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The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap

by Paulette Mahurin (Goodreads Author)

4.29 of 5 stars 4.29 · rating details · 298 ratings · 178 reviews

The year 1895 was filled with memorable historical events: the Dreyfus Affair divided France; Booker T. Washington gave his Atlanta address; Richard Olney, United States Secretary of State, expanded the effects of the Monroe Doctrine in settling a boundary dispute between the United Kingdom and Venezuela; and Oscar Wilde was tried and convicted for gross indecency under Br...more

Paperback, First, 212 pages

Published March 23rd 2012 (first published January 1st 2012)

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Feb 20, 2013 Terry Mahurin rated it 5 of 5 stars

In 1895 Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for two years in a hard labor prison camp for having sex with another man. When the news went out it impacted conversation around the world, that up till then were a more gentile conservatism tone of mild acceptance. After Wilde’s imprisonment, voices raised in attitudes of intolerance, bigotry and hatred. Although the protagonist of this story, Mildred Dunlap, is a lesbian, this is not a story about Gays and Lesbians, but rather a statement of intolerance leve...more

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Oct 26, 2012 Holly Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Loved it.
The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is a warmly engaging story in which some of the characters endear themselves to the reader, others raise our hackles, or just plain annoy us, each as they remind us of aspects of our own selves.

Without hyperbole, Ms. Mahurin elucidates the human tendency to bigotry and antipathy to "otherness" borne of indoctrination, fear and ignorance. This charming tale, set in a turn-of-the century small Nevada town, disseminates Oscar Wilde's astute observations on...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Coleen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a truly magnificent book. Just as relevant today as it was when the story is set in the 1890s. A story about intolerance and the vindictive side of being human. It brought out so many different emotions. The historical triggers woven into the story was brilliantly done and added to the overall intrigue and drama of the story. Loved it and highly recommended.

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Nov 07, 2012 Jos Callard rated it 5 of 5 stars

This novel's impact and importance as an historical realistic fiction piece sneaks up on you and grows as you turn the pages. One cannot ignore the injustices of man's inhumanity to man borne out of ignorance and prejudice, the roots of which are deep-seated in history. Mahurin tactfully reminds us how the tentacles of such injustice insinuate their way into daily life, manipulating and hurting with every twist and turn. Set 100 years ago, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap depicts history and in...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Anthea Carson rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is extremely relevant to issues going on right now, in the news, in the political dialogue. It is sometimes difficult to see things from another person's perspective. People get so locked in to their own prejudices and opinions of right and wrong. I think it is important to read a book like this that shows the struggles, the passions, the love and genuine feelings of people who are different from what society considers the mainstream. This book is extremely well written, and well struc...more

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May 07, 2013 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

" pick a little talk a little pick a little talk a little cheep cheep cheep talk a lot pick a little more" picture a bunch of hens clucking around farm yard.{thought of The Music Man} spreading gossip and that is the book " The persecution of Mildred Dunlap" the main topic to this story is GOSSIP!GOSSIP GOSSIP! and how it can wreck lives. this book takes place in 1895. in mid America. news just spread around the world that author Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for showing public affection to another...more " pick a little talk a little pick a little talk a little cheep cheep cheep talk a lot pick a little more" picture a bunch of hens clucking around farm yard.{thought of The Music Man} spreading gossip and that is the book " The persecution of Mildred Dunlap" the main topic to this story is GOSSIP!GOSSIP GOSSIP! and how it can wreck lives. this book takes place in 1895. in mid America. news just spread around the world that author Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for showing public affection to another man. this news made it to the town Mildred Dunlap lives. She lives in a home with Edra. what the town folk do not know is that Mildred and Edra are lovers. this is a secret they cannot let the gossipy town folk know. So Mildred starts up a story of her own. all she does is "plant the seed" and lets some of the known gossips think she is interested in a man named Charley who recently lost his wife. the main trouble maker named Josie takes the "seed"and runs with it. Mildred only intended to sway the gossips from catching on that She and her cousin Edra were more that housemates. but Josie and some of the other women take it to a whole level. now thanks to Josie's gossip, Mildred is pregnant, and now engaged to unsuspecting kind gentleman Charley. Josie is the ringleader who bullies the other women in going along with her vicious gossip.
there are some tragedies along the way. some sad lessons taught.
I found myself infuriated at the cruel gossip inflicted by the towns people mostly women.Josie in particular is retched, she has a hatred for just about everything. one of the townsfolk a very nice man who minds his own business has to hide the fact that he is jewish.
I know what is feels like to the be victim of very cruel gossip. it is amazing how eager people are to latch on spread vicious lies about innocent people. Mildred had a good heart, so does Charley, and Gus the store owner. It made want to see the "josies" of the world get theirs. I also liked that at the beginning of each chapter there is a quote from Oscar Wilde.
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Nov 10, 2012 Darlene Williams rated it 4 of 5 stars

1895. Oscar Wilde has just been convicted in England of committing acts of gross indecency and sentenced to 6 years in prison. Small town Red River Pass, Nevada, is captivated by this news and talks of nothing else.

