I am always open to historical fiction set during the American civil war. I have enjoyed Jennifer Chiaverini's other books set during this period. Spy Mistress tells the story of Elizabeth Van Lew, a Unionist who stayed in Richmond during the war and served as a spy, running a spy ring in the city that provided information to the Union and helped prisoners escape to the north. Chiaverini provides powerful descriptions of the suffering of the prisoners in Confederate prisons as well as the city's inhabitants as they begin to starve as the war progresses. We get on the ground views of the bread riots. And, since Van Lew's family had once owned Mary Bowser, the African American woman who served as a servant in Jefferson Davis's household, we get a glimpse into the lives of Jefferson and Varina Davia. Mary Chestnut even makes an appearance. Not my favorite of Chiaverini's books but I enjoyed learning some details I hadn't known about life in Richmond during the war. ( )

The novel follows the Van Lews family through the Civil War and traces the activities of Elizabeth especially. She is recklessly determined to take care of the overwhelming numbers of Union soldiers that are poured into Richmond, held in warehouses and various facilities in conditions that are squalid at best. At times it is difficult to watch as Elizabeth chooses to care for the victims of only one side of the war while there are so many suffering. As the story unfolds, suspense builds as Elizabeth makes contact with many notable Union officers. Soon, she begins to share information across enemy lines with help from like-minded Virginians. The war wears on and Richmond is plunged into hunger, fear, and even hysteria. Elizabeth continues to build a spy network to help escaped prisoners as well as the transference of information.

The Spymistress does a credible job of giving the historical figure of Elizabeth Van Lews motive and means for her legendary endeavors during the war. In addition to Elizabeth, the reader will see various sides of prominent historical figures such as Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and more. Through the characters, the reader is given a context for battles that many have heard of, but are often removed from the details. The effects of the war on both sides are brought to the forefront and the strain of each side is never shied away from by the author. Richmond itself undergoes a transformation that juggles elation and support to famine and hostility. Tragedies are common, but so is goodness, and the author does a tremendous job of managing to gain our admiration for both Elizabeth and the women who detest her. We, the readers, become onlookers to one of the most bloody and heartbreaking events in our country’s history. ( )

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I've read her Elm Creek Quilt series and LOVE those, but books about the war don't really interest me much. However, this was a good book and I found that I couldn't put it down. I was also more surprised to find out that it's main character was in fact a real person. Glad I decided to read it. ( )

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I've read her Elm Creek Quilt series and LOVE those, but books about the war don't really interest me much. However, this was a good book and I found that I couldn't put it down. I was also more surprised to find out that it's main character was in fact a real person. Glad I decided to read it. ( )

Based on the true life of female civil war spy Elizabeth Van Lew, Jennifer Chiaverini's The Spymistress is an eye-opening detailed account of the United States Civil War. Although at times a bit dry and overly detailed, the author does do a fabulous job of giving the reader an excellent condensed account of the four year events that encompassed the war between the states in entirety. Not knowing much about the civil war myself, I learned a lot through the eyes of Lizzie Van Lew who spied for the Union while living in Richmond, the Capitol of the rebel Confederate States. Lizzie Van Lew was brave, tireless in her mission, and fought long and hard for what she believed in. Through one bloody massacre after another, she kept her head held high and refused to back down no matter the danger for her life and her family. Spying was dangerous business for anyone, never mind for a genteel lady of prominence as herself. Her ability to act and charm the players in high places to thwart the enemy was nothing short of astounding while never knowing if her endeavors would be rewarded. Throughout the story you will meet a lot of very famous people, while at the same time getting a great feel for the various opinions from all sides of the war. The Spymistress is part of the author's series on the civil war, each novel focusing on a different character so the reader get's all sides of North and South, Union and Confederates, politicians and Presidents, Slaves and Freed Blacks. I am now anxious to read them all to get a better well-rounded view of this nonsensical war full of bloodshed, famine, abolitionists and slaveholders, politicians and military strategists, that all fought desperately to either reunite the United States or secede on their own keeping slavery alive. ( )