The Undertaker's Assistant: A Captivating Post-Civil War Era Novel of Southern Historical Fiction

The Undertaker’s Assistant by Amanda Skenandore Well written, plotted and researched this was a story I put down last night thinking I would not finish it, though I had enjoyed it immensely in the beginning. I think that it became a bit dark and made me feel unsettled. When I picked it up this morning I felt compelled to continue reading and am so glad that I did. I remember not requesting the ARC for this author’s first book because I thought it would be dark and now I am of the opinion that I will read it if and when I find a copy. This story begins in 1975 when Euphemia “Effie” Jones arrives in New Orleans from Indiana. She approaches an undertaker offering her services as an embalmer. He takes one look at her, a black woman, and puts her through her paces and as she does well at the job set by him for her to do he asks her to return in the morning. This book is not just about her work with those she embalms but also about her other experiences including the people she meets, the friends she makes, a man she believes she loves, her search for kindred and the political and social turmoil after the Civil War. Born a slave and with no memories before she was seven her life is a mystery. Taken in by an abolitionist surgeon in the midst of the war she has seen and experienced more than most. She is a bit different with her intelligence and forthrightness. She doesn’t make friends easily, finds difficulty showing emotions and tends to remain apart. She eventually does find a place she feels at home although the process of finding that place proves to be a truly emotional journey. This is not an easy book to read. Man’s injustice to his fellowman is often appalling. The losses suffered by many are part and parcel of this book. I think that Effie’s ability to distance and compartmentalize was a necessity though it did not always stand her in good stead. This is a book that made me think and care and wish the world was a different place and that true equality was part and parcel of life – back then and also today. So, I am glad I returned and finished the book and will say that I look forward to reading more by this author in the future. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

Effie Jones was found “somewhere new New Orleans” when she was “about 7 or 8” by a Union surgeon. Brought up north and made a ward of the couple, she was educated and brought into the new undertaking as an assistant. Now, she’s headed back to New Orleans and is working for another former Army man who owns a funeral home: the home in decline because of his alcoholism and the fact he didn’t join the confederacy has been hard on business. Now with Effie, efficient, cold and seemingly unemotional, he’s got an able assistant, and one who will work to do the best job she can for the dead she cares for. Starting out, this book felt as if Effie was shallow and keeping us at a distance, but in reality she had no memories of her early life, parents or family, and only a few random dream-images and flashes of familiarity bring her any knowledge of herself. She’d done all that was asked of her by her guardians, but the little things: school, friendship, emotion were all not important. Effie is awkward socially, prone to blurting out the truth or questions as she thinks of them, and not having a sense of family or self have her constantly questioning love, family ties and connections. While the story carries a tone that is darker than most, it is the history, accurate portrayals of challenges and choices that Effie makes as she comes to understand who she is, was and where she wants to find herself. The tumult of the reconstruction era, along with the fears and dangers it provided when added to this very real person in Effie – even as she puzzles out the meaning of social interactions, restrictions and prejudices was lovely. She is palpable and so vulnerable – naïve and unknowing, cautious and too trusting, yet wholly engaging when pieces of her past (and new challenges) have her realigning her own attitude and desires with the knowledge gained. This was a favorite read – I couldn’t put it down and just had to know if things changed for her, and if she found solace in answers that will allow her to ask and answer ever more difficult questions. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.