Review: Liar Temptress Soldier Spy

Title: Liar Temptress Soldier Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

Author: Karen Abbott

Date Completed: 6 October 2016

Narrator: Karen White

I read a Clara Barton biography a few years ago after being inspired by a Chautauqua performance talking about her life and all that she accomplished in spite of her gender and multiple wars. I was left in awe of her determination and willingness to suffer for what she believed was right and just. Reading this book about 4 other women's lives during the Civil War I felt much the same way--it demanded reflection before I picked up another book.

While the book is told through first-person narrative, these were 4 real, well-documented women. The author (and I suspect the editor) did a superb job of weaving these 4 women's stories together complete with cliffhangers and pacing that kept me turning the pages. A prime example of how to make history fascinating. (Textbook authors take note!)

You could tell the depth of her research without feeling that it hampered the makings of a good story. She relied not only on personal diaries and memoirs from the 4 women, but on any surrounding detail or primary source she could get her hands on--from weather records to the prices of goods--in order to immerse you in the setting. I appreciated the various ways she pointed out possible exaggerations and elaborations that happen when tales are passed down through the years. i.e. She imagined how she would act if she met X -or- She rehearsed the script of how their meeting would go in her mind. Thus the author was able to include the family tales without undermining the historical veracity of the rest of the story.

I have a feeling this book will go onto my list of books to recommend to a wider audience. Especially those that are reluctant students of history.