Genre: Historical Fiction

If the history surrounding the Civil War is interesting to you, this book will interest you as well. The story as titled traces the history of Julia Dent and her ladies maid and slave Jule from their childhood friendship through the Civil War and the dissolution of the relationship and beyond. Julia, daughter of a Southern slave owner, grows up, falls in love, and marries a young soldier, U.S. Grant, a staunch abolitionist. Jule falls in love and marries Gideon, another Dent slave. Beyond the childhood friendship, Julia and Jule ultimately have little in common. Thank you to Christina Moore for her narration.

We are given fairly detailed insight into the life and mind of Julia Dent Grant. Chiaverini has clearly done her research and utilizes what she learns. While a modern reader might find her stubbornness about retaining Jule as a slave - even as a supporter of the Union cause, even after the Emancipation Proclamation, even after Jule’s husband is sold from her family home - difficult to believe, Chiaverini creates a believable character. Jule’s frustration is well developed and her ultimate decision is not a surprise.

What I didn’t expect was the detailed look into the life and choices of Ulysses S. Grant. Much of what we learn about Julia Grant - is learned with her alongside her husband. We learn much of his philosophy of life, of war, of family, of honor. So anyone who is interested in the Civil War (as am I) and who likes to learn through fiction (as do I) will learn much in this novel. The development of Julia Grant into someone who understands the horror of slavery is very, very slow even as she supports the Union side in the Civil War. We are also denied the meeting between the two women that I think most of us wish for. While each of these may feel frustrating for the modern reader, I have little doubt that the story accurately reflects many relationships. Jule’s struggles as a married woman and a slave are powerfully depicted. I am glad she is respected as Madame Jule in the title. I find myself wanting more of her story.

Ladies - we really do often keep the world moving. Even when we couldn’t serve in the military or the government, we kept the world operating and met essential needs in our families and our communities. Julia and Jule both exemplify the sacrifices made by women in the Civil War, and I am always a fan of lifting up the women who have been overlooked. And ever, when I see the strength in those who came before, I am reminded that I could be stronger myself. Always I hope, too, that these looks back at history would somehow make us wiser as individuals and as a nation to make better decisions now. I am grateful to authors and books like Jennifer Chiaverini’s Mrs. Grant and Madame Jule who create these compelling looks at history for those of us who need a little fiction with our facts.