The Undertaker's Assistant: Southern Historical Fiction

The Undertaker's Assistant is an enthralling novel of historical fiction that will captivate fans of Lisa Wingate and Ellen Marie Wiseman. At the heart of this powerful story of human resilience is an extraordinary and unforgettable heroine, set against the backdrop of Reconstruction-era New Orleans.

"The dead can't hurt you. Only the living can." These words ring true for Effie Jones, a former slave who escaped to the Union side as a child. Taken in by an army surgeon and his wife during the War, Effie learned to read and write, to tolerate the sight of blood and broken bodies, and to forget what is too painful to bear.

Now a young freedwoman, Effie has returned south to New Orleans, where she earns her living as an embalmer. Her steady hand and skillful incisions compensate for the shortcomings of her white employer, making her an indispensable asset. Tall and serious, Effie keeps her distance from the other girls in her boarding house, finding satisfaction in her work.

However, two chance encounters will introduce Effie to new worlds. The first is with a charismatic state legislator named Samson Greene, and the second is with a beautiful young Creole named Adeline. These interactions open Effie's eyes to the realm of protests and activism, as well as the allure of soirees and social ambition.

Determined to uncover the past she has suppressed, Effie decides to trace her kin. As she navigates this search, her hopes are tested by betrayal, and New Orleans grapples with violence and growing racial turmoil. Effie faces loss and heartache, but also a chance to finally find her place in this tumultuous world.

Through Effie's journey, the novel explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The Undertaker's Assistant is a captivating tale that seamlessly blends historical fiction with themes of identity, community, and the power of perseverance. Readers will be transported to the complex and ever-changing landscape of Reconstruction-era New Orleans, where Effie's story serves as a poignant testament to the strength and determination of those who dared to forge their own path in the aftermath of slavery.

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