These four novels contain stories that have a historical impact within the Macon community.
Sunrise by Jacquelyn Cook, 2008
Released on Feb 1, 2008, “Sunrise” is a historical fiction romance novel that took place during the Civil War. Set in 1850’s Macon Ga. the novel is written by Jacquelyn Cook. Cook is known for her incredible research making sure history is accurate, sold her first story to Home life magazine in 1963 and would win the writer of the year award from the Atlanta Writers club in 1970. Sunrise is a fictional romance novel set in 1850’s Macon. The story is about a woman named Anne Tracy who had just married a man by the name Willam Butler Johnston. William returned to Macon after his travels in Europe and plans to build a mansion. Anne’s life is tested as she has to choose between money or love. The novel would receive critical acclaim from readers because of the historical context and character dynamics. One Reviewer J. Robert Ewbank writes, “This book by Jacquelyn Cook was a very interesting and solid read. I enjoyed the characters and plot. The plot was a historical Civil War events as they work out in the life of a large family and friends. It is totally believable and the characters become familiar friends. A very good job.”
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark, 2020
“Ring Shout” is a historical fictional horror novel that is written by P. Djèlí Clark and was published October 13, 2020. The story takes place in Macon in the year 1915 and the KKK is spreading fear and violence across the nation. In their way is Maryse Boudreaux and her resistance. The novel was praised for its story and how it portrays the KKK as a demonic clan along with having fantasy aesthetics while still covering history. Goodreads reviewer Farrah writes, “RING SHOUT is a BRILLIANT concept. It uses real historical facts and blends them with fantasy to show how strongly hate breeds hate and creates monsters.”
War Outside my Window: The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865 by LeRoy Wiley Gresham
The third novel is a non-fictional historical novel called “War Outside my Window: The Civil War Diary of LeRoy Wiley Gresham, 1860-1865.” Published on June 1, 2018. The novel was written by Janet Elizabeth Croon who graduated from the University of Illinois. The novel tells a true story about a young disabled boy living in Macon during the Civil War after an injury on his left leg. In 1860 he would keep a diary and would update it as the war went on. This novel not only covers the event of the Civil War throughout Macon Ga. but acknowledges LeRoy’s disability of being disabled. The novel won the 2018 Douglas the Southall Free award.
Master Slave Husband Wife by Ilyon Woo
The final Novel on this list is “Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery and Freedom Husband and Wife.” This novel was written by ILyon Woo and was published on Jan 17 2023. This novel tells the real story of Ellen and William craft and how they managed to escape slavery in Macon. The novel won the New York Times 10 best books of 2023. The novel is praised for its incredible accuracy and its story. One reviewer Traci Thomas writes, “Incredible research and detail. A real stunner as far as telling a story that is lesser known in US history. Some of the writing verged on corny in places. I enjoyed over all the scope and detail and was impressed by all the connections that author found and how she explained so much of US history through the crafts.”
