In 1925 Tennessee passed a law banning the teaching of evolution, called the Butler Act. John T. Scopes was arrested for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution at the local high school. In response the ACLU sent in their best, Attorney Clarence Darrow and pitted him against local Attorney William Jennings Bryan. Lisa Grunwald use the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial as the foundation for her novel, The Evolution of Annabel Craig. It is the story about how this time in history challenges the lives of Annabel and George Craig during a time of loss and grief now having the additional stain placed on their marriage when George as an attorney in Dayton joins the defense team for John Scopes. It is a story about this deeply religion woman and an event that gets Annabel reassessing her marriage, faith, and life. Is this George the George she thought she married? It gets Annabel to look closely at not only her husband but her neighbors, the towns people and how religion vs science divides this small town of Dayton, Tennessee.

What threw me with this book was the cover. I initially thought it was going to be a happy-go-luck story about a young woman coming-of-age at the beginning of the Prohibition era – it was not. The Evolution of Annabel Craig is well written and the research Lisa Grunwald put into the story is quite evident. She cleverly combines real people from a historical event with fictional characters, however I did feel it bogged down somewhat in the middle.

Thank you, Lisa Grunwald, Random House and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel is due to be released on April 16, 2024.

Being present at an historical event can change a person. Here is the story of a small town sheltered woman present at the Scopes Monkey trial and how it changed her.

The Butler Act, made teaching the theory of evolution illegal, had just been passed and the town of Dayton, Tennessee talked John Scopes into challenge this law. This wasn’t some ideological challenge, this was out of greed for what this circus trial could bring to the town.

The town got way more than they bargained for including mockery from a national press who painted the two factions as Science v God.

Annabel Craig who is the heroine of this story and I endlessly cheered for her. She did what we all should do when we learn new things…she evolved.

This was my first Lisa Grunwald book and I was truly impressed by her writing and storytelling abilities. I will be reading more from this talented writer.

I was really looking forward to this latest novel by Lisa Grunwald. Right from the start I was hooked on Annabel’s life story and what the future held for her. I was thinking this would be a light-hearted read, but often times it was not.

Annabel is fortunate to find a successful lawyer husband in George Craig and things were going well in the marriage, until George’s career hits a snag and Annabel’s eyes are opened to the fact that George doesn’t do well in times of stress.

Eventually George rallies and becomes involved in a case about the theory of evolution being taught in schools. During his time on the case it comes to light that George and Annabel are at odds on religion and its importance in their lives.

I was really enjoying reading this, but near the end, I grew weary of the “experts” and the lawyers and all the other characters’ opinions on the topic. It reminded me somewhat of many issues we face today.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group-Random House for allowing me to read an advance copy and give my honest review. I am happy to give my honest review about the book and recommend to other readers.

The Evolution of Annabel Craig tells a fictionalized version of The Scopes Monkey Trial. The perspective is told a young, southern, married woman, whose husband views the case from an opposing view. The novel is well-researched and compelling. There is more to this historical novel than the theory of evolution, but it also tells of the story of women evolving during a pivotal time in history. I must admit that when I was reading the book, my mind kept going back to the 1960 movie, "Inherit the Wind". Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!

So this book started well with the story of Annabel and George. Then it went deep into religion and lost me for the middle. It came back around again some when it went back to Annabel and George. I like Grunwald's writing style. I loved the idea of this history. But it really slumped in the middle for me.

The Evolution of Annabel Craig by Lisa Grunwald was a book I could not put down. The story is set in Dayton, Tennessee in 1925.Dayton is a small conservative town. Annabel Craig is the main character while other characters like her husband, her neighbor, a reporter and various friends wander in and out. This is a story of Annabel’s self discovery. (Hence ‘evolution’ in the title) Annabel grew up in Dayton. Annabel’s growth as a person is set during a very interesting and apparently famous trial that took place in Dayton.

The trial is about a local teacher who was coerced by the town ‘fathers’ to say that he taught the theory of evolution in his classroom in order to bring revenue to Dayton. Basically Mr. Scopes was a patsy. The trial becomes a divisive issue amongst the towns people. We have those who believe that God is the creator and those who believe that God gave man a brain and therefore science to explain evolution. Annabel is forced to confront the beliefs she has had for her entire life. She also allows herself to question and listen to various opinions even though they do not coincide with her own. As the book progresses Annibel’s life is impacted.

As the trial moves forward it pits neighbor against neighbor, friend against friend, church against science. Due to this hostility there are tragic consequences.
The trial is an actual historical event. It is known as the Scopes “Monkey” Trial. The attorney for Mr. Scopes is Clarence Darrow. The attorney for the status quo is William Jennings Bryan. It definitely becomes a battle of wills between these two well known men and between religion and science.

Ms. Grunwald is a wonderful story teller. She creates a story that is thought provoking, compelling and emotional. It was interesting to witness our main character go from a naive country girl to a woman who is not afraid to go where life leads her. She becomes brave during a time when women were supposed to cleave to their husbands.

This is one of my favorite reads this year. It is well written. The characters are multi faceted and interesting. The settings were easily conjured up in my mind. The research that Ms. Grunwald does is thorough and well done. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!

