The Spymistress

By: Jennifer Chiaverini

Narrated by: Christina Moore

New York Times best-selling author Jennifer Chiaverini delights fans by transforming true events into riveting historical fiction.

Set during the Civil War, The Spymistress introduces little-known Elizabeth Van Lew, a Virginia woman who used a vast spy network to steal Confederate secrets for the Union. But her next mission would prove the ultimate test of her mettle: infiltrate the infamous Confederate Libby Prison and orchestrate a daring escape.

©2013 Jennifer Chiaverini (P)2013 Recorded Books

Easy to listen to

Story moved at a good pace to hold interest while driving 1200 miles. I appreciate this author can express conflict without graphic details. A family can listen to her works without being concerned about embarrassing moments.

As narrators go, I am a fan of Christina Moore. She does character voices in a way that distinguishes roles without taking to extremes in pitch or accent. Her neutral performing voice -not in dialog-is pleasant and her pace is perfect.

loved it!

the story line of this book is not only one that you couldn't stop listening to but also very educational. Great listen while I did my own sewing!!

One of the best historical fiction

The Spymistress by Jennifer Chiaverini is considered to be fiction, but it is about a real woman.

Elizabeth Van Lew ran a significant intelligence network on behalf of the Union while ministering to Northern prisoners during the U.S. Civil War. While this woman did exist, this historical fiction novel fills in the gaps in her story, weaving together known reality with imagined specific details.

This was my first, though it will no means be my last, book by Chiaverini. It is one of the best historical novels that I have ever read. It kept me riveted and eager to find out what would happen next. I like this kind of historical fiction, as it sticks closely to the truth while also making the history come alive and seem realistic. It is also exciting to see a role in which women took the lead to fight against the evil slavery during the Civil War.

Five stars

interesting

reading was well done. concerned that the tale was not historically accurate, but a good story just the same.

Boring chattering details

Inside Lizzie' s head. More detail than overview, emotional dialogue, monotonous reading of the story, angry despair and swishing of skirts. Not all the ginger cakes and buttermilk in Lizzie's basket could lure me into five more hours of slogging through this tome.

Very revealing

I liked learning about Elizabeth Van Lew’s participation on the Union
Side of the Civil War.

Very Good Historical Fiction

Would you listen to The Spymistress again? Why?

Yes - I would wait a while after I have read more Civil War facts and stats. I am sure that there are parts I would pick up the 2nd time.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Spymistress?

Probably Lizzy's last encounter with the Libby Prison commandant. However, there are many parts of this book that keep you listening waiting to see what is going to happen next and if she is going to get caught.

What about Christina Moore’s performance did you like?

She did a very good job of giving each character their own unique vocal features and transitioned between them well.

Who was the most memorable character of The Spymistress and why?

Lizzy, who is the focus of the entire book. She is a very intriguing and resourceful character.

Any additional comments?

As a Civil War re-enactor and having read a lot of CW literature, much of the historical portion blends in very well. I was able to relate very well as to what taking place at the time. The authors description of the emotions, events, tragedy and destruction that took place at this time in history of our great country is done very well.

loved it

really am enjoying all of Jennifer Chiaverini books. This did not disappoint! the narrator is great.

Excellent

Really enjoyed this historical fiction story. What a brave person Elizabeth was.Strong minded and very resourceful!

“1861 plus four means Abraham Lincoln and…”

“1861 plus four means Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War.” As each chapter chronicled the fervent hopes that the war would be over after a year of bloody conflict, then two… I kept thinking of that school-time rhyme, and four long years of war. When I think Civil War, thoughts always jump to the battlefield, but this story focused on the war at home. The starvation, the distrust, the emotions run high… all the things you never think of.

My temperament can’t take the tales of impending doom. Horrific things happen to men and women around her, but not Elizabeth. I like Chiaverini’s writing style in that it’s highly educational, great historical fiction. I learned so much about war time Richmond through the eyes of Miss Van Lew. I looked up her story online and was relieved to know that she made it through relatively unscathed, she was smart and used her position to great advantage.

The drawbacks were that I felt the union was over-glorified. Lincoln’s government overreach was not to be praised, and it’s due to ground lost at the time of the Civil War that we are in the political mess we’re in currently as a nation. The conflict was about state’s rights, and only late in the war did the question of slavery become a central tenant. But, with a broad sweep it’s painted that the North opposed slavery and the South clung to it, which is never wholly true.

Too much time was given to troop movements and campaign details. It felt like aspects of the story kept repeating, same song different verse. Which, I know that was the reality of it, but my interest flagged. Also, I hated that the stories of different men in the prisons would be introduced but then not finished. Like the men whose names were chosen by lot to stand awaiting the death sentence if men captured by the North weren’t freed.

Overall, it was an excellent narrative. I liked how realistically Elizabeth was portrayed. There were many moments when I could picture myself in wartime Richmond, facing the despair, and starvation, the utter cruelty. The bravery of men and women - particularly those in the black community - was incredible. They took a stand knowing they would face a torturous death if caught. Well worth a listen.