Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 10/22/2018 + 2719 more book reviews

A well-written, thoroughly researched account of what it meant to be a "southern plantation mistress" during the period 1780-1835.

If you ever thought you'd like to a "Scarlett O'Hara" at Tara, you're lucky you weren't. The true story is these women were overworked, under-educated, left alone for long periods of time while their husbands were away, and were just one step above the slaves themselves. Plus, they were expected to reproduce like rabbits. Which is one reason why many plantation owners went through two or three wives in their lifetime.

As expected, these women worked closely with Negro slaves, and their interactions with them are very closely examined in all respects.

This book confirms what I have read in numerous other books of this period and area, if you are a young lady, put off marrying for as long as possible, for after you are wed you are no longer treated as a prize to be obtained, but one to be used.

If you want a closer examination of these women during the late ante-bellum and Civil War era, then I suggest you read "Tara Revisited" by the same author.

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