The Abolitionist’s Daughter
The Abolitionist’s Daughter by Diane C. McPhail is a historical fiction novel published by Kensington on August 25, 2020. This 336-page book delves into the lesser-known narrative of Southern abolitionists during the Civil War, focusing on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a time of conflict. The story begins in 1859 Mississippi, where Emily Matthews pleads with her father, Judge Matthews, to save a slave named Nathan from being auctioned away from his family. As an abolitionist, Judge Matthews operates an illegal school for slaves, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of freedom and sacrifice.
Readers will find a richly woven tale that examines the intertwined lives of Emily, her companion Ginny, and the young doctor Charles Slate, who becomes romantically involved with Emily. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the impending Civil War, revealing the personal and societal challenges that arise as relationships are tested and families are torn apart. Themes of coming of age and resilience emerge as Emily confronts the harsh realities of her world, ultimately discovering her own strength and the complexities of love and truth. This edition presents a significant historical perspective, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring struggles for justice and humanity.
Official synopsis Publisher
In her sweeping debut, Diane C. McPhail offers a powerful, profoundly emotional novel that explores a little-known aspect of Civil War history—Southern Abolitionists—and the timeless struggle to do right even amidst bitter conflict.
On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily’s companion and often her conscience—and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan’s family arrives at the Matthews farm.
A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily’s stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily—sheltered all her life—is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.
“McPhail’s first novel sheds light on an often unrecognized part of Civil War history . . . For fans of Charles Frazier’s enduring Cold Mountain.”
—Booklist
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