Louise M. Gouge, Then Came Faith

Then Came Faith

Louise M. Gouge

Emerald Pointe Books, September 2006, $14.99

ISBN: 097851372X

Although the combat of the Civil War officially ended at Appomattox, many people still push their cause. Juliana Harris is the offspring of two rabid abolitionists, and she was an Underground Railroad participant. At the invitation of Miss Amelia Randolph, she has come to New Orleans to teach the former slaves to read and write. At the dock upon arrival, she meets gallant knight Andre Beauchamp; he is warm to her, until she mentions the name of Randolph; he loathes anything northern.

The war has changed the world as Andre once knew it. The former Confederate naval officer saw his affluent world die, along with his father; his mother is teetering into insanity, and when she is lucid she is in denial. His slaves are freed, though three of them, Aunt Sukey, Gemma, and Cordell, remain with him as his equal. Andre and Juliana are attracted to one another, but she believes slavery is an abomination against God, while he feels he and his family were kind owners providing a way of life to the ignorant slaves.

Louise M. Gouge provides a terrific historical novel that takes a deep look at the impact of slavery just after the end of the Civil War. The key to this insightful tale is that none of the three prime perspectives (slave-owner, abolitionist and slave) are treated with disparity, but instead each symbolizes the negative effect slavery had on people. Most readers will support Juliana's position, yet wonder about how former slaves like Gemma and Cordell will cope in hostile environs, while Andre comes across as human and caring, though his righteousness on owning slaves will feel like an atrocity to much of the audience. THEN CAME FAITH is a strong portrayal of the immediate aftermath of outlawing slavery in the Deep South (ironically, it was still legal in the Border States that stayed with the Union).