Review: An impressive novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 14, 2012
The stories of these women, connected by the men they know, give a fascinating insight into the options women had, or rather didn't have, in antebellum America. These are sassy women who are very aware of the choices they are making and know what they hope to gain from those choices. The men and the women exhibit both their frailties and their humanity. In those times of slavery and men considering women to also be their property, it is good to hear the voices of the women themselves. It has been extremely well researched and conveyed to us quite brilliantly. None of the outcomes are predictable, all are satisfying.The writing is spare, very reminiscent of poetry in places with its rich imagery conveyed so succinctly. Even the chapter titles tell so much (see the appendix for the meaning of the flowers). The language used is appropriate for each character and the times they lived in, rounding their characters so fully I felt I would know them if they walked through the door.It raises many questions I will be giving a great deal of thought to. I am looking forward to reading it for a second time as I know I will gain even more second time round. I will also be watching out for more work by this author.