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A review by robinlovesreading
The Abolitionist's Daughter by Diane C. McPhail
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.