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laheath's review
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
An exceptional conclusion to the trilogy chronicling the family of Caroline Ferriday, although I am sad to see it end. Each book has been thoroughly researched and the author's note even documents what the fictional events and characters were based upon, as well as her reflections on her travels to these places and reading the family's letters.
As each book has gone back in time looking at the family history, this book is set during the Civil War. The ancestral Woolsey family is comprised of several sisters who are actively involved in the abolitionist movement and various charities supporting orphans and the Union troops. Georgeanna is focused upon as she trains as a nurse to serve in the war and plans to open a school for female nurses which is unheard of in this time. A second perspective is given by Jemma, an enslaved teen on a tobacco plantation in Maryland, as she witnesses the horrors from the owners and fights to save her family. The third narrator is the mistress of the plantation, Anne-May, who is oblivious in her selfishness.
The writing is excellent, and this family's story encompasses some important historical moments, so it's definitely worth reading and remembering, though the subject matter is hard to read at times. Although this book is slightly longer than my typical reads, it never dragged, but life sometimes got in the way of my reading time!
As each book has gone back in time looking at the family history, this book is set during the Civil War. The ancestral Woolsey family is comprised of several sisters who are actively involved in the abolitionist movement and various charities supporting orphans and the Union troops. Georgeanna is focused upon as she trains as a nurse to serve in the war and plans to open a school for female nurses which is unheard of in this time. A second perspective is given by Jemma, an enslaved teen on a tobacco plantation in Maryland, as she witnesses the horrors from the owners and fights to save her family. The third narrator is the mistress of the plantation, Anne-May, who is oblivious in her selfishness.
The writing is excellent, and this family's story encompasses some important historical moments, so it's definitely worth reading and remembering, though the subject matter is hard to read at times. Although this book is slightly longer than my typical reads, it never dragged, but life sometimes got in the way of my reading time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery and Racism
Moderate: War, Violence, Murder, and Medical trauma
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