of the country from appreciating it, so when she published it again, she fixed it - polished it, so to speak. It did not sell well at all, so in its third printing, she went back to the original Appalachian dialect."
Based in West Virginia during the Civil War, "The Legend of Mammy Jane" can teach local readers about their state's fascinating history. It's a great way for students to connect to the past.
Since Mammy Jane really existed, readers can even see the actual house she built in Chloe (Calhoun County) if they want. Near the farmhouse is an old cemetery where Mammy Jane had to bury many of her children.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
6 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 31, 2025
I can't believe I actually cried because of a book! A tear actually fell!
April 6, 2015
Oh my this has to be one of the BEST books ever. I couldn't put it down, but of course in my busy life has no choice but to. I couldn't wait each time to get back to it! If I had a second I read a page etc! An AMAZING BOOK! I even ordered the authors other book. This is a must read. I still talk about it to others. My husband will even say I bet that's what Mammy Jane would of done! Love this book!
July 24, 2009
this lady is my husbands (great grand mother)& it has several names & places i i am very much aware of, like the cematery, i know where it is and can visit it,it is awsome to have had such a prevliege to read this book also there is Ashes of roses &war, and matches at midnight ,also great books..psj.
July 20, 2015
I read this book which was lent to me by my birthmother's cousin in WV to learn more about the state my people come from. So I really enjoyed it from that perspective. But the writing is very amateurish, and any editing seems nonexistent as there were obvious errors in the book-- for example, "repass" instead of repast.
September 21, 2019
This story is so compelling that I was able to ignore the glaring need of an editor. In the beginning, it was hard to put the book down because the story is so real, and felt like being back in my granny's kitchen. Toward the end, the lack of editing began to annoy more, and marrying off all those children became almost as tedious as birthing them must have been for Mammy Jane. The authenticity compensates for reading what should have been Sybil's rough draft.
December 16, 2021
AWESOME BOOK
January 15, 2024
Loved it!! Reminded me of time at my grandma’s growing up.
October 12, 2024
This was ok
November 9, 2024
Heartwarming and tear-inducing anthology of a remarkable woman. Such a sad ending.
July 5, 2025
Not my typically genre, but this was great! Definite 10/10!
July 26, 2014
What can I say about this book? I remember the first time I saw it at the library, and having read most of the rest of the West Virginia section, I asked the librarian about it. She raved. She told me that it was one of the best books she's ever read. So....Mammy came home with me. Boy, was it ever wonderful? I read it that first time about 5 years ago. And rechecked it out about once every 6 months or so after. Then came this past June and a work trip to Blennerhassett Island (look that place up its fascinating). My daughter and I strolled into the gift shop and what should I find staring at me but Mammy Jane. I believe I would have slapped someone if they would have reached for it, even though there were three other copies. This is and always will be my favorite book. I'll forever cry when Calvin, and many years later Tom, dies. I'll always cheer when she extracts her revenge upon Clem and Billy Dan. I'll never stop being fascinated by her in every way. I love this book. I've read it about 10-15 times and I'll read it a thousand more if I'm able.
June 23, 2016
I loved the Legend of Mammy Jane. The author, Sibyl Jarvis Pischke, was born and raised in my beautiful home state of West Virginia. She did a wonderful job of giving us insight into life before the Civil War. I've also purchased Ashes of Roses and War by Pischke and look forward to reading it soon!
August 5, 2012
Although it seems almost every person that has read this on goodreads loved the book....I did not. I finished, which I can't believe. It was poorly written in my opinion. There were some parts of the story that was gripping, though.
February 27, 2014
It's not great, but I had a hard time putting this book down. Seemed like Mammy Jane could do no wrong, but still a great read. Historical fiction. If you like it you might like
Wild horses by Jeanette Walls.
Wild horses by Jeanette Walls.
July 25, 2015
It's great,my Great Great grandmother grace was actually best friends with Mammy Jane and Mammy Jane knew sibyl and they were really good friends now i have her first original book passed down from sibyl to my great great grandma grace to my great grandma and my grandma then my mom now i have it.
July 25, 2016
This is a book that takes place in West Virginia. It is the story of a girl named Jane and how she hires herself out to do work at age ten. It begins just before the Civil War and tells Jane's life story. It was an engaging story and one hard to put down.
February 2, 2008
This is a great story -- not real well written but a great story. I missed Mammy when I finished this book.
July 17, 2011
This was the best story ever. Made me count my blessings for modern methods of womanhood
April 6, 2011
I loved this book, in spite of the very poor editing. I had to get it inter-library loan, but Barnes and Noble is the only on-line bookstore who sells it reasonably.
July 29, 2011
I loved this book. It is not as well written as some but it just grab me and held me through the whole book.
March 4, 2013
I read this book at least once a year. I love the story of Labanna Jane dearly. I may need to check it out again
June 15, 2009
Great view into pioneer life. Made me tired to think of all the work
October 24, 2012
I loved this book! One of my all time faves!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews