'Tho I Be Mute

'Tho I Be Mute by Heather Miller is an enchanting, beautiful story of interracial love. Clarinda Ridge, the mute daughter of John Ridge and Sarah Northrup Ridge, serves as the conduit through which Miller unfurls the story of John and Sarah's meeting, courtship, and marriage. Set against the backdrop of Georgia greed and the ceding of Creek lands that border Cherokee Nation, imperiling Cherokee land, the story paints a vivid picture of early 19th century America, and its veracity makes it all the more compelling.

The love shared between John and Sarah is profound. From ostensibly different backgrounds and cultures, they find they have far more in common. Their souls connect, transcending the words John can so eloquently pen. Their exchange of love via the paired penning of poetry, exchange of verse, marking of pages, and deposit of notes is beyond beautiful. I adored their careful keeping of each others' hearts through the difficulties they face. The harrowing story of John and Sarah's marriage ceremony in Connecticut underlines just how ugly prejudice truly is - and leaves us a stark reminder of how far we still have to come.

The characters are rendered so completely that it is easy to imagine every scene the author paints - whole, complex beings with different sides and faces. Major Ridge and Susannah, Vann and Elias, Harriet and Honey, Saul and Yoholo, among others, fill out the narrative with compelling characters surrounding the young family. The stakes are high for the characters - the validity of Cherokee/non-Cherokee marriages, Cherokee and Creek land rights, the realities of perceived disabilities, racism and slavery. The peril Sarah and Honey fall into when they come across some white men on the Ridge property, in particular, is page-turningly intense. Folklore, religion, rites, and reminisces and blended seamlessly as the narrative wends its way between John and Sarah's beginnings in the past (1820s) and Clarinda's last hours on Earth in the present (1856).

And you know what makes the story all the more compelling? These characters lived - the story is rooted in the factual history of the Ridge family and the part they played in the Cherokee struggle with the federal government for their land. The truth underpinning the events make them all the more gripping, heartbreaking, and ultimately heartwarming.

The prose is beautiful. Through Miller's words, the characters stand proudly and sing. Rooted deeply in American history, particularly when it comes to the clashes and closings of cultural divides, this is a historical romance of profound beauty that transcends words. Highly, highly recommended!

“Tho I Be Mute” by Heather Miller is one of those books that sweeps you off your feet from the very first page. It’s an enchanting love story set in the early 19th century, focusing on the real-life relationship between John Ridge, a Cherokee leader, and Sarah Northrup, a white woman from Connecticut. The story is narrated by their mute daughter, Clarinda, which adds a unique and touching layer to the narrative.

What really struck me about this book is the way Miller captures the deep connection between John and Sarah. Despite coming from such different worlds, their love is undeniable and beautifully portrayed through their exchange of poetry and notes. It’s the kind of romance that feels both tender and profound, making you root for them through every obstacle they face.

The book also doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time. The challenges John and Sarah encounter—like the racism and prejudice during their marriage ceremony—are a stark reminder of how far society still has to go. And yet, their love endures, which makes their story all the more powerful.

The supporting characters are just as compelling, each one adding richness to the story. Whether it’s Major Ridge, Susannah, or Saul, they all feel fully realized and integral to the narrative. The stakes are high, with issues like land rights and the validity of Cherokee/non-Cherokee marriages adding layers of tension. There’s even a moment where Sarah and Honey find themselves in serious danger, which had me on the edge of my seat.

What makes this book even more special is knowing that it’s rooted in actual history. The Ridge family really did exist, and their struggles with the federal government over Cherokee land are woven into the fabric of the story, making it even more gripping and heartbreaking.

And then there’s the writing. Miller’s prose is simply gorgeous. The way she brings the characters and their world to life is nothing short of magical. If you’re into historical romance, especially ones that tackle cultural divides with such grace and beauty, “Tho I Be Mute” is a must-read. I can’t recommend it highly enough!