"Two men together?" Josie Purdue raised her voice above the crowd, drawing a hush and attention to her. "More like five! All his past lovers came forth. Shows what an ungodly lot they all are. He deserves what he got. Throw away the key, that's what I say. Those kinds don't deserve to...more 1895. Oscar Wilde has just been convicted in England of committing acts of gross indecency and sentenced to 6 years in prison. Small town Red River Pass, Nevada, is captivated by this news and talks of nothing else.

"Two men together?" Josie Purdue raised her voice above the crowd, drawing a hush and attention to her. "More like five! All his past lovers came forth. Shows what an ungodly lot they all are. He deserves what he got. Throw away the key, that's what I say. Those kinds don't deserve to walk the face of the earth."

This prevailing sentiment and a past suspected incident of two male lovers fuels the fire.

Mildred Dunlop was bequeathed a substantial fortune when her father passed away but, unfortunately, she was not bestowed femininity. She is 6 feet tall, her hairline is receding, she has hair on her upper lip and an ungainly figure. Her money and lack of beauty are already hot topics amongst the local women, who deliberately shun her. Mildred is extremely benevolent with her money, often assisting townsfolk in time of need. Her generosity is ignored by the women, who would much rather focus on her shortcomings (in their eyes).

Mildred lives on her somewhat isolated farm in seclusion with her cousin, Edra, a stunning beauty, who is traumatized by a terrible event early in life. Mildred and Edra are in a relationship and live as a couple. They are careful to keep this secret, not allowing their few visitors to discover there is only one bed in the house.

Charley has just lost the love of his life. He is a man bereaved and inconsolable. Mildred, desperate to keep nosey people from making assumptions in the wake of the Wilde furor, strikes up a friendship with Charley to divert the town's attention. She is confident Charley will never see her a romantic light so there's no danger. Edra, on the other hand, is not quite so secure and is jealous of Mildred and Charley's relationship.

Just as Mildred supposed, soon the women are scandalized. They talk of nothing but her and Charley, speculating on the nature of their relationship. They make it their business to get the truth of the matter. Several menfolk are disgusted with their wives' snooping, but few try to put their foot down to stop it. It ends with tragic consequences.

All the while, the extreme prejudices of the times and small towns are evidenced by hatred of Jews and blacks. News reports of calamities befalling Jews and blacks are cause for joy and reiteration of "Can't trust those kind...Should know his place."

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlop is not so much about her relationship with Edra, as it about bigotry in all its ugly forms. The discovery of Mildred and Edra's relationship would be disastrous or would it? It really depends on who finds out.

This novel displays the offensive side of human nature without glossing it over, how life events affect thought patterns, building friendships, transformations and acceptance. It is a brutally blunt novel in some respects, yet one of hope. (less)

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Sep 10, 2012 David McMullen-Sullivan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Paulette has written a compelling story about the value of love, and how society often fails its brethren by persecuting what they do not understand. The concept of "the other" is, of course, a false premise because we are all one. But group think has maintained this myth even to this day. I thank Paulette for bringing light to a subject that is still shrouded in the darkness of malice

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Dec 07, 2012 Jessy (BookEnd 2 BookEnd) rated it 5 of 5 stars

To say that this book was amazing is an understatement. A friend of mine read it and raved about it and she said "Jess, you must read this and review it!'' Well without waiting for a reply from me she was so adamant I read this, she contacted the author and had her send me an email so that I could get this book read and reviewed. At this point it, I was very excited to read this book! When a friend is ranting and raving I can't help but get giddy about it too! It sat in my inbox for a few weeks...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-challenges, animals, author-review-requests, england, family, friendship, historical-fiction, i-own, sexuality, social-issues

This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on January 14, 2013.

