Ronan James Cassidy

A historical fiction novel set in South Carolina during the 1800’s, by author Ronan James Cassidy

Set in 1859 in South Carolina, during a significant and turbulent period in American history, the book follows Margaret Anne Basseterre, an illegitimate child, born of forbidden love. Margaret’s father, Mr Edward Christopher Calhoun, is a wealthy merchant and landowner, from one of the most respected families in South Carolina. Her mother, Miss Jeanne Jolie Basseterre-Osment, is a beautiful Haitian immigrant, and a maiden in the Calhoun household. Jeanne had a difficult labor and Margaret was born in secret in the middle of the woods. From the moment of her birth, Margaret is shrouded in a dark mystery, but she is determined to succeed against all odds. Her mother Jeanne is keen to understand why she is different and how she managed to survive her birth. Margaret grows up on the Calhoun estate where her life, and the lives of those around her, are tested by evil forces lurking in the shadows of plain sight. As Margaret attempts to find her purpose in life, she uncovers family secrets and learns of her own unique abilities to heal and inspire others.

Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind is an engrossing and thought-provoking novel by author Ronan James Cassidy about a young woman coming of age in the deep South. Set against a backdrop of civil war, social unrest, rigid class structures, slavery and gender inequality, the book explores one woman’s fight for survival and redemption. Her journey reflects the social, political, and religious changes that were happening in America during the nineteenth century.

This is a beautifully written and extensively researched novel. Cassidy delivers an engrossing historical narrative, with rich characters and eloquent prose.  This is quite a lengthy book (at 656 pages), but the storytelling is so consuming that I could not put it down. I finished the book within a couple of days.

Set in the mid 1800’s, during a turbulent time in American history, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction, those who are interested in the American Civil War, and anyone who enjoys a good old mystery.

Star rating: 5 Stars

Summary: An engrossing and thought-provoking historical fiction novel about one woman’s fight for survival and redemption.