Ghost Riders by Sharyn McCrumb
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I remember studying the Civil War in 12th grade. This book has far more interesting biographies and events than my high school class ever did. Zebulon Vance and Malinda Blalock were real people. Really tough amazing people. I learned a lot from them. I believe the spirit of this book is ultimately about the character traits of courage, persistance, and hope. Things that the United States are built on.
The North Carolina/Tennessee border is a vast and beautiful setting. I have loved reading Sharyn’s ballad novels just for the setting alone. It was interesting to read of Malinda running around the hills dedicated to following her husband anywhere. (Even at 6 months pregnant.) It’s a place that you can call a home though, whether you live there or not. The hills and trees protect you.
The wandering ghost soldiers added greatly to the suspense. And the ending was well worth the long history lessons in government and war.
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