Varina
Varina
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Brief
356
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1860s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Varina by Charles Frazier features Varina "V" Davis recounting her life story to James Blake, a Black schoolteacher who grew up in her household before being separated during the fall of Richmond at the Civil War's end. Set in 1906, V tries to reconcile with her past while grappling with her complicity, the South's legacy, and her complex marriage to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Sensitive topics include slavery, violence, drug addiction, and familial separation.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
18,521 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Varina by Charles Frazier receives praise for its evocative prose and richly detailed historical setting, effectively capturing the complexities of the American Civil War era. However, some critics find the pacing uneven, and the narrative structure somewhat disjointed. Overall, it provides an engrossing, albeit imperfect, portrayal of a compelling historical figure.
Who Should Read Varina?
Readers who appreciated the historical richness and character depth of Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier or The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks will be captivated by Varina. Ideal for those interested in Civil War-era America, this novel blends vivid storytelling with intricate historical details, appealing to fans of literary and historical fiction.
18,521 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
356
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1860s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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