I would like to thank Ms. Grunwald, Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Evolution of Annabel Craig is well titled! A wonderful story of a young woman's self discovery during the time of the Scopes "Monkey" trial, it's timely in so many ways. A small conservative town, the inhabitants of Dayton, TN are forced to examine their beliefs and views in the light of modern science. Annabel has lived in Dayton her whole life. Married to George, an attorney from a big city (Knoxville, which to Annabel is a big city), Annabel is forced to confront the beliefs she has held her entire life when a local teacher is charged for teaching evolution in his classroom. As the trial pits neighbor against neighbor, there are unanticipated and tragic consequences to the increasingly bitter and personal divide. When the big guns come to town for the trial (William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow), it becomes a battle between faith and science. Annabel is forced to confront her own beliefs as the trial increasingly impacts her and those around her, and this is what leads to the evolution of Annabel.

Thought provoking, poignant and compelling, I was immediately captivated by Annabel and her journey from naive country girl to thoughtful, discerning woman, as she learns to think and speak up for herself in a challenging time and against entrenched and demeaning norms. A five star read!

Officially one of my favorite reads this year. Southern sass and audacious character development—what’s not to love?

A loose retelling of Kate Chopin’s The Awakening set in Dayton, Tennessee during the Scopes Monkey Trial of the 1920s, this was a well-written historical-fiction novel set during a time period you don’t see much of in the genre. I thought the author wove Annabel’s “evolution” into more modern thinking with the “evolution” on trial quite well, and I appreciated the discussions between Annabel and George on religion versus science as well as the behind-the-scenes look into trial prep and the trial itself.

While I overall enjoyed this one, especially the historical aspects, it was missing something for me to really hook me and make me care deeply about the main characters. I think fans of historical fiction looking for novels without war settings will really enjoy this one.

Pub Date: 4/16/24
Review Published: 3/17/24
eARC received from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Very interesting book, historical fiction based on a factual event.

This is the story of the relationship of Annabel and George Craig, set against the backdrop of the famous 1925 John Scopes trial in Dayton, Tennessee.

Annabel, born in Dayton, was orphaned at a young age. A quiet girl, she was swept away by George Craig, a young attorney from Knoxville. They married, and their relationship was very good for the first year. George was the defending attorney in a murder trial, and the aftermath of that trial had a major effect on Annabel and George. Just as things seemed to be settling back into normalcy, the Dayton town leaders decide that they want to challenge the recently passed Butler Act, which prevents the teaching of evolution in schools. They cajole John Scopes, a local teacher, into agreeing to stand trial for defying the Act.

Dayton wants the notoriety, fame and fortune that comes with being the site of such a famous trial. And very quickly, reporters, lawyers, preachers and all sorts of interested parties descend on the small town. Annabel, deeply religious, is worried when George, an atheist, wants to defend John. When the big guns arrive, in the form of William Jennings Bryan, a Southern Politician and devout man, and Clarence Darrow, a big shot defense attorney, things start to get out of hand.

I think the author did a great job of fleshing out the history, and showing the effects of such a Bible vs Science trial on the people of the town, and specifically on the relationship of Annabel and George. It certainly reminded me of the times we live in, with a population polarized by political views. The 1925 trial had its fair share of 'fake news' claims. I loved the characters, from Annabel who found her inner strength, to Lottie the female reporter who covers the trial, to Mercy, Annabel's neighbor. I even enjoyed George's character, who's behavior triggered Annabel's behavior, even though I didn't really understand what made him tick.

Another great book by Lisa Grunwald.

The Evolution of Annabel Craig, by Lisa Grunwald.

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

Next year will be the 100th anniversary of the Scopes “Monkey” Trial. This novel shows it through the appealing, thoughtful voice of 23-year-old Annabel Craig, as she describes her small hometown of Dayton, TN, in 1925, and the circus-like summer when the trial challenged teaching evolution in the public schools.

The book is grounded in facts, but as the title suggests, it is about the fictional Annabel’s personal growth and change, as she explores her own love, marriage, and faith. The surrounding characters – Annabel’s husband, who is one of Scopes’ local defense lawyers, her fundamentalist neighbors and friends, and a visiting newspaperwoman – are deftly drawn in both language and mannerisms, and events large and small make the town and its people come to life.

The battles within Annabel, and between her and her husband, mirror those of the trial between Science, and God and the Bible. Hints suggest a different future for Annabel, and I would enjoy seeing a sequel as she moves on from this pivotal moment in her life and the country’s.

This novel offers a captivating perspective on the historic Scopes trial in Tennessee, 1925, through the eyes of Annabel Craig. As the young spouse of a local lawyer, Annabel finds herself at a crossroads, wrestling with her faith and loyalty to her marriage while also yearning to grasp the scientific truths of evolution—a daring quest in an era that seldom valued the voices of women, particularly in the South. Her character shines as a beacon of courage during one of the nation's most divisive periods.

