The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai
by Dianne Ashton; Melissa R. Klapper
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Pub Date Oct 29 2024 | Archive Date Oct 22 2024
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Description
A vivid look at the wartime experiences of a Jewish woman in the Confederate South
Emma Mordecai lived an unusual life. She was Jewish when Jews comprised less than 1 percent of the population of the Old South, and unmarried in a culture that offered women few options other than marriage. She was American born when most American Jews were immigrants. She affirmed and maintained her dedication to Jewish religious practice and Jewish faith while many family members embraced Christianity. Yet she also lived well within the social parameters established for Southern white women, espoused Southern values, and owned enslaved African Americans.
The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai is one of the few surviving Civil War diaries by a Jewish woman in the antebellum South. It charts her daily life and her evolving perspective on Confederate nationalism and Southern identity, Jewishness, women’s roles in wartime, gendered domestic roles in slave-owning households, and the centrality of family relationships. While never losing sight of the racist social and political structures that shaped Emma Mordecai’s world, the book chronicles her experiences with dislocation and the loss of her home.
Bringing to life the hospital visits, food shortages, local sociability, Jewish observances, sounds and sights of nearby battles, and the very personal ramifications of emancipation and its aftermath for her household and family, The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai offers a valuable and distinct look at a unique historical figure from the waning years of the Civil War South.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781479831906 |
| PRICE | $32.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 256 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Mave S, Reviewer
"The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai" offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the life of a Jewish woman in the Confederate South during the Civil War. Emma Mordecai's diary provides a unique perspective on the social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the time, highlighting her experiences as a minority in a predominantly Christian society.
The diary not only details Emma's daily life but also explores broader themes such as Confederate nationalism, Southern identity, and the complexities of slave-owning households. Emma's steadfast commitment to her Jewish faith and practices adds depth to her character and underscores the challenges she faced in maintaining her identity in a society that often marginalized those who were different.
Overall, "The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai" is a valuable historical document that offers a nuanced and compelling portrait of a woman grappling with the complexities of life in the Confederate South. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the Civil War era or in the experiences of minority groups during this tumultuous time in American history. #TheCivilWarDiaryofEmmaMordecai #NetGalley
Rachel F, Reviewer
The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai by Edited and with an introduction by Dianne Ashton with Melissa R. Klapper is a great nonfiction/memoir that I really enjoyed.
This is an interesting glimpse into both the unique and “ordinary” world of a woman during the Civil War. Through these journal entries we can see the specific concerns and challenges that Emma experienced due to being Jewish, and also some of the things that all women experienced to some degree during this time.
The significant introduction, historical context, and background that was given before the entries are produced gives a wealth of knowledge to help the reader understand a bit more about Emma, her surroundings, and the time that she lived in. The selected images were also a lovely addition.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and NYU Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/29/24.
Kelsey V, Reviewer
As as history major, I love a great book filled with honesty of what life was like. This book was so beautiful and informative. It was wonderfully put together, and so deep but also so simple. I was engulfed from the first page. This is a book that would be great in high schools and collages to explain the civil war. Wonderfully done! Highly suggest.
Susan B, Reviewer
This a story about a Jewish woman in the Civil War South. I had never thought about the Jews in America at that time. It was very interesting and well written. Informative, great read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Bookseller 1421657
This book offers an uncommon and insightful look into the life of a Jewish woman living in the Confederate South during the Civil War. Emma Mordecai's diary presents a distinctive viewpoint on the social, cultural, and religious dynamics of the era, shedding light on her experiences as a minority in a predominantly Christian environment.
In addition to chronicling Emma's daily experiences, the diary delves into broader themes such as Confederate nationalism, Southern identity, and the complexities of slave-owning households. Emma's unwavering dedication to her Jewish faith and traditions enriches her character and highlights the obstacles she encountered in preserving her identity in a society that often marginalized those who were different.
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