Let me start off by saying that historical fiction isn't a genre I normally read much of as I find that at times the stories can be dry and more focused on the history than the story. In this case, it was reversed and I was pleasantly surprised.

There are a lot of historical events incorporated into this novel, like Oscar Wilde's imprisonment, sovereignty issues, and racism. They are incorporated in such a natural...more This review was originally posted on Melissa's Midnight Musings on January 14, 2013.

Let me start off by saying that historical fiction isn't a genre I normally read much of as I find that at times the stories can be dry and more focused on the history than the story. In this case, it was reversed and I was pleasantly surprised.

There are a lot of historical events incorporated into this novel, like Oscar Wilde's imprisonment, sovereignty issues, and racism. They are incorporated in such a natural way that you are immediately drawn into the story.

The story focuses on two women, Edra, and Mildred, who are cousins. They are also lovers. After hearing of the imprisonment of Oscar Wilde for gross indecency, they begin to fear that the true nature of their relationship will be, and they discovered and they will have to suffer the consequences of hateful prejudice. Mildred comes up with a plan to divert the towns attention from them, and begins courting a man named Charley, who has just lost his wife to illness.

Aside from the secret of Edra and Mildred's relationship, there is a lot of animosity toward Mildred, as she is very wealthy and has a hold in many of the major aspects of the town. There are many women who are jealous of her money, and put her down by talking about her looks and mannerisms.

The characters in this novel are all very realistic and approachable. It's very easy to be drawn in to their world. As you read, you find that they all have their own secrets to hide. This paints a somewhat bleak (on the part of the general population of the town) picture of the closed mindedness of the time.

Mildred and Edna's relationship is very sweet, and very simply portrayed. You can see how much they care for one another in the way that they speak to each other and always have each other's best interests at heart. They find it difficult to let people into their lives but they manage to let a few select people in who are very trustworthy.

One thing that I really enjoyed were the Oscar Wilde quotes at the beginning of the chapters. They were all relevant and fitting to the chapters themselves. There are also numerous mentions of several classic books. You have to love when an author can incorporate other great books into their work. I learned a lot about Oscar Wilde from reading this novel. Many of his quotes resonated with me, just because they are such common sense, and yet still so true.

Some of the plot points are easy to guess at, but you won't really mind because the rest of the story is easy to get swept up in.

This is a simple, yet powerful story about family, love, friendship and what it means to truly trust and care for those around you. I would recommend this to anyone who's hesitant to read historical fiction because it will pull you right in.

*I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.* (less)

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Jan 28, 2013 Lada Ray rated it 5 of 5 stars

Powerful Message!

Paulette Mahurin’s The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is an eye-opening book with a very powerful message and I read it with great interest.

First, an admission: I am a diligent history student because as the greats of old would tell you, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This is why all my books have a thoughtful and meticulous historical underpinning seamlessly worked into the narrative. Paulette Mahurin masterfully weaves into her book the historic...more Powerful Message!

Paulette Mahurin’s The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is an eye-opening book with a very powerful message and I read it with great interest.

First, an admission: I am a diligent history student because as the greats of old would tell you, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This is why all my books have a thoughtful and meticulous historical underpinning seamlessly worked into the narrative. Paulette Mahurin masterfully weaves into her book the historic references of the late 19th century. Oscar Wilde’s trial for gross indecency in Great Britain is the main reference throughout the book, but also mentioned are the controversial Dreyfus conviction for espionage in France, Booker T. Washington, The aggressive US Monroe Doctrine expansion to South America and as a mere wisp, prejudice against Jews in both Russia and USA.

All these historical acknowledgments are much more than mere nods to well known past events. They serve to bring the entire world into the small Nevada town, which is the center of book’s action, and they also serve to underline that prejudice, ignorance and small-mindedness have no borders and are equally suffocating and harmful whether they are directed against a famous writer, a simple woman, a race, a religion, or against entire nations. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and so, this small Nevada town gets involved in raging world affairs through telegrams received via local post office, while playing out their own quiet drama, where gossip and malicious persecution of someone different becomes a sport.

I was impressed by the character of Mildred Dunlap. She is hardly a good-looking woman, with money and a wonderful heart, who helps her neighbors financially despite being the subject of constant gossip and black envy throughout her uneasy life. Mildred allows herself only one indulgence – her long-time secret love affair with her female cousin Edra. But the aftershock of the Oscar Wilde conviction in Britain threatens to change the status quo as the two women start fearing that they may become the subject of persecution themselves. I found the book development done exceptionally well and I found myself rooting for Mildred.

