The Civil War Diary of Emma Mordecai by Edited and with an introduction by Dianne Ashton with Melissa R. Klapper is a great nonfiction/memoir that I really enjoyed.

This is an interesting glimpse into both the unique and “ordinary” world of a woman during the Civil War. Through these journal entries we can see the specific concerns and challenges that Emma experienced due to being Jewish, and also some of the things that all women experienced to some degree during this time.

The significant introduction, historical context, and background that was given before the entries are produced gives a wealth of knowledge to help the reader understand a bit more about Emma, her surroundings, and the time that she lived in. The selected images were also a lovely addition.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and NYU Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/29/24.