I have always loved historical novels! So when I saw this book by Bohjalian, who is a masterful storyteller, it made it all the more attractive!  The combination of being immersed in history with an author who creates strong, interesting characters is so satisfying! The fact that this novel is also based on a true story just added another layer of reality to this exceptional novel.

Libby Steadman has been operating a grist mill in the Shenandoah Valley with her niece and a hired hand and his wife, ever since her husband left to fight in the Confederate Army. The war is all around them, with the battle lines moving and changing almost daily. Although she received official word that her husband had been captured and taken North to a camp  for prisoners of war, that was months and months ago and she has heard nothing else. They have survived thus far by operating the grist mill but that is a mixed blessing since the Confederate army requisitions most of what she grinds leaving little for her to sell.

After an intense skirmish just a few miles from the mill, Libby and her hired hand find a wounded Union soldier in an abandoned house. He had been left for dead since he had lost most of his leg and some of his hand. It was dangerous for her to try and save him, but Libby kept on thinking of her husband, and hoped that if her husband was in the same state at this soldier some Union wife would take care of him. They try and keep the soldier a secret but small communities talk, and soon Confederate officers come and search their property trying to find the Union soldier. As things get more and more dangerous, Libby and her family must decide how to save themselves and the soldier they are hiding.

This book was very well written as it slowly shows how each choice Libby makes, restricts her options. Since it is based on true story, that adds to the depth of Libby’s anguish as she tries to figure out how to save everyone in her care. Bohjalian, creates a vivid portrait of living under the threat of war, and the stark divide between North and the South. This was an impressive and insightful book.

Brenda’ Rating: ***** (5 Out of 5 Stars)

Recommend this book to: Sharon, Keith, Ken and Marian

Book Study Worthy? YES

Read in e- library format.