The author is part of the medical profession and I was very impressed how accurately various medical conditions were worked into the story line and how much they enhanced the book. The shocking and memorable culmination of the story is also about a medically-related mistake costing someone their life – but no spoilers!

The story also underlines the karmic consequences of one’s actions as in the end everyone reaps what they’ve sawed! Highly recommended!
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Oct 23, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

It took me about 6 hours to read the whole book. Sweet is the best word I can use to describe it. :)

I loved the way that history was woven throughout the story. The hysterics surrounding Oscar Wilde's relationship with a man causes Mildred to create a relationship with a man that just lost his wife. Her lover and friend Edra has always relied on Mildred to take care of her and protect her.

Mildred is the richest way in town. This story explores same sex relationships and the historical persecutio...more

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Feb 01, 2013 Ed rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed every bit of this beautifully written tale. In particular, the author's apt descriptions of life in as it evolved in early settlement towns of the west. Many of the book's themes are relevant today, none the least, homosexuality. The love and commitment portrayed between Mildred and her cousin is such that ANYONE would be lucky to find today. I also enjoyed the contract between our own cutting edge medical treatment of today and that which our forefathers suffered with. This delightful...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Hillary rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

*I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads*

This is a beautifully written novel that had me hooked right at the beginning. Through wonderful characterization, Mahurin describes how intolerance, the fear of progression, and gossip can affect the lives of people in so many different ways. A great read.

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Jan 21, 2013 Michele rated it 5 of 5 stars

Enjoyed it ... Loved all the Oscar Wilde quotes

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Aug 03, 2012 Julie marked it as to-read

oooops i meant to put this in to read...i haven't read it yet

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May 20, 2013 Doublemk rated it 5 of 5 stars

I got this (Kindle) book because the advance promotions advised that it focused on Oscar Wilde. In attaining a Masters in English, much of my education centered on Victorian Literature; however, I learned very little about Oscar Wilde and his works, but knew him to be a (belatedly) well-respected English "Victorian" writer.

Ms. Mahurin's selection and incorporation of Wilde's quotes at the beginning of each chapter titillates the reader's imagination and invites the reader to continue. Initially...more

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May 08, 2013 Books rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed-2013

I won this book in a giveaway. It’s a good story with a constructive message about tolerance, acceptance, and the true worth of friendship. It’s an easy and relaxing read and the writing flows well, with a handful of interesting historical tidbits thrown into the mix for good measure. I agree with many of the positive views the author shares through characters such as Charley and Gus, and I especially concur on Gus’s view of the Bible and religion in general. To me, the discussions between Gus a...more I won this book in a giveaway. It’s a good story with a constructive message about tolerance, acceptance, and the true worth of friendship. It’s an easy and relaxing read and the writing flows well, with a handful of interesting historical tidbits thrown into the mix for good measure. I agree with many of the positive views the author shares through characters such as Charley and Gus, and I especially concur on Gus’s view of the Bible and religion in general. To me, the discussions between Gus and Charley were the memorable and most enjoyable parts of the story.

Some of the things I didn’t enjoy about this book is the overuse of the word “screaming”. I felt the actions described by this word would’ve had more of an impact if the same word wasn’t used repeatedly, but synonyms were used instead. It also bothered me that Josie and Mildred were such one-sided characters almost bordering on stereotypical; and Edra was way too melodramatic and immature – more than often annoyingly so - regardless of her past experiences. Personally, I think the author should’ve been more subtle about these characters’ actions and personalities and it would’ve still had the same effect instead of browbeating the reader with how good or how malicious they are. Subtlety is usually much more effective than loud, screechy meanness or syrupy humbleness. Almost everywhere in this novel the dialogue felt unnatural and forced. The story has so much potential and I think a professional editor can make a world of difference to this book.

