Set during Reconstruction-era New Orleans, and with an extraordinary and unforgettable heroine at its heart, The Undertaker’s Assistant is a powerful story of human resilience—and of the unlikely bonds that hold fast even in our darkest moments. “The dead can’t hurt you. Only the living can.” Effie Jones, a former slave who escaped to the Union side as a child, knows the truth of her words. … child, knows the truth of her words. Taken in by an army surgeon and his wife during the War, she 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, she has returned south to New Orleans and earns her living as an embalmer, her steady hand and skillful incisions compensating for her white employer’s shortcomings.
Tall and serious, Effie keeps her distance from the other girls in her boarding house, holding tight to the satisfaction she finds in her work. But despite her reticence, two encounters—with a charismatic state legislator named Samson Greene, and a beautiful young Creole, Adeline—introduce her to new worlds of protests and activism, of soirees and social ambition. Effie decides to seek out the past she has blocked from her memory and try to trace her kin. As 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 . . .
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One of the most well written historical novels I have ever read ! A true gem! Amazingly written post civil war book filled with one amazing characters journey during one of the most difficult times in history. Effie is a fabulous and fun yet shy character you love instantly. Reading this book was not only difficult to put down but it kept me intrigued with all of the medical terminology and history during this time period and the way they dealt with death during that time period. Truly powerful and captivating story that grabs you instantly!! Highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from this author!!
Effie Jones is a young black freedwoman whose primary goal is to find her family and the past she has forgotten, and survive in a time of turmoil. Her memories before her rescue by an Army surgeon and his wife are pretty scarce. She takes the place of their daughter who died and the surgeon gives her a good education, including being an embalmer. So she searches for a family that may be nonexistent.
She is employed by a white undertaker in New Orleans which to some people is an oddity. But someone has to do it and as she has the skills, it is what she does as she feels that she doesn’t know anything else, even though she is highly educated for a black woman in the South.
She lives in a boarding house for young women but keeps pretty much to herself. Until that is when she meets state legislator named Samson Greene where she enters a world of politics, protests, activism, soirees and where racism is the norm. She also forms a female friendship with Adeline, a young Creole who has no clue about poverty. The more she listens to Samson talk the more she falls in love with him. Effie finds that she is interested in the politics of the time, but more interested in Samson. But fate is not in her favor as she is betrayed by those she loves, which leads to tragedy and bloodbath.
This story takes place post Civil War where even though the slaves were freed, racism abounds, so are they really free? What I found interesting was not only the fact that there were women embalmers/undertaker assistants and that there were quite a few black officeholders in government. The author did such a great job with describing New Orleans This novel was very entertaining and informative. I rarely give a book 5 stars but this one is right up there. I highly recommend this book!
Euphemia “Effie” Jones was 7 years old and was a slave. She and another slave, Jonsey ran away and she was rescued by Captain John Kinyon of the Union Army. He took her home to Indiana where she was raised and educated by Captain Kinyon and his wife. She worked alongside the Captain learning how to embalm bodies. When she is 21, she returned to New Orleans to find her roots. She got a job as an embalmer with Colonel Whitmark who seemed to like the bottle better than his business. This book drew me in from the beginning and I really enjoyed it. Effie was my favorite character. She had issues to overcome and social skills to learn. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book that is very sad at times and then funny at other times. Overall, this is a great book.
I’m a big fan of historical fiction, and especially love the books in the genre that pull me in and make me feel as if I’m there and feel a connection with the characters. This story most certainly did! It is very immersive and meaningful! I felt heartbreak for Effie as her memories came back to her and when she faced betrayal, and, although she and I live entirely different lives and from the outside have very little in common, I truly related to her in many ways. Her story is written with raw emotion, by a very talented, compassionate author. In addition, I enjoyed reading about the Reconstruction-era, a time in history that I haven’t read much about yet, and about Effie’s profession. I did need tissues near the end, but the story has a nicely hopeful ending. I have already been recommending this book to others, and I plan to read Amanda Skenandore’s first novel and to watch for her next one!
