Historical Fiction Book Review: The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Story Description:

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.

Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.

My Thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher's story delves into the tragedy of adults who, often by no fault of their own, never learned to read. Reminiscent of Catherine Marshall's Christy, a beloved telling of Appalachian life, The Moonlight School tells the tale of Miss Lucy, a young lady from the city, who learns, with some surprise, life in the mountains has a beauty all its own. I particularly enjoyed the story of Brother Wyatt and his heart for the folks in the mountains. A variety of characters sprinkled through the story have lived fascinating lives. Cora's story, based on the real person who started the moonlight schools is inspiring. I truly enjoyed every bit of this book, including a thread of mystery. I agree with the description I found on Amazon—as I finished the last pages, I thanked God for the privilege of reading. As someone who worked in an elementary school library and as a volunteer in my daughter's first grade class, I'm accustomed to the excitement and delight little ones share when they learn to read. To read about adults who found satisfaction in the written word thrilled my heart. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.