In the “Author’s Note” section of the book, author Pamela Bauer Mueller gives the reader a brief history of South Carolina and then tells the reader that, “Through the efforts of animated, indomitable Eliza Lucas, South Carolina was provided with the dye of the indigo plant. This single act brought wealth to the south shortly before the American Revolution. Eliza Lucas Pinckney was a child prodigy turned celebrity. Her remarkable success in the eighteenth- century colonial world is a noteworthy achievement that required skill, luck, and a strong personality.” (p.9)
“Water to My Soul” is labeled as a “historical novel.” It is based on factual history, but has elements of fiction in it. Mueller pieced together Eliza’s story through old letters, journals, papers, books, and other documents. Unfortunately, there are no existing known photographs of Eliza so we can’t get a visual of what she looks like.
In the opening pages, Mueller lays out for the reader what is fact and what isn’t. She even gives a list of the characters that are fictional. I appreciated this as when I am reading a book of this nature I always wonder what parts are real and what aren’t. I am thankful that Mueller eliminated this uncertainty right off the bat.
I found the book to be an interesting, readable work. The concept for the book was original and Eliza’s story was not one that I was previously familiar with. It was incredible how one single act had such a huge impact on Eliza’s life and the lives of the other people in the colonies. Mueller did an excellent job giving the reader the feel of colonial Charles Town and the way of life during that time period. I truly felt as if I were transported back to that era. If you are looking for a book that is both educational and entertaining and you enjoy historical novels, then I recommend Mueller’s “Water to My Soul.”
Water to my Soul: The Story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney
Pamela Bauer Mueller
Pinata Publishing (2012)
ISBN 9780980916317
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (02/12)
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