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