Book Review: Sweeter Than Birdsong (Historical Fiction)

I love historical fiction, so I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sweeter Than Birdsong by Rosslyn Elliott.  I found myself picking up the book in every spare moment I could find.  Set in Ohio in 1855, it is the story of young Kate Winter’s journey in love, character and self awareness.   

It has educational themes such as women’s rights and women’s education, as Kate pursues her education as the first female graduate of her college. It’s full of the tensions of slavery just before the Civil War, as Kate stumbles upon the opportunity to help slaves escape slavery on the Underground Railway. It gives readers a clear understanding of some of the struggles slaves faced with their physical, spiritual and emotional well-being.

It’s a coming of age story, as the characters learn about their personalities and their passions, and discover ways to make their mark on their communities – whether through writing music, leading musicals, teaching, giving speeches, or just speaking out against wrongdoings.

It has many character struggles, including honesty, faith, responsibility, loyalty, forgiveness, ambition, wealth, and humor.  It also explores the friendship and love through relationships in marriage, courting, student groups, siblings, neighborhood, and service.

I especially enjoyed reading the last chapter, in which Elliott reveals the elements of truth woven throughout the novel.

It’s a great book for teens and adults.  If you enjoy historical fiction, you will not be disappointed.  I look forward to reading more of Elliott’s books.

I was given a free copy of this book through the BookSneeze program, in exchange for my honest review of the book.