Lastly, I simply can’t understand why the baby had to die. If Josie was the rotten apple in the community by being the one spreading rumors, why did Helena have to be punished? I didn’t get it. Also, who were the two brokers threatening Satchel? Why were they there and who sent them? Because I couldn’t find the answers to these questions, it sort of ruined the ending for me. This is really not a terrible book. I like the premise and enjoyed it somewhat, and I really liked Gus and Charley’s characters even though they weren’t the main characters. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is not a book I’ll highly recommend and I don’t think it will be to everyone’s taste, but if you’re a reader enjoying historical fiction or women’s literature, you might enjoy it a lot more than I did. It just wasn’t for me.
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Mar 29, 2013 Crystal Clifton rated it 5 of 5 stars

I can say I never expected to find this book so captivating, I never knew how hard homosexuality was back in the 1890s until I read Paulette's book. It made me cry, laugh and get angry. Homosexuality in those days was a crime and Mildred's story is one that everyone needs to read. As my mom said "It was profoundly heart wrenching and tremendously well written." This book is set in the time of Oscar Wilde's trial and conviction of his homosexuality. It was big news back in those days and a crime...more

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Mar 10, 2013 Ty Patterson rated it 5 of 5 stars

Prejudice lives with us, whether it is related to birth, gender, color, ethnicity, nativity, marriage, work, or any other reason out there. We have sent man to the Moon, missions to Mars, have a black President of the USA and yet we haven’t been able to root out prejudice.

How must then life have been for a woman in the 1800s? A woman who fell in love with another woman,in a small town in Nevada where everyone knows the other and gossip and scandal are its sole entertainment.

Mildred falls in love...more

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Mar 04, 2013 Vickie McKeehan rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap takes place in the small town of Red River Pass, Nevada, 1895. All her life Mildred has been an outcast, resigned to forever being an old maid. When love finally comes to Mildred it’s in the form of her cousin and best friend, Edra Fitzgerald. After the arrest of Oscar Wilde in England for gross indecency makes headlines around the world, Mildred and Edra must find a way to keep their relationship secret. Mildred comes up with a plan. She befriends the recent wi...more

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Feb 25, 2013 Wendy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Full marks to Paulette Mahurin for putting down her relative's important story. It is a very readable tale of small town prejudice but where it falls down is that the dialogue and sense of place are missing in their authenticity. The speeches are rather too modern-day and the book overall does not reflect enough of the morés of the late 19th century to give us a complete experience. I can see that the author has wanted to hurtle on to the action points in the story but it would have been an adva...more

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Feb 18, 2013 Angella Graff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ever since I did a book spotlight and interview with Paulette Mahurin, I've been dying to get my eyes on the pages of this book. Being the good book reviewer that I am, I do what I can to keep everyone in proper order, but from time to time, a book really nags at me to pick it up.

When it finally came time to pick this book up, I did so, with relish, and devoured every page. I will admit, when I read the description, A Woman's Brokeback Mountain, I was a little hesitant. In all honestly, I hated...more Ever since I did a book spotlight and interview with Paulette Mahurin, I've been dying to get my eyes on the pages of this book. Being the good book reviewer that I am, I do what I can to keep everyone in proper order, but from time to time, a book really nags at me to pick it up.

When it finally came time to pick this book up, I did so, with relish, and devoured every page. I will admit, when I read the description, A Woman's Brokeback Mountain, I was a little hesitant. In all honestly, I hated that story. It wasn't the topic, as anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge LBGTQ advocate, but honestly, the Brokeback story was so two-dimensional. I found that I didn't care about the characters and I so wanted to.

Luckily, with this book, I didn't have that problem. I immediately fell in love with Mildred and Ezra. Their characters were so well defined, different but worked so well together. The story itself rushed along, not because of the story's particular pacing, but because I didn't want to stop turning pages.

The book touches on a subject that was sensitive for the time-period, but also sensitive now. With phrases like "war on marriage" and "keeping marriage traditional", people tend to forget that there are actual human beings involved in this. People who just want to experience the same rights to love the people they love, regardless of sexual preference and gender.

This book does an amazing job of that. Of reminding us that people involved are human beings. They love and ache, hurt and bleed, they exist just as everyone exists.

I am happy to give this book a five of five stars. The writing is tight, if not a little sophomoric, but I found it fitting with the time period and the background of the characters. There wasn't much, if anything, that drew me out of the story, and frankly, it was just wonderful. Regardless of your genre preference, you should pick up this book. It's absolutely well worth it and I'm definitely looking forward to anything Paulette Mahurin puts out in the future.(less)

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Feb 15, 2013 M.C.V. Egan rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is a book that deserves much more that the five stars a reviewer is limited to give. In the acknowledgements Paulette Mahurin captures the reader and sets the tone with this thought provoking statement:
“…those silent voices that have perished at the hands of hatred, I am grateful for your lives. I have to wonder if I heard your agonized whispers in the middle of the night. Wake me up you did, to what it is to suffer at the hand of prejudice over the color of you...more

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Feb 10, 2013 Engelia rated it 3 of 5 stars

In 1895 there are several events occurring around the world. Perhaps one of the most prevalent events being the imprisonment of poet Oscar Wilde in Britain. Across the pond, in a small town in Nevada, Mildred Dunlap is trying to prevent a similar persecution.

