"Fabulous Tale Highlighting a Terrific Heroine and the Underground Railroad"
Reviewed by Katherine Petersen
Posted May 22, 2012
Romance Historical | Historical
Raised to a life of privilege in the Pre-Civil War south,
Jacy Lane knew there was a huge difference between her
family and the slaves that served them. But she had other
battles to fight such as her mother's plans for her
to marry a man she despised. But the death of her father
threw her world into chaos, and she learned a number of her
family's dark secrets: the main one that she was a uadroon,
the product of a dalliance between her father and one of
the slaves. Her brother and mother are still on the
plantation, and she finally understands her feelings for the
black horse trainer, Rafe. Jacy struggles with her identity
and her loyalty and finally opts for a dangerous trek that
would either lead to freedom or a life of bondage. Eileen Clymer Schwab captures the life of both the slaves
and whites living in the Pre-Civil War south, giving readers
a glimpse of both those with traditional and non-
traditional values. After all, it's not the color of one's
skin that determines if one is good or evil, but it takes
Jacy a while to understand the truth of this. Schwab
introduces a large assortment of characters with some making
just small, but important appearances that Jacy will always
remember. What I appreciated most about Schwab's writing is
that she doesn't sugar coat life as a slave. She brings the
reader in close to the dangers that runaway slaves face and
the lengths to which slave catchers will go to track down
their quarries. There are a number of scenes in SHADOW OF A QUARTER MOON
where one is on the edge of the seat, trying to read as
quickly as possible to find out what happens next. The most
amazing work here though is in the character of Jacy and
the difference between her at the beginning of SHADOW OF A
QUARTER MOON
and at the end. A strong heroine, she's able to adapt to
the changes in her life and world whether she succeeds at
her mission or not.
SUMMARY
From the author of Promise Bridge comes a powerful novel of the pre-Civil War era South and the Underground Railroad. 1839, North Carolina. As the daughter of a plantation owner, Jacy has been raised in privilege-until she discovers that she's the offspring of a dalliance between her father and a slave. The revelation destroys Jacy's sense of who she is and where she belongs in the world. Equally shocking, her biological mother and brother are still slaves on the property. As she gets to know them-and the handsome horse trainer, Rafe-she begins to see life in the South with fresh eyes. And soon Jacy will have to make a treacherous journey that she hopes will end in freedom for them all...
ExcerptNorth Carolina, 1839, following the accidental death of Jacy Lane's father. The next two days blended into one long vigil of sitting in witness of the lifeless body dressed in his finest suit. Candles were lit around the room and flowers brought in, their fragrance slowly waning to the odor of rotting flesh. A stream of neighbors and business associates came and went as we awaited Papa's interment. Two distant cousins arrived by carriage and were of great comfort to Mayme, though Mother watched them suspiciously.
They are probably here to poach my land," she said when I brought her a glass of lemonade. "Greedy vultures, no different than when my brother in–law made our wealth his own after my own father died."
"I am sure you are mistaken, Mother. They spoke to me with great affection for Papa."
"Well, I am one step ahead of them," she muttered under her breath.
As was custom, Mother, Mayme, and I shared in the task of staying up through the nights to sit with Papa. However, by the third evening, Mayme was exhausted in mind and body.
"I will sit with him tonight, Mayme," I said as I led her to her room. It was still early in the evening, but her eyes were heavy with sleep.
"Do not carry the burden for both of us," she said weakly.
"Honestly, Mayme, my heart needs this final night to say good–bye. Papa will be buried tomorrow and I have yet to give up on my hope that he will climb from his box to embrace me. Perhaps I will accept his fate in the coming hours, when at last he will prove to be at rest."
Mayme reluctantly agreed. The house was eerily silent as I descended the stairs. Mother had retired earlier and was not expected to reappear until morning. However, as I entered the parlor, I heard light footsteps scampering down the hallway beyond the door across the room. They moved too quickly to be Mother's, so I followed them through the shadows of the house. The outer door creaked shut as I entered from the dining room. Spooked by the intruder, I peered through the window and caught a glimpse of a slight figure slipping into the woods.
My skin prickled at the bizarre occurrence. I remained at the window until I was certain the prowler was gone and harbored no threat. When my rush of fear subsided, I returned to the parlor and settled in the rocker that faced the coffin. The room was gloomy and stifled by the aroma of death. The comfort of having my father at home dissipated with his departed spirit. I felt guilty for feeling so, but burying what remained of him would be a relief. My eyes clouded with despair until the flickering candlelight revealed three rose petals scattered across the floorboards. I followed their path to the coffin and looked inside. I could not bear to gaze upon my father's sunken cheeks, but there, tucked in his lapel was a vibrant crimson rose, and for one brief moment he was my papa again. I pondered the unknown footsteps. Who would leave such a loving tribute in secrecy? The sweetness of the gesture resonated in me as I stroked my father's dark hair one last time.
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