An+Acquaintance+with+Darkness



=An Acquaintance with Darkness by Ann Rinaldi=

Summary
===It's April of 1865 in Washington D.C., and the Civil War is drawing to a close. Emily Pigbush's father died fighting in the Battle of Chancellorsville, leaving her to care for her sick mother. Then, on April 15, 1865, the nation is torn apart when President Abraham Lincoln is assassinated. After her mother dies, Emily plans to move in with her friends, the Surratts, but the family becomes linked to the President's murder when it is found that the oldest son, Johnny Surratt, one of Emily's closest friends, may have conspired with John Wilkes Booth. So, she is sent to live with her uncle Dr. Valentine Bransby, her mother's brother, against her mother's dying wishes. Once there, Emily finds that all is not what it seems as mysterious business is occurring among the inhabitants of Valentine's house. In the course of the story, Emily determines what is happening with her uncle and his accomplices, and suffers through the public trials of her dear friends, all while figuring out her dreams and plans for the future once the chaos following the war is resolved.===

Review
===This historical fiction/mystery novel about 14-year-old Emily is intriguing as well as historically accurate. The novel interestingly portrays the characteristics of the times, weaving two plots about both the Surratt trials, as well as the reactions of the nation as a whole, and the mystery involving her uncle's work. Readers will be drawn into the story as they read about the history of cadaver theft, medicine, and the people involved in President Lincoln's assassination. I especially enjoyed learning more about the people and culture during the Civil War, as well as seeing the war through different perspectives. The powerful writing, poignantly portraying the sadness, courage, and fears of all people at the time, show that people are strong in spite of their weaknesses, and demonstrate that there will always be a future for those who persevere.===