Starting with the cover, author Paulette Mahurin sets the tone for the book. It's a story of fear, anxiety, intolerance and hope. Red River Pass is a town that lives through the daily telegrams delivered via Morse code to the telegram offic...more In 1895 there are several events occurring around the world. Perhaps one of the most prevalent events being the imprisonment of poet Oscar Wilde in Britain. Across the pond, in a small town in Nevada, Mildred Dunlap is trying to prevent a similar persecution.

Starting with the cover, author Paulette Mahurin sets the tone for the book. It's a story of fear, anxiety, intolerance and hope. Red River Pass is a town that lives through the daily telegrams delivered via Morse code to the telegram office. Messages that the local gossip, Josie, makes sure is distributed throughout Red River Pass. Known as the town benefactor, Mildred Dunlap does her best to steer clear of Josie and her gaggle of friends and for good reason.

On a sprawling ranch outside of town, Mildred lives with her cousin, Edra. As the town is whipped into a frenzy over the Wilde incident; Mildred hatches a plan that she believes will secure her and Edra's future. However, as with all best laid plans, things do not turn out as she expects them to.

I love the language used by Mahurin to describe the various locations and progress in the book. From the "nightime merged into a new day" to "the seeds that grow and inflate the smallest minds into giants..." the reader is left with a colorful description of the characters internal thoughts and how they relate to their surroundings. There are times when the wording used is not in line with the era. Such as, "grab a bite to eat" which lends itself to more of a modern tone.

I would have liked to have seen a little more tension at the beginning of the story. Based on the title, I half expected the book to open with a trial or persecution of sorts. Or to at least have one by page 80 or so. As I read the book, I found the word"persecution" to be more of a metaphor. That Mildred was almost persecuting herself as a result of her strong feelings and need to protect Edra.

Edra is a character that gives the story an increased sense of uncertainty. A survivor of a horrible incident as a child, Edra still harbors some of that pain and insecurities. As a result, she often reacts to Mildred's actions brashly and is someone that the reader feels sorry for.

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is a book that clearly highlights the history of discrimination and the intolerance and ignorance of those around us. It resonated with me how we must be aware orfand respectful of those that are different or select an alternative lifestyle. At the end of the day, it really is none of our business and as long as they are happy and not hurting anyone: Does it matter?
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Feb 09, 2013 Sheila rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cultural, current_issues, historical, relationships, spiritual

When Oscar Wilde was imprisoned, the gossips imprisoned within their own thoughts delighted in his every suffering. But there on the outskirts of a small American town, a wonderful woman called Mildred Dunlap lives alone with her sweet cousin Edra and only one bed. Generous to a fault, willing to help anyone no matter how little they think of her, Mildred suddenly fears what the townsfolk might do, and looks for a plan to hide her life’s “indiscretions” from public view.

Author Paulette Mahurin r...more

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Feb 08, 2013 J.C. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Book Review: The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, Paulette Mahurin
by Julie Catherine / J C Edwards

I loved this book, and as I read, had difficulty believing this is Paulette Mahurin's debut novel because of the maturity of the writing and the way the story flowed so easily from beginning to end. I was intrigued by the book description and delighted when I won an ebook copy during a blog tour of Paulette's The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap.

This book is about two women, Mildred and Edra, who are cou...more Book Review: The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, Paulette Mahurin
by Julie Catherine / J C Edwards

I loved this book, and as I read, had difficulty believing this is Paulette Mahurin's debut novel because of the maturity of the writing and the way the story flowed so easily from beginning to end. I was intrigued by the book description and delighted when I won an ebook copy during a blog tour of Paulette's The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap.

This book is about two women, Mildred and Edra, who are cousins and lovers living in a small Nevada town in 1895 and the impact on their small-minded community of the news of Oscar Wilde, who was tried and convicted for gross indecency under Britain's recently passed law that made sex between males a criminal offense. It's also a story of prejudice and intolerance against any form or display of individualism in personality, appearance or lifestyle, and the painful persecution of and fear instilled in those who lived outside the 'norm' of acceptable societal values of the time.

