Why Did I Listen To This Book?
The Mirk And Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson is a retelling of Tam Lin, the Scottish ballad. This audiobook appealed to me because it is a retelling with a unique time and place setting. I mean, usually retellings are set in fairytale worlds or they seem to be set in the modern world. The Mirk And Midnight Hour is set during the Civil War era, which is definitely one of my favorite eras to read about — there’s so much drama and human interest and a lot of bigger questions, ya know? So, with eager ears, I began to listen to Nickerson’s latest book and it turns out that I really, really liked it. In fact I liked it way more than Strands Of Bronze And Gold.
What’s The Story Here?
Okay, so because I read this book back in March and it’s August right now as I type it please bear with me as I give you a not so detailed summary of The Mirk And Midnight Hour by Jane Nickerson. Violet’s dad has remarried this really beautiful woman who has a daughter who is totally obsessed with getting a beau and getting married. Violet, on the other hand, is a bit more practical. So, anyways, she gets kissed at least once. And oh, this guy she grew up with is kind of a douche to her, but then he goes off to fight in the War. Oh and of course, her dad also goes off to fight in the War and so, Violet is alone among strangers. ALSO! Coming to live with her is her cousin, a little kid named Seely and Seely’s half brother, Dorian, who is older and illegitimate. Also, Dorian seems to be interested in Violet AND Sunny (her stepsister). Anyways, Violet goes wandering through the forest and comes across a Yankee soldier named Thomas who reminds her of her twin brother, who is dead, FYI. Anyways, Thomas and Violet begin to fall for each other. And omg, there’s swoons. Maybe it’s the audiobook but I loved the romance in The Mirk And Midnight Hour.
How Is The Setting?
Well, as you have gathered, Jane Nickerson’s book is set in the Civil War era. It’s set in Mississippi. Violet is from the upper class and lives in a big huge house with her stepmother who is addicted to laudanum and Sunny, her stepsister. There are slaves too. There’s a definite mistrust of Thomas at first, because he’s a Yankee. But, hmm, I really liked the setting from what I remember. I remember Nickerson’s description and writing and the images it evoked to be pretty engaging and well-written.
How Is The Narration?
The Mirk And Midnight Hour is narrated by Dorothy Dillingham Blue. This is the first book that I’ve ever listened to that’s narrated by Blue. Friends, I have found another narrator that I really like. Dorothy Dillingham Blue reads in a way that I found it so hard to put the phone that I was listening to the audiobook on down. I think I whipped through this audiobook in like a few days. I guess the audiobook just really engaged me and felt kind of magical. It’s a little over 12 hours long, but still, I totally think you should listen to it.
Sum It Up With A GIF:
All the swoons.
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I just added this to my wishlist at the library. I don’t think I’ve listened to anything by this narrator either but I’ll give it a shot!
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Yay! Glad to hear you liked this one more than Strands of Bronze and Gold (which I liked, but had some issues with). Though not sure how I feel about falling for a dude that reminds you of your twin…:P