What an unusual, fascinating topic for historical fiction! I was vaguely familiar with the concept of weepers (professional mourners), but can’t say that I recall ever reading a novel that encompassed the topic before. Now that I have, I can honestly say it’s a gap that is well-filled – what a superbly interesting way to address issues of family, society, social pressure, and the role of women in old Southern society!
Morgan has done a lovely job painting a picture of a time in which one’s “place” was even more rigidly dictated by socioeconomics than in our current world – and in which one’s options were entirely dictated by that “place”. The “untouchable woman” isn’t a new concept in literary fiction, but Morgan still manages to put his own unique touch on the idea with Charlotte Fenn.
From love stories (man-woman, mother-child), to the wages of sin (both real and imagined), to the way truth will always out, Morgan’s tale breathes life into Civil War-era America in a delicate, lovely way that was a joy to read AND to listen to. I had access to both the paperback and the audiobook version of this moving story, and found both equally enjoyable. The narrator has a soothing lyrical vocal style that worked beautifully with the content and made for a wonderful listening experience.
Thank you to Author Marketing Experts and the author for my obligation-free review copies of this lovely story!
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