The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek: A Novel

SO many things are happening in this book! A great historical fiction.

I really enjoyed this book. I especially the information about the history of the blue people. Since my grandpa was a coal miner I could relate to the hardships shared in this book. Very well written.

The novel takes place in Appalachia (Kentucky) in the 1930's where as part of a government programme, book women (and sometimes men) were hired to bring books to those in remote areas. Often, these women were the only people others saw for weeks at a time. The book women brought books, helped people read or read to them and started scrapbooks of information for their clients. This story focuses on one such woman who also has an affliction which makes her seem blue. As a result of her skin colour, she suffers deeply as a "coloured" person, as a woman with no voice of her own and as a woman alone in a remote location. Through her very important role, she builds relationships and finds healing. Richardson has fantastic researching skills and gives us a strong histroy of the area and the people of that time and place. The writing flows well and the story is engaging. I look forward to her next novel.

Really enjoyed this one! I found it to be an inspiring work of historical fiction based on many true events.

Superb historical fiction!! Confirms why I love this genre.