I have to admit that this is not the type of book I normally would pick up. I was recently given the chance to review Melissa Jones book: Emily Hudson: A Novel. I am so glad that I gave it a chance. This book was wonderfully written and kept me intrigued from beginning to end. It was hard for me to put this book down and I craved more when I was finished.
The idea for the novel came from a point in Henry James’ life shortly after the start of the Civil War. To me it was so interesting to see life through the eyes of a young woman living in that time period.
Even though you hear stories of how different life was, reading it from the authors perspective really made it “click”. This story took place during a time when it was looked down upon when women travel or walk outside on their own. They were expected to maintain a certain air about them. The main character of this novel, orphaned Emily Hudson, did not fit the mold of a woman in that time. As such, she was kicked out of school, looked down upon by her uncle, and spent much time traveling and studying art.
I would recommend Emily Hudson: A Novel to any woman. It gives a great perspective on a woman’s life during the Civil War.
