Girls of '64

"Girls of '64" by Emilie Benson Knipe and Alden Arthur Knipe is a historical fiction novel set amidst the backdrop of the Civil War, portraying the lives of young women in Georgia as they grapple with the war, personal relationships, and societal pressures. The story highlights cousins Corinne and Harriot, alongside other family members, new arrival Dorothea, and other members of their Southern community. The opening scenes set the stage for the narrative as they prepare to hear the latest war news, exposing their divergent views on the war. Their encounter with a Confederate officer along the way, provides a stark perspective on Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Harriot's longing for normalcy and baking, highlights conflicting desires amidst the war's chaos. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, the weight of societal expectations, and the Civil War's personal impact on individuals immersed in a divided society.