Scan barcode
chris_is_very_small's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jhudson17's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
Emily Matthews grew up in Mississippi in the 1850's. Her father, the town Judge is an abolitionist. Judge Matthews owns slaves and teaches the children alongside his own. One of the slaves, Ginny has grown up raising Emily after her mother's death. Recently, at Emily's insistence Judge Matthews bought a family that was going to be broken up at auction. Nathan arrived with a broken arm, prompting Judge Matthews to call the town doctor, Charles Slate. After the visit, Charles takes a liking to Emily and asks for her hand in marriage. As their relationship progresses, so do tensions in the Slate and Matthews families as well as between the North and South. Emily, Ginny and Emily's mother-in-law, Adeline forge out new relationships during the war as the forge out a new way to survive.
The Abolitionist's Daughter dives into the complex relationships between slaves, slave owners and families during the Civil War. Most of the story focuses on Emily's choices and changing views and not much on abolition. I felt like the most important character was Ginny, the unyielding logic and knowledge of the fragility of her situation that she constantly imparts upon Emily is a beacon of light in Emily's times of darkness and uncertainty. Although Emily was not part of any abolitionists movement, her willingness to learn about her slave's experiences and fears combined with her small actions of defiance ultimately made a difference in their lives. Most of the plot was focuses on familial drama and the role of choice within our lives. Within this, highlighting the strength of the women left behind finding their ability to make decisions on their own and create change. Emily's story was heartfelt and well written with wonderful characters showing a different side of the South during the Civil War.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
The Abolitionist's Daughter dives into the complex relationships between slaves, slave owners and families during the Civil War. Most of the story focuses on Emily's choices and changing views and not much on abolition. I felt like the most important character was Ginny, the unyielding logic and knowledge of the fragility of her situation that she constantly imparts upon Emily is a beacon of light in Emily's times of darkness and uncertainty. Although Emily was not part of any abolitionists movement, her willingness to learn about her slave's experiences and fears combined with her small actions of defiance ultimately made a difference in their lives. Most of the plot was focuses on familial drama and the role of choice within our lives. Within this, highlighting the strength of the women left behind finding their ability to make decisions on their own and create change. Emily's story was heartfelt and well written with wonderful characters showing a different side of the South during the Civil War.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
daniellem1's review
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
jeanniechambers's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this story, especially the characters of Ginny and Emily. A hundred fifty years in the future, I would imagine their bond couldn’t be any closer.
Tough times in the country and the families represented created plenty of tension, heartbreak and personal triumph to make this a page turner.
Tough times in the country and the families represented created plenty of tension, heartbreak and personal triumph to make this a page turner.
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
3.0
In 1859, Emily Matthews is living a privileged but sheltered life. Her father, a judge, opposes slavery and has illegally educated the slaves he’s purchased away from harsh masters. When shy Emily is courted by the town doctor, despite her father’s reservations about the doctor’s character, he consents to their marriage. It isn’t long before tragedy strikes Emily’s family at the hands of her new husband. As the Civil War looms, closely-guarded family secrets begin to rip apart the fragile fabric holding Emily’s marriage together. Does she have the strength to overcome a war that’s slowly marching toward her front door?
The Civil War was a time when women had to take a step forward and take control while men were away, and I appreciated McPhail’s focus on this piece of history. However, it took me a while to get to know Emily. Often, circumstances occur without her being present. When she is present, the scenes break away before her reaction or Emily completely shuts down. There are even scenes where I couldn’t figure out her motivation at all, like when Emily is in her shed swinging an axe around. Emily’s friend, Ginny, has the most compelling voice. As a slave homeschooled alongside Emily despite laws against it, Ginny has the best perspective on circumstances before and during the Civil War. She also contrasts well to younger slaves who believe in the dream more than reality. This aspect of the book truly shines, seeing the truth hidden behind ideals and agendas. McPhail is great at showing differences, but also frightening similarities, in the attitudes about slaves between Union versus Confederate soldiers. A well-researched story into the lives of Southern Abolitionists.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-abolitionists-daughter/
The Civil War was a time when women had to take a step forward and take control while men were away, and I appreciated McPhail’s focus on this piece of history. However, it took me a while to get to know Emily. Often, circumstances occur without her being present. When she is present, the scenes break away before her reaction or Emily completely shuts down. There are even scenes where I couldn’t figure out her motivation at all, like when Emily is in her shed swinging an axe around. Emily’s friend, Ginny, has the most compelling voice. As a slave homeschooled alongside Emily despite laws against it, Ginny has the best perspective on circumstances before and during the Civil War. She also contrasts well to younger slaves who believe in the dream more than reality. This aspect of the book truly shines, seeing the truth hidden behind ideals and agendas. McPhail is great at showing differences, but also frightening similarities, in the attitudes about slaves between Union versus Confederate soldiers. A well-researched story into the lives of Southern Abolitionists.
