|
|
Like Stepping out of a Time
Machine, October 25, 2008
This book is like stepping out of a time
machine into pre and post Civil War America.
Set primarily in Georgia, this is a finely
written historical romance novel. We are
introduced to the main characters, Jenny
Mabley and Charles King during a fox hunt.
When Jenny and Charles marry, they move to
Trevalyan, a magnificently lush plantation
home. Beautifully and richly described as to
the social customs of the day along with in
depth insights of the political situation,
the reader will be immersed into the
everyday life of those on the plantation as
well as those in power. Physical
descriptions of the area and the people
bring the images easily to life.
Woven into the tragedy of a country soon to
be divided by war are concurrent threads of
romance to keep the balance between love and
hate. A never ending love story between an
older Congressman and a younger widow add to
the magic of this tale. A host of peripheral
characters at Trevalyan and elsewhere only
adds to the delightful story. The horrors of
war and how the people dealt with the
heartbreaking challenges are aptly
portrayed. Throughout it all, the underlying
theme is of a people of indomitable spirit
and courage with a deep abiding faith in
God. The reader can feel the emotions of the
characters almost jump off the page whether
it is from love of family, the ancestral
land or patriotic love of country.
Jacquelyn Cook writes with such an eloquent
tone and attention to detail, the reader is
enthralled as the story unfolds, seamlessly
blending historical figures with fictional
characters while bringing both vividly to
life. The plot is wonderfully crafted with
characters so well developed, they seem to
audibly breathe. Cook, a long time Georgia
native, has deeply researched the historical
details. Much of the characters were drawn,
she says, from her own ancestors, early
settlers of the area. The extensive
bibliography highlights the many and varied
resources used. This story will keep your
attention to the very last page. This was
one of the most interesting and well written
books I have recently read.
Highly recommended. 5*****
|
