A Complex Story after the Civil War:
This is my first book by this author; as I understand it this is a reworked novel from 1984 (previously named RISEN GLORY). This is a very talented writer; I found myself hanging on to every word. She paints such clear images of feelings; Phillips is a joy to read.
Before starting any of Phillips? books, I?d read an interview by another author who waxed eloquently about Phillips? humorous and imaginative writings. This book wasn?t particularly humorous but filled with raw emotion and strong, hard-headed characters.
Choosing to write about the end of the Civil War is always a good bet; she chose a time of high passion. Remember, the fighting didn?t stop after Appomattox. This story makes good use of the strong emotion that remained in the country years after the conflict ended.
The plantation, Risen Glory is literally a character in this story. Kit Westin comes to New York City to kill Baron Cain, the man who inherited ?her? plantation. Obviously, Kit does not kill Cain but enters into a sparring match with the Yankee war hero.
Although I enjoyed the story, I did have a couple of problems with it. Some points were repeated too often (Yes, I know Kit thought the only thing she had was Risen Glory). Second, after awhile the fighting seemed excessive and repetitious.
Will I read another book by Phillips? Yes. She is obviously an author?s author (Jo Goodman and others are gaga over Phillips). Since I really like the work of the writers who sing Philips? praises, maybe I need to take another sample before turning my back on her books.
3.5 stars
