The Abolitionist's Daughter by Diane C. McPhail
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
A John Scognamiglio Book/Kensington
Genre: Historical Fiction
On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily’s companion and often her conscience—and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan’s family arrives at the Matthews farm.
A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily’s stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily—sheltered all her life—is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.
In the tradition of Cold Mountain, The Abolitionist’s Daughter eschews stereotypes of the Civil War South, instead weaving an intricate and unforgettable story of survival, loyalty, hope, and redemption.
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Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐What I love most about Historical Fiction is that I'm learning about our history, seeing how people felt and lived in the past, and being entertained at the same time. That's what makes The Abolitionist's Daughter so wonderful - it does all three masterfully!
Set in Mississippi during the Civil War, The Abolitionist's Daughter tells the story of Emily Matthews, who is a young girl living with her father and brother. It's during the time of slavery and while the family does own slaves, her father Judge Matthews cares for them greatly and has promised to free them. Emily is of the same mindset of her father and we see that in action when the book opens with Emily trying to save a slave from being sold. I will never get used to reading about humans being bought and sold like that. Breaks my heart.
A lot of things happen in this book but McPhail writes it in a way that keeps you turning the pages. Heartbreak, tragedy, love, hope, resilience...it's all in this book and makes for one un-put-down-able read! I look forward to the next book from Diane McPhail!
Praise for The Abolitionist's Daughter
"Diane McPhail excavates a nearly forgotten corner of American history and brings it to full, beating life. This is a fascinating and heartfelt look at the kinds of stories that don't always make it into the history books." -Louis Bayard, author of Courting Mr. Lincoln"A contender, a deeply felt, thoroughly researched story . . . as good as it deserves to be." -Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author
"Complex, vivid, and emotionally engaging. This is a story of harsh realities written with a tenderness that shines through and honors the account of one woman's struggle to overcome her society's rules and her circumstances in the face of inconceivable devastation. I couldn't put it down." -Carol E. Anderson, author of You Can't Buy Love Like That
"What an impressive book this is! Diane McPhail works a spell on the reader, transporting us to Mississippi in the 19th century, introducing us to a family torn apart by the time and place in which they live. She tells a dark tale, yet it's laced with lyricism and compassion. This is a powerful, imaginative, captivating book-I'd say, even urgent, considering the time we find ourselves in now." -Judy Goldman, author of Together
"A tender, sparkling debut that bears gentle witness to the abominations of slavery and oppression while heralding the grace, power and necessity of righting wrongs and choosing love. McPhail is full of talent and heart." -Ethel Rohan, author of The Weight of Him"
About the Author
Diane C. McPhail is an artist, writer, and minister. In addition to holding an M.F.A., an M.A., and D.Min., she has studied at the University of Iowa distance learning and the Yale Writers’ Workshop, among others. Diane is a member of North Carolina Writers' Network and the Historical Novel Society. She lives in Highlands, North Carolina, with her husband, and her dog, Pepper.
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Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 27Review at Passages to the Past
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Review at Books and Backroads
Feature at I'm All About Books
Wednesday, April 29
Review at Books and Zebras
Thursday, April 30
Feature at Just One More Chapter
Friday, May 1
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Excerpt at To Read, or Not to Read
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Feature at What Is That Book About
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Interview at Passages to the Past
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Review at Tales from the Book Dragon
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Review at Reading is My Remedy
Monday, May 18
Review at History + Fiction + Adirondack Spirit
Friday, May 22
Review at A Darn Good Read
Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of The Abolitionist's Daughter! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.Giveaway Rules
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Abolitionist's Daughter
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