History With Hannah - Lesson 1

History With Hannah - Lesson 1

• Jun 19, 2013

One thing you should know about me is that I love historical fiction. I like to think that it all started (or at least turned to love) when I first discovered the Dear America books as a little girl. Written in journal format, each book focused on a different fictional girl from the past and the time in which she lived. I adored the books, and I still have them on my shelves today. Combine that with a deep love for the American Girl doll and accompanying books, and I was made to read and love historical fiction.

With that introduction to historical fiction, who can blame me for growing up and becoming so obsessed with it? In order to share the historical fiction love, I've come up with two features to highlight my favorite genre. The first, History With Hannah, will highlight a historical fiction book (adult or young adult) that I've read recently. Instead of reviewing it, I want to focus on the historical aspect of it. One of my favorite things about the genre is that I often learn things about a new or unfamiliar (to me) time and place. So, I'll highlight for you the Who (all the book details), What (book summary), Where (setting - place), When (setting - time period) and Why (things you'll learn about in this book).

So, let's begin!

Who?

The Fever Tree

Release Date: April 2013

Pages: 432 pages

Source & Format: Library; Hardcover

Amazon | Goodreads

What?

Frances Irvine, left destitute in the wake of her father's sudden death, has been forced to abandon her life of wealth and privilege in London and emigrate to the Southern Cape of Africa. 1800 South Africa is a country torn apart by greed. In this remote and inhospitable land she becomes entangled with two very different men - one driven by ambition, the other by his ideals. Only when the rumor of a smallpox epidemic takes her into the dark heart of the diamond mines does she see her path to happiness. But this is a ruthless world of avarice and exploitation, where the spoils of the rich come at a terrible human cost and powerful men will go to any lengths to keep the mines in operation. Removed from civilization and disillusioned by her isolation, Frances must choose between passion and integrity, a decision that has devastating consequences.

Where?

London / South Africa

When?

1880s

Why?

1. Emigration

In The Fever Tree, the heroine emigrates to South Africa after her father dies. Her only living relations either don't want to help her or only want her if she'll work for them. Neither life is all that appealing to Frances, so she decides to leave for South Africa. She travels across the ocean in the company of other women facing similar fates - women who are hoping for a better future in a new country. Whether they marry or become nurses, they are all looking to change their fate. In The Fever Tree you'll get a glimpse at these brave women, and you'll get a small taste for the desperation they must have felt to make them take such an arduous journey.

2. Diamonds

You've probably heard about the corrupt practices surrounding diamond mining and that industry today, but this books gives you a look at its origins. It's certainly hard to read about the topic without wanting to cry at the way the native Africans are treated. Greed motivates almost every action - it's all about mining more diamonds and making more money. It's not unusual for people to make decisions that are motivated by selfishness, but nowhere is it more evident and more heightened than in an environment like this.

3. Imperialism

If you're at all familiar with South Africa's history, you probably know that it's been filled with racial tension. The suppression began long before apartheid, and in The Fever Tree you'll get to see those roots. The Dictionary of Human Geography defines imperialism as "an unequal human and territorial relationship, usually in the form of an empire, based on ideas of superiority and practices of dominance, and involving the extension of authority and control of one state or people over another."

Imperialism - and the attitudes that result from it - is a huge part of this book. From racist remarks to outright abuse, it's certainly heartbreaking to read about one group of people putting themselves in a position of power over another. The inequality of power between whites and blacks is not the focus of this book, but it certainly plays a key role.

4. Epidemics

Finally, there's an interesting look at the way diseases and infections spread. Similarly to when colonial settlers in America brought in diseases that decimated Native American populations, The Fever Tree introduces readers to the smallpox epidemic that swept through some these mining communities. Greed led to lies and cover-ups that resulted in death and devastation. One character is this book is a doctor who is fighting for the right - trying to shed light on the epidemic and the injustice taking place. Like the other things I've mentioned, I love getting the chance to learn about this aspect of South African history (even if it is really sad).

South African Diamond Mine in the 1870s