Senior Book Lounge

This historical fiction book takes place at the end of the Civil War, just before General Robert E Lee surrenders to Ulysses Grant on April 9, 1865 after 4 bloody years of war. It is a difficult book to read but, well worth the 510 pages. This is significant, because I have never enjoyed a 500 page book...ever.

The first chapter sets the stage, with the sale of young children at a slave auction. The Author does not gloss over the abuse slaves endured. The book is written from several vantage points, the plantation owners, slaves, milliners/commerce and the impact of one particular family, the Woolsey sisters.The perspective switches with each new chapter from the sale of slaves, to plantation life, nurses and surviving in a war torn era; where rations are reaching to the point of wealthy plantation owners becoming destitute. And to the horrific scenes on the battlefield.

The author did an excellent job bringing a human experience to the horrors. The characters are very well drawn out and relatable. It is very clear, the book was heavily researched and carefully plotted to provide a wide range of characters and experiences, which ptovided a vivid picture of life during the Civil War. I particularly enjoyed reading excerpts from the poems and letters written by the Woolsey sisters. The book also focused on the women of that era, which was refreshing.

The book is the final book in the triology of the seven Woolsey sisters, preceded by, The Lilac Girls (2016) and Lost Roses (2019). I look foward to the Author's next book.