In “The Undertaker’s Assistant,” Skenandore takes her readers to a fraught time in American history: Reconstruction. In Skenandore’s impressive sophomore novel, Effie Jones, formerly a slave and now an accomplished undertaker’s assistant, returns to New Orleans to forge a new life and confront a traumatic past hidden deep in the recesses of her memory. Post-Civil War New Orleans itself faces a clash of politics and economics and a new reality still reeling from a bloody war and the horrors of slavery. Skenandore paints New Orleans and its people with such fine strokes that it’s hard to believe she didn’t somehow transport herself back in time to do her research. As a result, the reader is walking the streets and entering the homes of the dead right along with the characters. Wielding her words with nuance and compassion, Skenandore doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, pulling the reader forward with each page. Skenandore’s talent shines brightest in her ability to demonstrate hope while recognizing that the presence of hope doesn’t mean the absence of challenges and injustice…a timely and timeless truth.
This is an interesting post-civil war novel about an escaped slave who is defined by her accidental profession. She is intelligent, well read, and articulate but has not learned how to interact socially, and can’t seem to dissimulate when the subject of embalming rears its ugly head. Our protagonist, Effie, has blocked her early memories and was raised in Indiana by an undertaker who rescued her during the war. But now she is back in New Orleans, trying to capture the essence of who she was and where she came from. She finds employment with a broken-down disenchanted undertaker who fought for the north—a scalawag, they called him—and has come to regret it. He never treats her as well as she thinks she deserves, considering her skill. But she needs the job and he needs her.
Everything about Effie is awkward; she thought she had no emotions only to discover she was very wrong. Dealing with new emotions was just as bad as not feeling anything:
“Love. That was the purview of second-rate poetry and dime novels. Of silly young girls with nothing else to fill their heads. No, Effie was not in love.
Yet as she gripped the banister on her way to bed, her hand trembled worse than Mr. Whitmark’s. Love or not, she couldn’t carry on like this. Even though calls at the shop had doubled since her arrival, the mixing and cleaning and the cutting and stitching no longer proved sufficient distraction. Thoughts of Samson—his rousing voice, his handsome face, his gentle hand—swarmed in like maggots to a festering wound.”
Not your usual description of love! Poor Effie is as innocent and naïve as a young girl, and is unprepared for what lay ahead. She is well developed as a character but I found it hard to relate to her—possibly because I am lucky enough to have no point of reference. The book is full of violence against the negro, betrayal, forgiveness, and coming to terms with a wretched past. I’m not entirely sure she found what she was looking for, though maybe that’s what real life is all about. Redemption is not high on the scale of importance, nor is happiness, apparently. It is not a happy book, nor is it your traditional love story. A lot of things happen in this novel, but the most important story is what goes on inside Effie’s head.
This novel deserves a 5+ rating. It is the best I have read in a very long time. I was drawn into the story on the opening pages and my attention was held throughout. Ms. Skenandore’s use of the senses, her skill in building the setting, and her development of the characters immersed me in every scene. The well-thought-out plot included surprises.
I can’t imagine how much time must have gone into the research of different aspects of this time in history. My heart went out to Effie and her friends for the horrific treatment they were subjected to, even years after emancipation.
Fascinating information regarding mortician practices of the time was woven in, and other interesting details of life at that time helped me to visualize as I read.
Amanda Skenandore is a gifted storyteller and has joined the ranks of my favorite authors, which includes Diana Gabaldon. Next, I will read Amanda’s other book, Between Earth and Sky.
In war ravaged New Orleans, Twenty one year old Effie Jones is trying to search out her roots. Having escaped slavery as a child with the help of Union officer, Captain John Kinyon and his wife, Effie was taught how to be an embalmer. Intending to seek out employment in New Orleans, Effie approaches Colonel Whitmark, the local undertaker, who is an Alcoholic. Being employed as the undertaker’s assistant, Effie puts all of her energy into her work and finds little time for socializing. Out on an errand, Effie runs into Samson Greene, an activist that is trying to get needed changes made. Over time, Effie begins going to the representatives meetings to see Samson. Effie begins to fall in love with Samson but will he return her love? Author Amanda Skenandore, has written a remarkable book that describes the post civil war reconstruction era. Extremely well written this novel touched all of my emotions. I look forward to reading more of this brilliant authors works!
There are many great novels set during the Civil War, but far fewer, at least that I know of, set just afterwards during Reconstruction. Yet, this too, was a pivotal time in U.S. history. The Undertaker’s Assistant brings the reader into the world of the Reconstruction era south, New Orleans to be precise. Effie, the main character, is a former slave, trained as an undertaker – a profession that began to take off during the Civil War when embalming practices became more routine. Effie is an intriguing character. She’s an African American woman performing a “man’s” job in the south just after the war. That alone makes for a real story. But Skenandore gives us so much more. Effie is a complex character living in a complex and changing world where she’s not quite sure how to fit in. She’s also looking for her past – the time before the war – a time she can only remember in tiny fragments. Her slowly emerging relationships with other characters are beautifully rendered as she moves from an isolated loner unwilling to get close to anyone to a true friend.
