A homeschooling mom friend recommended The Tall Woman to me. She said it was one of her favorite books. A novel set in the Smoky Mountains during and after the Civil War, The Tall Woman (affiliate link) checks all the boxes for a historical novel: accuracy of detail, realism, strong plot, larger-than-life protagonist and supporting characters, and romance.
My friend gave me a copy of this book as a gift.
Wilma Dykeman, the author, lived in this area. She was born and raised in Asheville, NC and got married in Newport, TN. Both cities are one hour from where we live, in two different directions.
Lydia, the tall woman from the book, marries for love and toils away on the family farm, while raising six children with her husband. She helps women give birth, starts a school for the local children, and learns about mental health the hard way. Her husband suffers from post-traumatic stress after fighting in the Civil War. One of her children has brain damage from a traumatic birth experience.
I have spoiled enough of the plot for you and will not give you any more details. Suffice it to say I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the way life used to be in the Smoky Mountains.
