First book of September.
In the rugged Kentucky mountains and forests of the 1950's, Honey has always known that being different is a problem. Honey is the daughter of the famous blue-skinned Troublesome Creek packhorse librarian. The genetic problem inherited from her mother means that Honey's hands and feet are blue, especially when she is stressed and Honey has learned to cover them and hide from the authorities. When her mother and father are imprisoned, Honey aged 16, has to fight to stay free. Luckily she gets a job carrying on the Packhorse Librarians routes around the remote farmsteads and homes.
The story is one of women having to be strong whether they are the first women coal miners, the first women firewatchers or part of the Frontier Nursing team. There are many men who don't agree with these women having "their" jobs and they are not afraid to try anything to be rid of them - including burning them out.
The book is a fascinating and at the end there are photos of the real women who did the jobs mentioned. I loved reading that when the original Packhorse Librarians of the 1930's had a shortage of books to deliver they would take cuttings from newspapers and stick them with pictures into scrapbooks so their customers always had something to read.
I didn't know the book was the second in a series - the first book being about Honey's mother - but it stands alone. I was interested to read that the book is set reading in some Kentucky schools - a good way to learn history through fiction based on fact.
Wow - she had so much strength of character to carry on despite all the problems. Lovely snippet about them cutting out interesting bits from the newspapers so folk still had something to read when books were low in supply.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating story Sue. I went searching online and discovered more about the blue people of Troublesome Creek. It must have been very difficult for some of them.
ReplyDeleteSounds like compelling reading. Thanks for the recommendation!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a really good read 🙂
ReplyDeleteBlue skin - well, I never knew that was an actual 'thing'. We learn something new every day.
ReplyDeleteLoved both books
ReplyDeleteThis was fascinating - thank you
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
The book sounds outstanding. I like stories about strong, capable women that out perform and beat the odds.
ReplyDeleteI did read the first one and must look for this one.
ReplyDeleteI read the first one and thought it was terrific! I will check my library for this one. Thanks, Sue.
ReplyDeleteI read the first one after having read JoJo Moyes The Giver of Stars which is in a similar vein. Another good read on this subject.
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, the main character in this book was originally from England and found herself in 1930s Kentucky. I can’t imagine the culture shock!
DeleteI will look for this one historical fiction is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a new Prime Minister I have not heard much about her.
Cathy
I've seen both the books but I must admit that I haven't read them. Once I get through the piles of books I already have I might have to read them! Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a very interesting read. Another added to my growing list for winter reading.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
There are LOTS of books with "daughter" in the title. It seems that this word really sells! Just this morning, I read a review of "Daughter of Calabria" about a girl growing up in Mussolini's Italy. As a retired Librarian, I must check out this review of yours.
ReplyDeleteI did not know that the book was second in a series! Thanks for that. Enjoyed the Bookwoman's Daughter
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