In this beguiling novel the father of Louisa May Alcott’s ”Little Women” tells of his experiences during the American Civil War. There are his relentlessly positive letters home, plus his more honest thoughts and recollections.
The story includes several historical figures, such as John Brown, before he lay a-mouldering. I learned some new words: rigolette (a woman’s scarf-like head covering) and rutilant (of a reddish colour). Geraldine Brooks is an expert at bringing history to life in a very personal way.
“This book helps us to comprehend
how hard they fought for slavery’s end.”
