Sunflower Sisters: A Novel

Product Information

I really enjoyed “The Lilac Girls” by this author so I was anxious to read this new novel. First off I want to state that a 3* from me means it’s a good book, just not a great one for me. All too familiar with the concept of slavery, we’d attended Dr. Cheever’s lectures at the Cooper Institute, read Uncle Tom’s Cabin many times over, and seen advertisements announcing slave sales in The Charleston Courier that morning. But nothing could have prepared us for seeing such a horrific spectacle in the flesh. Martha Hall Kelly captured my heart with Lilac Girls and Lost Roses, so I was thrilled to have received this ARC. Sunflower Sisters takes place during the Civil War and is told from the viewpoints of a MD slave, Jemma, her owner, Anne-May, and a NY nurse, Georgy. The stories of how the slaves are treated are poignant and difficult to read, especially when they are being punished. Jemma’s plight, strength and tenacity captured my heart and I experienced a roller coaster of emotions with each of her accomplishments and struggles. All of Kelly’s characters come across as incredibly authentic with both good and bad qualities. Even the loathsome Anne-May showed moments of humanity at times. Both Jemma and Georgy must face an abundance of prejudices and both emerge as extremely strong women. With the protection and empowerment from their mums, the sunflower sisters grow into strong independent young women who embrace and celebrate the colour of their dark brown skin and empower other women to do the same. About This Edition ISBN:

We will then bring these ladies in to support these women, and sometimes all that is needed, is a Ukrainian lady, a familiar voice, somebody that understands what they're going through. Just a friendly ear." Georgeanne Woolsey isn’t meant for the world of lavish parties and demure attitudes. So when civil war ignites the nation, she follows her passion for nursing during a time when doctors considered women a bother on the battlefront. She and her sister Eliza venture from New York to Washington, D.C. to Gettysburg, and while involved in the war effort witness firsthand the unparalleled horrors of slavery. Georgy, a determined young woman of privilege who prevails in becoming a nurse effecting a breach in a male only profession. She shuns her entitlement to work with injured and dying soldiers near the battlefield.And I saw with my own eyes a lot of safeguarding issues, a lot of women concerned about being approached by men. Just like the first two books of this series Sunflower Sisters had three strong female characters the story revolved around - Georgy, Jemma and Anne-May. Georgy was one of eight Woolsey siblings, a go-getter in every sense. She was forward thinking and keen to do good. She was an abolitionist and did her part in the Civil War effort by nursing and training other women to become skilled in nursing. She was not only willing but happily stood up to the male doctors and challenged their authority when necessary. Jemma was a slave girl owned by Anne-May. Her strength was evident in the way she tolerated the abhorrent mistreatment she and her family and other friends endured at the hands of their white owners/overseers. She showed great courage in the risks she took to get free of these people. I really liked the sense of community among the slaves. In most cases they were like family and didn't hesitate to put their own lives on the line to help each other. On the other hand Anne-May the Plantation owner was a character I despised. Although I tried, I was unable to find one redeeming quality about her. Even taking into consideration the time and place, and the accepted norms of the day, there was a lot to dislike about Anne-May. I found her to be unethical, dishonest and traitorous, although she did have Alice told us that a few refugees coming to the UK find themselves in potentially dangerous situations.

As with all of Kelly’s books, I was impressed by the amount of research that went into this. Though the characters are fictional, they are based on actual people and events told through letters. I have not read a fictional Civil War book quite like this ever. I love that it is told from 3 very different points of view, which convey the many quandaries of this time in history. It raises many difficult questions about why things were the way they were and how the terrible events of the past are affecting society currently. This is an absolute must-read for 2021. I received an advance print copy for review from Ballantine Books / Random House Publishing Group via NetGalley. Those who prefer the audiobook format are in for a treat though, as the multiple narrator cast includes some of the best: Cassandra Campbell, Jenna Lamia (my all-time favorite), Shayna Small, and Saskia Maarleveld. Please rest assured that this attempt to subvert the name that we’ve operated under since March 2022 will not interfere with our ongoing mission to provide a safe space and offer support for Ukraine and her amazing people. That is where our hearts are and where they will remain. Thank you for your continued support and belief in us. Georgeanna “Georgey” Woolsey isn’t meant for the world of lavish parties and the demure attitudes of women of her stature. So when war ignites the nation, Georgey follows her passion for nursing during a time when doctors considered women on the battlefront a bother. In proving them wrong, she and her sister Eliza venture from New York to Washington, DC, to Gettysburg and witness the unparalleled horrors of slavery as they become involved in the war effort.My only reason for not giving perfect scores is because of the length. I became distracted at times by all the asides. Other than that, I loved this book!