Hello darlings!
Guess what?
It is time for another book review because this week I finished reading this little (but amazing) book and I simply had to share my thoughts with you!
I've had this book sitting on my bookshelf for ages! My mum suggested I get it at a book sale once.
But last week I decided to read it and I am so glad I did (and wondering why I never read it sooner!).
Side Note: I apologize if my format for book reviews keeps changing. I am trying to figure out what works for me & this blog! I hope you enjoy this book review nevertheless!
Synopsis
"Many of the fiercest battles of the Civil War were fought in the home. Oscie Mason knows this all too well.
The first shots of the war were fired on her front lawn--a sign of things to come.
Oscie's a proud daughter of the Old South, but her stepfather, Will McLean, thinks the world of her childhood must change.
Oscie won't accept anything he has to say. And the tension between them is about to explode.
To escape the war, Will Mc Lean moves the family to a quiet town called Appomattox.
But the war will follow them there, as sure as the hurtful battles will continue in Oscie's home, and in her heart. Can Oscie call a truce--or will all that she cherishes become a casualty of war?"
First, I have to comment on Rinaldi's writing. It was fantastic!
So simple and easy to read, yet to gripping and beautiful. All the characters were portrayed in a very real way and their imperfections weren't covered up.
My favourite characters were Oscie Mason and Will McLean.
I loved reading about their interactions and how their relationship grew as the story progressed.
It was also nice to e another type of relationship (in this a stepfather & daughter relationship) be the centre of the story rather than a romantic relationship.
I loved Oscie's spirit, McLean's will to do the right thing and care for his family.
The story itself is based on the real-life McLean family, whose front yard was where the first shots of the war were fired and later in their parlour where the war came to an end.
When I discovered that most of the characters in this book were real it only made me more fascinated and in love with this book!
It made me look into Wilmer McLean (Will McLean in the book) on the Internet and whet my appetite to find more stories set around the Civil War.
In my online search, found a photo of Osceola (Oscie) Mason's
gravestone, which I found fascinating!
Throughout this book, if you pay attention, are some themes of forgiveness & healing which only make this story even more wonderful.
There are may amazing quotes in this book too. I will share a few of my personal favourites!
~ ~ ~ ~
"He had to put down the sacks of sugar and coffee then. Because, though he could hold off a mob at the depot with no trouble, even he couldn't kiss a girl with his arms full of contraband."
(This had me smirking!)
~ ~ ~ ~
"He looked down at my hand which he still held in his own. 'You're betrothed to a soldier,' he said.
'I told you not to give your heart to a soldier, Oscie.'
'They keep hearts best,' I said. 'Or so I've found.'
He was struck speechless then."
~ ~ ~ ~
"He was baiting me and enjoying it. He knew I was up to it. And, though he wouldn't tolerate sass,
he expected me to give as well as I was getting. But something else was happening here, also. I was asking him to let me go. The way a girl asks her father. And he was getting ready to release me.
The way a father does, when he knows a girl's grown. But it wasn't any easier for him than I suspect it would have been for mt own daddy. Part of being grown up, I knew, meant I had to leave him with something. It wasn't anything he hadn't earned. And he was waiting for it."
~ ~ ~ ~
I sincerely hope that by now I have convinced you that you should go read this book RIGHT NOW!
It is truly a wonderful book.
Now I am, of course, aching to read more of Ann Rinaldi's books...
keep blooming,
