Reviewed by: Sooz
Genre: Historical fiction
Approximate word count: 60-65,000 words
Availability
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Author:
Kathy
Steinemann has written a number of non-fiction book dealing with travel and
IBS. Her first published fiction was the Vanguard
of Hope, which deals with child abuse. Steinemann writes on her website
that she was a victim of sexual abuse, which led her to write The Sapphire
Brigade series.
Learn more
about the author and her books at her website.
Description:
Hope has a
terrible secret that affects her life. She doesn’t want to bring a child into
the world because of abuse she faced as a girl. Hope also finds herself in love
with the black groundskeeper of her home in 1890. She has difficult decisions
to make while The Sapphire Brigade brings justice to those who can’t get help –
like Hope.
Appraisal:
This
historical fiction takes place in the late 1800s although certain aspects feel
slightly more advanced. But, it's fiction.
It's
written in diary form by a woman named Hope. She kept her diary initially out
of boredom, but quickly realized she needed a place to put down her thoughts
and feelings.
Hope is a
child abuse victim at the hands of her father. She never told anyone about what
had happened to her, but finally reveals this to a few men she cares about. However,
that is not Hope's only problem. She falls in love with one of her black
employees only to have her husband return from a business trip more caring than
ever.
She loves
two men, has to deal with the repercussions of child abuse while a strange affliction
slowly takes over body. Her diary is the one place to share all of these issues
without judgment.
Steinemann
does a nice job of conveying all of the raw emotions onto the pages of Hope's
diary. While she never lets you into the minds of the other characters, it
doesn't take away from the book. In fact, it feels quite realistic.
The
Sapphire Brigade is a vigilante group that takes justice into its own hands
when the law doesn't seem capable of helping those who cannot help themselves –
child abuse victims.
The
Sapphire Brigade plays an instrumental role in Hope's life from apparently
dealing with her father to helping her escape people who would want to harm her
and her family after her affair with a black man.
There is a
lot going in Vanguard of Hope,
however, Steinemman keeps it simple, so that it doesn't feel overwhelming. It
was quick, enjoyable read.
FYI:
The book is
written as diary entries.
Format/Typo Issues:
No issues.
Rating: **** Four stars
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