The Tobacco Wives By Adele Myers
Brief Synopsis and Star Rating
Star Rating: 3 Stars
Brief Synopsis: In a small North Carolina town where tobacco is king, a teenage girl discovers a dark secret that she grapples with exposing.
What I Liked
Consider me shock to learn that the concept of a Tobacco Wife was based on real women. There’s much to be said and respected about the workforce of women that kept the work industry and economy afloat and thriving during the World War II. Not that I'm surprised, it’s just refreshing to read a story that celebrates this.
I’ve only been to Hilton Head in South Carolina, but reading the descriptions used to create the small southern town of Bright Leaf piqued my interest in visiting North Carolina.
I loved the close knit relationship Maddie had with her Aunt Etta. As a heavily involved Aunt myself, I understand these relationships to be precious. After suffering two great losses, Maddie needed someone in her life that added value and appreciated her for who she is while also challenging her to be better and believing in her when she often questioned and doubted herself. They’re relationship was precious and heartfelt.
What I Didn’t Like
If there’s one aspect of a story that will always grab my attention, it’s a romantic connection. While I appreciated that David saw something in Maddie worth pursuing not too long after meeting her, their courtship was never really developed. With the understanding their relationship was background noise to the major plot, it would have been nice to be included in more of their journey together. Especially considering where they ended up.
Overall
This one started out strong, but struggled to keep its initial fast pace. There were too many underdeveloped plots and lackluster characters. I wanted to love seeing this teenage aged girl take on the tobacco industry, but it was a little too hooky and out of nowhere.
I wanted to know more about Maddie’s development into an expert seamstress and some of the techniques and processes she used to make these special occasion dresses and gowns in her Aunt’s absence. I appreciated the effort in bringing a new perspective to history and I loved this book cover, but sadly–the story as a whole just fell flat.