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-abolitionists-daughter/
robinlovesreading's review against another edition
5.0
This incredibly touching - and often tragic - story begins with one man’s fight to free his slaves, and any others he can help. As a judge, he has drawn up necessary papers. Going one step further, Judge Matthews has begun a school for slaves, giving them an education they would not get otherwise. His daughter Emily eventually takes up the fight.
Matthews was in an enviable position in his time. Like countless men in his day he owned slaves. But he did whatever was within his power to do when it came to changing as many lives as he could. He had a powerful effect on his daughter, who did not have her father’s education or experience. However, she did as much as she could to change things, even though she was a single voice.
Raised alongside a slave named Ginny, who is her closest companion, Emily shares her father’s sentiments. When Emily agrees to marriage the local doctor, Charles Tate, a devastating series of events have disastrous effects on the slaves the Matthews tried to help, as well as heartbreaking loss that Emily is forced to deal with.
Debut author Diane C. McPhail has written an incredible, albeit difficult book. What a way to make her mark! Although a mere 326 pages, this book took me two days to read due to its heavy content. Set prior to the Civil War - and before the 13th Amendment was passed - readers are reminded if not educated about the horrors of slavery. In my case, I learned about Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation in school, but had not heard of Southern abolitionists.
McPhail wrote this fictional tale based on actual history, and by making me think of such a terrible time in history, this is a book I’ll not soon forget. The research that came with writing this book was impeccable. This is a very well- written book that is bound to give readers the affect I experienced. I will definitely be following this author to see what other gems she might have in store.
This ARC was provided by A John Scognamiglio Book, a Kensington imprint and HF Virtual Fiction Blog Tours. This is my honest opinion.
Matthews was in an enviable position in his time. Like countless men in his day he owned slaves. But he did whatever was within his power to do when it came to changing as many lives as he could. He had a powerful effect on his daughter, who did not have her father’s education or experience. However, she did as much as she could to change things, even though she was a single voice.
Raised alongside a slave named Ginny, who is her closest companion, Emily shares her father’s sentiments. When Emily agrees to marriage the local doctor, Charles Tate, a devastating series of events have disastrous effects on the slaves the Matthews tried to help, as well as heartbreaking loss that Emily is forced to deal with.
Debut author Diane C. McPhail has written an incredible, albeit difficult book. What a way to make her mark! Although a mere 326 pages, this book took me two days to read due to its heavy content. Set prior to the Civil War - and before the 13th Amendment was passed - readers are reminded if not educated about the horrors of slavery. In my case, I learned about Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation in school, but had not heard of Southern abolitionists.
McPhail wrote this fictional tale based on actual history, and by making me think of such a terrible time in history, this is a book I’ll not soon forget. The research that came with writing this book was impeccable. This is a very well- written book that is bound to give readers the affect I experienced. I will definitely be following this author to see what other gems she might have in store.
This ARC was provided by A John Scognamiglio Book, a Kensington imprint and HF Virtual Fiction Blog Tours. This is my honest opinion.
jillhannaha's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this fantastic novel about a part of the Civil War we rarely hear about.
I felt the lush fields, the fine way of living that Emily experienced before the Civil War, her closeness with her father, brother Will, and slave, Ginny, who is more like a mother to Emily. As the war breaks out, we are led through the changes in Emily's life, and those she loves. We feel the dirt under our fingernails as Emily soon is working her land, we smell the blood shed between those she loves, we feel her pain of loss, and her resilience in Emily as she pushes on to care for her young children. Some of my favorite characters were the slaves. Spunky, hard-working, and tough.
I enjoy historical fiction and this novel did not disappoint. I'd love to know how many abolitionists "rescued" slaves as Emily's father did. Overall, this was a good story about the changes in the south during the pre-Civil War era, during the war, and the repercussions of the outcome.
I felt the lush fields, the fine way of living that Emily experienced before the Civil War, her closeness with her father, brother Will, and slave, Ginny, who is more like a mother to Emily. As the war breaks out, we are led through the changes in Emily's life, and those she loves. We feel the dirt under our fingernails as Emily soon is working her land, we smell the blood shed between those she loves, we feel her pain of loss, and her resilience in Emily as she pushes on to care for her young children. Some of my favorite characters were the slaves. Spunky, hard-working, and tough.
I enjoy historical fiction and this novel did not disappoint. I'd love to know how many abolitionists "rescued" slaves as Emily's father did. Overall, this was a good story about the changes in the south during the pre-Civil War era, during the war, and the repercussions of the outcome.