Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Doubleday for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Chris Bohjalian. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!
It's 1864 in Virginia, during the end of the Civil War. Libby Steadman's husband is presumed dead in a Union prison camp. She spends her days trying to continue to operate their gristmill along with her teenage niece, Jubilee, a hired hand and his wife. All the grain they produce is taken by the Confederate Army. When a gravely-injured Union officer, Captain Jonathan Weybridge, is found left for dead in a neighbor's house, Libby makes the decision to bring him to their home to try and save him, in the hopes that someone would do the same for her husband. But just what is she willing to risk for a stranger?
Based on a true-life story (be sure and read the author's note), this book showcases how good can triumph over evil. It was a gripping story, with characters you won't soon forget. The writing will transport you back in time, where every day is life or death, and decisions can have long-reaching consequences. I loved the strong women characters - Libby, Jubilee, and Sally - and how hard they fought to do the right things, especially when it wasn't easy. As with most stories about war, it's both horrifying and hopeful, showcasing our human resiliency and strength - a definite must read!
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