The
Unforeseen
Fugitive Slave Act of 1850
The Unforeseen
The Unforeseen is a gripping historical novel set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, weaving together themes of personal struggle, social transformation, and human resilience.
Jenny Hutchins, from anti-slavery Essex County, Massachusetts, navigates the bloody consequences of war alongside the profound economic and societal shifts within her community. As she and her extended family confront these challenges, they also grapple with evolving views on sexuality and the transformative impact of medical practices during this tumultuous era.
The novel vividly portrays women’s struggles to maintain their sense of self and preserve family bonds amidst crisis. Through rich character development and meticulous historical detail, The Unforeseen brings to life the personal trials and broader social changes of the Civil War, offering a compelling read for anyone drawn to the human stories behind history
The Author
MARY H. BLEWETT
Mary Blewett earned her Ph.D. in history at 25 and spent her career teaching in the higher education system of Massachusetts until her retirement. Throughout her academic tenure, she published seven works of historical analysis, later transitioning to fiction with notable works including Dealt Hands and The Unforeseen, a Civil War novel inspired by her research on Essex County, MA.
Apart from her academic pursuits, Mary has traveled extensively, exploring regions from the Arctic Circle to Cape Horn with her husband Peter, as well as solo trips to Alaska and Tanzania. They currently reside in an 1870 Italian Revival house where they engage in gardening, grow roses, and rescue cats. Mary’s fiction work continues to draw from her deep historical knowledge, bringing nuanced human stories from the past into the present.
THEMES OF THE BOOK
Family and Loyalty
The novel shows how families stick together and support each other during the chaos of war, emphasizing the importance of loyalty.
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Social Change
It looks at how the Civil War changed social roles, especially for women, and how big events can push forward changes in society.
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Resilience
The story highlights the ability of people, especially women, to endure hardships and adapt to challenges during the war.
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WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
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