In These Hills is a charming story about the 1900s fight for prohibition and women’s rights. As Josephine advocates for the rights of women in Atlanta, a dangerous encounter sends her on the run. She ends up in the hills of Tennessee, where she has to decide how firmly she holds her prohibitionist convictions.
Main Themes
In Atlanta, surrounded by like-minded women, it was easy for Josephine to hold firm to her prohibitionist convictions and take pride in being hired as a schoolteacher when she was only 13. But when she has to start over in Lynchburg, she is dismayed to realize how few of her city skills are useful in a small, rural town. She can’t cook, can’t wrangle pigs, and can’t sewing. And the fight against the evils of addiction and abuse becomes very personal, leaving Josephine embarrassed of the detached talking points she had endorsed in the past. She has to figure out more subtle and creative ways to support women impacted by their husband’s addiction and domestic violence, stretching her determination to the limit.
The novel had a very thoughtful portrayal of the suffragist’s reasons for their advocacy, as well as the abuse and injustice they suffered. There were descriptions of riots at rallies, where the police targeted the women instead of the instigators, as well as more graphic jail scenes. While banning alcohol was not as effective as they hoped in reducing domestic violence and addition, they did pave the way for equal rights for women and more effective ways to support families and spouses.
There are themes of injustice, alcohol abuse, God’s perfect timing, standing up for what is right, unconditional love and forgiveness, and the power of second chances. It was an excellently written novel, with plenty of secrets, high stakes, and just a touch of love.
Favorite Scenes
My favorite scene was probably when Bethie took Josephine shooting, determined to show up the woman from the city. To Bethie’s shock and annoyance, Josephine was a natural with the rifle. I also enjoyed the verbal sparring between Jack Daniel and Josephine.
Faith Elements
God is all throughout this novel. Josephine is hesitant to trust him after everything that happened to her, but without his grace and forgiveness, she is truly lost. As she slowly learns to trust him again, other characters have to rely on God’s timing and perfect plans instead of depending on their own wisdom.
Family Friendly Considerations
In These Hills does not shy away from describing the violence the suffragists faced at the hands of angry men, but God’s grace and love is infused in every page. This is a fantastic novel for adults, as some of the scenes might be a little intense for younger readers or readers who have personally experienced domestic violence. The romantic elements are very clean and a minor part of the novel.
Interested in Similar Reads?
If you enjoy early 1900s fiction and prohibition fiction, you might want to check out these novels as well!
- Taming Lady Temperance by Karen Witemeyer
- Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer
- Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright
