Books like The second Mrs. Hockaday by Susan Rivers
The Second Mrs. Hockaday follows Placidia, a young bride thrust into the role of farm manager and mother when Major Gryffth Hockaday departs for the Civil War front lines. With a 300‑acre South Carolina farm and an infant son to care for, Placidia faces the harsh realities of wartime life alone. After two years, Major Hockaday returns to find Placidia accused of bearing an illegitimate child and murdering it—an allegation that spirals into a legal battle. The narrative, told through letters, court inquests, and journal entries, is inspired by a true incident and explores the impact of war on family, gender, and race. As the social order of the South unravels, Placidia learns of a connection to a runaway slave, prompting a reevaluation of race and family in her community.
First publish date: 2017
Genre: Literary Fiction/Contemporary Literary Fiction
Authors: Susan Rivers
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