BOOK BY: Cathy Gohlke
Another beautifully written dual time story by Cathy Gohlke brings readers back to the small town of No Creek in the Carolinas.
Both stories take place during war, eighty years separating them: The Civil War and World War 2. Not much changes in the way of racial relations in the small isolated town. The underlying tension is palpable, and one grieves along with both heroines at the hatred exhibited toward others in their community. Two families battle against the evil (in the past and still in the 40s), though united, they stand apart. The stories almost feel impossible to resolve as layers are peeled back and the heroines fight the battles around them.
The Civil War storyline was dark and heavy. As I read Minnie’s journey and her fight to free her family’s slaves before they lost the war, I could almost feel her fear. And the fact that her own family unit was divided in the cause, created an interesting turn.
The Second World War storyline, though a bit lighter, still presented the same racial tension, though through the relationships of others and in different parts of the world.
As always, Cathy Gohlke provides a compelling narrative with thought-provoking passages.
I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.