Through the eyes of an amateur photographer married to a lawyer, a member of the John Scopes defense, we witness a unique view of a famous trial in American history. Annabel Craig is a conservative Christian at odds with her husband’s opinions on science vs. religion, as well as other matters. As she meets visitors to her town, expert witnesses, historic figures, William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow, and experienced journalists, among them H.L. Mencken, she listens to the varied opinions of both sides of the trial and, in turn, re-thinks her relationship with her faith and her husband. She knows the motives of the townspeople who are excited about this trial of a quiet teacher who has committed the “crime” of teaching textbook science. As Annabel mingles among the participants and onlookers in the court, she witnesses history and shares her experience and discovery with the reader. This is my second Lisa Grunwald novel; I find her characters engaging and her storylines engrossing.

This book captured my attention right from the beginning. It was an interesting take on the Scopes trial from the perspective of the wife of an up and coming lawyer. The Bible vs. science caused such a disruption in the small town in Tennessee with far reaching consequences as to the school curriculum throughout the country. We also witness the transformation of Annabel, the wife, as she struggles with the change in her husband as well as understanding her own beliefs all during a time when women were not to be heard and have opinions. Good character development will have me checking out some of her previous novel. #TheEvolutionOfAnnabelCraig #LisaGrunwald #NetGalley

"The Evolution of Annabel Craig" by Lisa Grunwald is a poignant and beautifully crafted coming-of-age novel that captures the complexities of growing up and discovering one's true self. Grunwald's novel is a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and the transformative power of love that will resonate with readers of all ages.

At the heart of the story is protagonist Annabel Craig, a young woman on the cusp of adulthood who is grappling with the challenges of adolescence and the pressures of conformity. As Annabel navigates the tumultuous waters of high school and the expectations placed upon her by her family and peers, she must also confront her own desires and dreams, ultimately finding the courage to embrace her true identity.

Grunwald's writing is lyrical and evocative, with a keen understanding of the teenage experience and a sensitivity to the complexities of human emotions. Through Annabel's eyes, readers are transported back to the rollercoaster ride of adolescence, with its highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. Grunwald captures the essence of this transformative period of life with honesty and authenticity, creating a protagonist who feels both relatable and inspiring.

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its exploration of Annabel's journey of self-discovery. As Annabel grapples with questions of identity and belonging, she must navigate the shifting sands of friendship, love, and self-acceptance. Grunwald deftly portrays the internal conflicts and external pressures that shape Annabel's choices, painting a nuanced portrait of a young woman coming into her own.

Moreover, "The Evolution of Annabel Craig" is not just a story about one girl's journey—it's also a celebration of the bonds that tie us together as family and the power of love to heal and transform. Grunwald weaves a rich tapestry of relationships, from Annabel's complicated dynamic with her parents to her tender romance with her first love. Through it all, she explores the universal themes of connection, forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

In conclusion, "The Evolution of Annabel Craig" by Lisa Grunwald is a moving and emotionally resonant novel that will capture the hearts of readers young and old. With its relatable characters, heartfelt storytelling, and timeless themes, it's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Grunwald has crafted a captivating tale of self-discovery and love that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

This was a very interesting take on the Scopes trial that took place in Tennessee in 1925. Annabel Craig, the young wife of a small town attorney is torn between her belief in both her religion and her marriage and her thirst for understanding the science of evolution. This was a time in our country, especially in the South, when women weren't expected to have opinions. I found her to be a brave woman in the face of a tumultuous event in our country.
Many thanks to Random House and Netgalley for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

"The Evolution of Annabel Craig" by Lisa Grunwald is a captivating historical novel that transports readers to the heart of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tennessee. Against the backdrop of a small conservative town grappling with the clash between science and religion, Annabel Hayes finds herself navigating love, loss, and self-discovery. Grunwald skillfully weaves together the personal and the political as Annabel's marriage to George Craig is tested amidst the fervor of the trial. With richly drawn characters and meticulous attention to historical detail, the novel vividly captures the tensions and complexities of the era. As Annabel confronts her own beliefs and values, readers are drawn into a compelling exploration of individual conscience and societal change. "The Evolution of Annabel Craig" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that lingers long after the final page is turned.

I predict that this book will be one of my top books for the year. To say this book is a historical fiction book about the Scopes Monkey Trial doesn’t do it justice. Yes, it is definitely about that, and I loved getting this on-the-ground view of that pivotal trial, but it’s really a story about a young woman named Annabel Craig. Annabel has to navigate living on her own after both her parents died when she was a young teenager, a marriage with an up-and-coming local lawyer, the biggest event to ever happen in Dayton, Tennessee, and her faith in God in the face of it all. I thought it was all beautifully told in this book by Lisa Grunwald. Also, Grunwald can write! I will definitely try to get ahold of her backlist titles.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for sharing this advanced reader’s copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Evolution of Annabel Craig is a fascinating, well-written historical fiction book about the Tennessee Scopes trial. The flow of the story moves along easily as the heroine evolves from her naive, younger self into a knowledgeable, independent lady. Interesting, intriguing and educational - a great read!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this ARC.

If you enjoy historical fiction based on true events, characters that are interesting and grow throughout the story and strong, persevering women, this is the book you should read! Thanks #NetGalley #RandomHouse #LisaGrunwald