I've been reading and reviewing a lot of Amish fiction lately, but I also enjoy historical fiction as well. Lynn Austin has been a favorite author in this genre in the past and the book All Things New was another great title by this author. Set in the South immediately after the Civil War ends, this book takes the reader right into this difficult and turbulent time in history.
Told in alternating points of view, the reader gets to know three main characters: Eugenia Weatherly, a Southern plantation owner's widow; Josephine, her daughter; and Lizzie, a now freed slave who chooses to continue working at the Weatherly plantation. We see these characters struggle to find a new normal in a South that is no longer as they remember it. Each one has to face hard things that they never thought they would face. Eugenia wants to regain her plantation's former glory; Josephine wants to learn to become more self-sufficient and have it be acceptable; and Lizzie wants to enjoy the freedom she has been granted and to feel truly safe.
The characters in this novel are excellent! They are developed well and the reader sympathizes and grows to understand many of them. While we can't fully understand the turmoil of this time period, many of us can relate to the emotions and struggles these characters face. I found this book fascinating and well written and would highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this review. All opinions are my my own.
Any historical fiction fans? Who are your favorite authors? Leave me a comment - I'd love to hear!
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