Intentional historical and cultural detail:
The story is filled with social, cultural, and historical references intentionally built into the narrative. Readers discover factual information about 19th-century America, the war, and its aftermath without realizing it. Period details make characters and situations more accessible and impactful, making the book an excellent choice as a supplemental reader in Language Arts and Social Studies classes.
Key subjects and topics in the story appear in a nonfiction section in the book’s backmatter, further grounding the reader in the period.
Personal and Intimate Focus:
While many historical novels often encompass grand narratives or broad historical events, Hattie’s War centers on the intimate and personal experiences of Hattie Howell. This focus allows for a deep exploration of her inner life and personal development, providing a microcosmic view of the post-Civil War era through the eyes of a single individual affected by its aftermath.
Integration of Art and History:
Hattie’s passion for art is not merely a character trait but a crucial narrative element that influences how she interprets and interacts with her world. This blending of artistic expression with historical narrative offers a unique lens through which readers can view historical events. The creative element provides a tangible connection between Hattie’s personal growth and her historical insights, which are less commonly explored in traditional historical fiction.
Exploration of Mental Health:
The novel’s treatment of Hattie’s mental health is particularly notable. Set in a time when mental health was poorly understood and often stigmatized, the story provides a compassionate look at how mental health issues were perceived and dealt with in the 19th century. Naming her melancholy “Raven” and considering the drastic suggestion of commitment to an asylum, Hattie’s mental health journey adds a layer of psychological depth that is not often found in historical narratives.
Feminist Undertones:
Hattie’s struggle against Victorian societal norms and her quest for life beyond being a farmer’s wife reflects feminist themes of autonomy and self-determination. This focus on a young woman’s resistance to societal expectations and her pursuit of personal aspirations offers a modern resonance that appeals to contemporary readers, making it distinct from many historical novels that do not emphasize these feminist perspectives.
Letters – Epistolary Narrative:
Letters exchanged between Hattie and her Uncle Byron are an important narrative device in the story. They reveal her father’s past and the realities of war, advance the plot, and further humanize the story, deepening the historical and emotional landscape.