211 Followers
29 Following
shellysjournal

Shelly's Book Journal

The 3 Rs: Reading, Reviews & Recs.

Let's chat about books!

 

Currently reading

The Civil War, Vol. 2: Fredericksburg to Meridian
Shelby Foote
Progress: 380/976 pages

The Midwife's Revolt

The Midwife's Revolt - Jodi Daynard Lizzie Boyleston lives in Braintree, MA during the 1770s - a neighbor of the Adams family (John and Abigail). As the colonies rise against the British Government, and the revolution begins, Lizzie loses her husband. She struggles to survive and find her own place in history.This book is historical fiction - while the Adams family and some minor characters are right out of history books, Lizzie and others are inventions of the author's imagination. The story is told in diary form - with Lizzie recounting the the early events of the revolution upon the deathbed of her friend Abigail Adams. The story has mystery, intrigue, romance, history and more. Although a slow starter, once it got going, I could hardly put it down. I admit I am a fan of history and have been thoroughly inundated with the Revolution in my reading this past year. So this was an easy choice for me. But lovers of historical fiction will enjoy the characters. I loved that we got an every day Abigail Adams to put alongside our historical images derived from her letters. Lizzie is also a strong and likable main character - bold and true and honorable. She holds her head high in the hardship she faces. Details of colonial life and struggles of the wartime living ring true in the pages. Perhaps we've always imagined the era in our minds, but not really understood all it took to live in them. This will fill in those gaps. The story itself is quite intriguing, though not altogether unpredictable. It is good work as a first offering with such an ambitious topic.It's not a steamy love story type historical fiction, but those who love to read about seemingly real characters from the past should enjoy this one.I receive a copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own!