Book Review: "The Second Mrs. Hockaday" by Susan Rivers

"The Second Mrs. Hockaday"
by Susan Rivers

I thought I knew a lot about the Civil War...but I don’t know if I ever really thought about it from the viewpoint of women. This historical novel by Susan Rivers, is set in South Carolina during and after the war between the states. The story is written using a series of letters and documents. This unusual format does not detract from the storyline.The letters grapple with power struggles, slavery, incarceration, children, and love. We know what role men played in the institution of slavery - women played a role as well, and not always as the empty headed Scarlett O’Hara of “Gone With the Wind.” I spent most of my time reading with my mouth hanging open in shock and awe.