The Sugar Camp Quilt by Jennifer chiaverini

Ms. Chiaverini opens her newest Elm Creek Quilts novel, The Sugar Camp Quilt, in the midst of controversy during the 1850’s.  While the nation struggles with its conscience on the subject of slavery, the Granger family must come to terms with their own consciences when they find their values being challenged in ways they never dreamed.

While constructing a quilt under her recalcitrant uncle’s direction, Dorothea Granger becomes suspicious of her uncle’s motives for having the quilt made.  After his death, the mystery surrounding his life begins to unravel, leading the family into a better understanding of a man they had reviled in life.

While Dorothea and her parents learn to manage the farm without the uncle’s firm hand, many controversies and changes occur in their small farm community.  Dorothea journeys into a better understanding of the Underground Railroad and the life fraught with dangers the station keepers must endure.  She also learns about love and trust in an uncertain world.

Ms. Chiaverini has succeeded in captivating her readers with this historically correct tale that has as many pieces as the quilts that have taken essential roles.  I chose this book to read because of the historical content and my love of quilts.

Kelsey Jones is a quilter and Civil War re-enactor as well as a retired nurse.  She has lived in Mason City less than a year after participating in the local Civil War Reenactment.  She has written a book titled “Battlefields, Bibles and Bandages: Portraying an American Civil War Nun” which describes Catholic Sisters who acted as nurses during this conflict.  We thank her for her review.