Running throughout this story is the undercurrent of racial tensions and the determination and bravery of the African American people of the south in the face of an emerging white supremacy movement. The book is redolent with the feel of New Orleans – from Mardi Gras to Creole culture, to the many languages and backgrounds of the population. The author also handles the subject of death and the preparation of bodies in a way that is both informative and tactful.
I was especially pleased that this book didn’t end in the way I expected it to. I was very pleasantly surprised by the ending. Highly recommended!
Effie Jones was an escaped slave raised by an army surgeon and his wife. During her time in Indiana, she learned to read and write while gaining life skills living with a doctor. She eventually returns to her native New Orleans during the reconstruction era seeking work as an embalmer. Her motivation is to trace her roots and to reconnect with anyone from her family.
Effie focuses on her work as an assistant to an undertaker and has little time to socialize. Her mindset changes after she meets Samson Greene and activist who is passionate about changing the culture of the city. Effie starts to experience romantic feelings for Samson but he is not ready for a relationship. In the background, racial tensions in New Orleans begin to spiral leading to a dark period of violence.
The Undertaker by Amanda Skenandore brings to life a delicate period of U.S. history with her realistic characters and plot line. Effie is an engaging person and I enjoyed watching her navigate through social and personal barriers.
Set in post Civil War New Orleans, The Undertaker’s Assistant is a riveting historical that captivated me from the start.
New Orleans is trying to bounce back after the war and recession when Effie arrives looking for work. Her skill and talent for embalming quickly lands her a job. Having been taught the process at a young age from an Army Sargent that took her in as a child, Effie is more comfortable among the dead than she is with the living. Her penchant for calling things as they are and her unwillingness to deal with fools made me adore her, and her intelligence and strength were inspiring. I loved her! I really enjoyed the bits of her past life that were peppered throughout the book.
My favorite part of the book was when the embalming process was described. It’s not for the faint of heart, but I didn’t know much about it so I enjoyed learning.
Skenandore does a remarkable job with bringing post-war New Orleans to life. It’s a book that is meant to be savored like a fine wine. You know you read a good book when you still think of the character months or years later and I know I will still be thinking of Effie for a long time to come. Highly recommend!
This book had been on my radar since early in the year and I am so excited and thankful to Netgalley and Kensington Books for providing me with the opportunity to read and review it!
I absolutely love that the author writes about perspectives of historical fiction that are often brushed aside. While Effie is an incredible young woman, she is very much trying to find herself and her place in this world. I can’t imagine how tough it would be to return to the area in which she was enslaved as a child and even years later was not always a friendly place for her to be. I also loved that she’s an incredibly deep and unpredictable person. The depth of Effie that the author captured was something you don’t see often.
I rated this book four stars because of the depth of the characters, the tension and the beautiful (and tragic) story line that was artfully crafted. Any time Amanda Skenandore writes a book, it’s on my list to read as soon as it comes out. I always know I’ll be completely immersed in the world, the well-being of the characters and really taking away a different perspective of life that I can learn from.
The author has ingeniously imagined, richly portrayed, and brought to life a fantastic protagonist.
I admit I wasn’t drawn to the idea of taking a journey with an undertaker’s assistant, however the striking cover drew me in. The expert writing kept me riveted, wishing I had the time to read it all at once. I felt transported to post civil war New Orleans. The balance of plot development, character development, and descriptive detail was just perfect, almost poetic even.
So glad I put this book on my summer reading list.
The Undertaker’s Assistant by Amanda Skenandore
Well written, plotted and researched this was a story I put down last night thinking I would not finish it, though I had enjoyed it immensely in the beginning. I think that it became a bit dark and made me feel unsettled. When I picked it up this morning I felt compelled to continue reading and am so glad that I did. I remember not requesting the ARC for this author’s first book because I thought it would be dark and now I am of the opinion that I will read it if and when I find a copy.
This story begins in 1975 when Euphemia “Effie” Jones arrives in New Orleans from Indiana. She approaches an undertaker offering her services as an embalmer. He takes one look at her, a black woman, and puts her through her paces and as she does well at the job set by him for her to do he asks her to return in the morning. This book is not just about her work with those she embalms but also about her other experiences including the people she meets, the friends she makes, a man she believes she loves, her search for kindred and the political and social turmoil after the Civil War.
