Book Review: ‘The Jackal’s Mistress: A Novel’ By Chris Bohjalian

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The book is in stores on Tuesday, March 11th from Doubleday. Click on the link to buy a copy. https://amzn.to/41b69xZ

The year is 1864 and the Civil War is raging on. In Virginia, Libby Steadman, who is 24, awaits word on her husband Peter, who has gone missing. She runs a mill, along with Joseph, a free slave, her aunt and her niece. A Union Captain, Jonathan Weeybride, is injured during a battle close to where Libby lives, loses a leg and some fingers, and is left for dead. Libby ends up saving him and bringing him to her home, where she has to keep him hidden, if she’s found with him, it could be death to all. Eventually, he’s healed as well as can be and the plan is to try and bring him to the north, which means going about 20 miles. Rumors are spreading that the man is at Libby’s house and she needs to move fast in order to save him and her family. The story is based on a real-life woman in Virginia saving a Union man. How much of the story actually happened, who knows? The novel is another masterpiece of literature, as only author Chris Bohjalian can write. Run don’t walk to read this book when it comes out!