Howard County Library discussion

A kidnapping. Of three children. During the Civil War. And the fight to get them back. That is essentially what this book is about. Rothman weaves the micro story of Rose Herera and three of her children into the larger macro story of the issues slaves and freed blacks had to face during and after the Civil War, particularly in New Orleans. It demonstrates how there were much more complex issues going on during the war than one that only has a cursory understanding of the war would think and that these issues are a result of the politics and even simply the location of particular places. Because New Orleans was so close to Cuba and considering there were already well established trade routes between the two places, it is not hard to imagine that they would be connected during the Civil War and after. This book also illustrates the way that one former slave woman, Rose, was able to use the judicial and political systems to her advantage, with the help of lawyers, in order to fight for the return of her children against her former owner.

A great review, Thanks Laura!