Born a slave and with no memories before she was seven her life is a mystery. Taken in by an abolitionist surgeon in the midst of the war she has seen and experienced more than most. She is a bit different with her intelligence and forthrightness. She doesn’t make friends easily, finds difficulty showing emotions and tends to remain apart. She eventually does find a place she feels at home although the process of finding that place proves to be a truly emotional journey.
This is not an easy book to read. Man’s injustice to his fellowman is often appalling. The losses suffered by many are part and parcel of this book. I think that Effie’s ability to distance and compartmentalize was a necessity though it did not always stand her in good stead. This is a book that made me think and care and wish the world was a different place and that true equality was part and parcel of life – back then and also today.
So, I am glad I returned and finished the book and will say that I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Amanda Skenandore reminded me of The Reconstruction Era, an era in our history I had forgotten about. This story is one of my favorite’s this year. It is rich in actual-history, which had me looking everything up to teach myself more about this era.
Effie Jones is a character I would love to sit and talk with. She is a strong, powerful survivor!
Reading a book that makes me smarter is always an ace in the hole!!
not very believable. More of a love story.
Welcome to Throwback Thursday my fellow Book Dragons. This evening’s Gem is likened to a Tiger’s Eye. Multi-striped, each a varying shade of brown from beige to deep earth and all silky and lustrous. This describes 1875 New Orleans where “The Undertaker’s Assistant” by Gem Maker Amanda Skenandore is set. A rare tale of great beauty, poetic in feeling and adventure to make the heart sing, soar and stop.
This is the story of Euphemia (Effie) Jones. This tale started out close to my heart. I had a Great Aunt Euphemia, my Great-Grandmother’s baby sister, whom I spent much time with, being fortunate and blessed to help care for in her final years. This afforded me being blessed to hear stories of them both when they were girls and young women, before and after marriage and nestlings and before Dragons like me were ever thoughts in their beautiful heads, but I digress.
Effie has traveled south to New Orleans to go to work for Undertaker George Whitmark, friend and fellow Union Officer of her guardian John Kinyon of Indiana. Kinyon had rescued her as a small child of no more than ten (she would not have known her actual age, slave children rarely did) and taken her home as his ward. He taught her to speak well, read, write and eventually took her on as his assistant in his family funerary business. He and his wife were abolitionists. They did not treat her as a daughter, their own being dead, but she did sleep in Annabelle’s old room and was treated well. Kinyon mainly saved her because she did not flinch at the sight of blood and had been able to help him in his battlefield surgery.
Effie is quiet, reserved and standoffish, but after awhile, Whitmark takes her to her, as does her Rooming House Matron. The young women she rooms with try, but Effie is hard to get to know. After she points out the fraudulent ways of a psychic they all go to see, her roommates shun her. She is beginning to feel the pain of her self induced solitary life style.
One afternoon she hears a political speaker and becomes smitten. She doesn’t realize this as a crush and it is humorous that she tries to diagnose herself with some sort of illness. She isn’t hungry, constantly thinks of him, his voice, has trouble focusing and then begins to suffer from insomnia. She finally realizes she has a crush. She doesn’t like it. She finally gives in and goes to a political meeting. Soon things begin to take off. Standoffish Effie begins to make an odd mix of friends. Politics makes odd bed fellows and all that. Suddenly this what was a tale that felt like a quiet but slightly uncomfortable buggy ride around the French Quarter, begins to feel like a run away train.
Skenandore captures the Reconstructionist Period of the South perfectly. Her research shines through in the language, descriptions and characters in this book. If you have ever visited New Orleans, you will feel as though you are there again as you turn each page, except this is the New Orleans you thought you saw out of the corner of your eye. The New Orleans that haunted every corner, the wallpaper in your hotel room, that alley you passed, that park in the shadow of bright sunlight. Thank you, Ms. Amanda!
I loved this book! I have it on my TBRA list (To Be Read Again). I love Effie, her strength, her determination, her weaknesses. I love her friend Adeline and I love Samson – who are they, you’ll have to read and find out and you will be sad if you don’t. GET THIS BOOK! Buy it for yourself, wrap it up and put a tag on it: FROM SANTA.. BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT… I don’t care how or why, just get it. I rarely cry when a book is over, but I did with this one. It was that intense. Thank you, Ms. Skenandore. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your hard work, research and sweat was not for nothing.
Until tomorrow, I remain, your humble Book Dragon, Drakon T. Longwitten
I won a copy of this book in a raffle.