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Varina

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About this listen

The new novel from the number one best-selling author of Cold Mountain - a stunning portrait of the devastation left by the American Civil War, as seen through the eyes of a woman who played a part at the heart of it.

With her marriage prospects ruined in the wake of her father's financial decline, teenage Varina Howell decides her best option is to wed the much older widower Jefferson Davis, with whom she expects a life of security as a Mississippi landowner. When he instead pursues a career in politics and is appointed President of the Confederacy, it puts Varina at the white-hot centre of one of the darkest moments in American history - culpable regardless of her intentions.

As the Confederacy prepares to surrender and she finds herself friendless and alone, Varina and her children escape Richmond. With her marriage in tatters and the country divided, they travel south, now fugitives with 'bounties on their heads, an entire nation in pursuit'.

©2018 3 Crows Corporation (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction War & Military War Marriage American History Mississippi
All stars
Most relevant
Thought provoking and moving account of a life and time little known or understood. Beautifully read by Molly Parker.

Reveals a lost story

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Fascinating story - Beautifully written and beautifully read, although took a little while to get used to the accent.

Enjoyed this audiobook

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A story that grew. A sadness showcases that era. A dutiful, wise and amusing First Lady. Excellent choice of reader, encompassing the character totally.

An unexpected delight

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