Paulette's writing style emphasizes the hypocrisy of the town's leading citizens compared to the lives and relationship of Mildred and Edra, who simply want to live a happy, loving life together. I found myself drawn into the characters of the book, into their lives and rooting for Mildred¬ eventually being won over by Charley and Gus as well. Paulette took me on an emotional roller coaster of feelings: compassion, anger, sorrow, anxiety and indignation; and in the end, the satisfaction of knowing that love and friendship can bring great strength and healing.

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap invites us to question our own core values, to search our deepest, darkest places where intolerance and prejudice may take root and color the way we see and treat others different from ourselves. It imprints on our minds and souls the wounds inflicted on those of different faiths, cultures, social standing and personal belief systems; and invites us to celebrate our diversities and honor each other as unique individuals.

The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is a wonderful book that asks us to open our eyes, our minds and our hearts, and is well-deserving of its critical acclaim and a 5-Star Rating.

All profits from Paulette Mahurin's book are going to Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, the first and only no-kill shelter in Ventura County, CA. For further information please contact the author on Facebook.
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Jan 29, 2013 J.K. Accinni rated it 5 of 5 stars

Delicate and lovely are not words one would normally find associated with subjects as controversial and hatefilled as bigotry, character assination and homosexuality. But I found this book to be just that. The writer so deftly wove her tale of a reviled woman in a close commuinity pre- emancipation, pre-enlightenment, very pre- political correctness. The plot centers around a human female viper that exerts a power over the town; evil and strong enough to to destroy lives and her number one targe...more

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Jan 24, 2013 Uzoma rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Oscar Wilde is sentenced for “gross indecency,” the news spreads like a wild fire across the globe. Upon reaching Red River Pass, it throws the small Nevada town into pandemonium and restlessness. Hateful prejudice and abuse is the common response for this recently criminalized act, and sets the tone for activities in the coming week.

In Mauhrin’s debut novel, we are introduced to several intriguing characters and how their lives are affected by the news of this same sex relationship. As if...more When Oscar Wilde is sentenced for “gross indecency,” the news spreads like a wild fire across the globe. Upon reaching Red River Pass, it throws the small Nevada town into pandemonium and restlessness. Hateful prejudice and abuse is the common response for this recently criminalized act, and sets the tone for activities in the coming week.

In Mauhrin’s debut novel, we are introduced to several intriguing characters and how their lives are affected by the news of this same sex relationship. As if this seemingly forbidden act wasn’t present in the town, we find in Mildred and her cousin Edra, a lesbian couple who tries their best to keep their relationship a secret. But then in Red River Pass, gossip sells.

Admitting that they are not immune from suspicion, Mildred comes up with a plan. She tries to court Charley, a widower, with the hope of turning away public eye from her and her partner. At first this seems like a perfect plan but it soon creates a chain of mind-gripping events that sets up a very realistic ending.

As a reader and aspiring writer, I am attracted to Mauhrin’s style of writing. She writes sensibly and sensitively…strong on description, mood and setting. Her intelligent use of time (as this pertains to historical fiction) is worthy of emulation. During this period of Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment, she incorporates other historical issues like sovereignty and racism into her story. This helps to create an atmosphere that really dates back in time. The quotes of Oscar Wilde at the start of each chapter are well chosen. In fact, I consider them to be sweet preludes. One can’t go through the book without taking note of the emotions (greed, anger, malice, jealousy, and love) and behaviour of the characters in her book. They are all believable and memorable. Also, the dialogues throughout the book are in no way disappointing.

Even if you are not into historical fiction, I bet you’ll still find this book worth the while. Within the story is an important lesson about cultivating good friendship, tolerance, and love.
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Jan 22, 2013 Yves Fey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Told with an elegant, stripped down simplicity, this story of abiding love and newly discovered friendships is deeply moving. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin, depicts a small town in Nevada in the year 1895, shaken by events far beyond its borders and stirred up by malicious hypocrisy and bigotry. The chapters are graced with a quote by Oscar Wilde, and his trial and imprisonment is the main historic event that mirrors the conflicts within Mildred Dunlap’s town of Red River...more

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About Paulette Mahurin

Paulette Mahurin is a nurse practitioner, specializing in women's health in a rural clinic in where she lives with her husband and two rescued dogs. She also taught in several college level nursing programs, including UCLA, where she holds a Master's Degree in Nursing from their nurse practitioner program. Her two passions are writing and rescuing dogs.While in college she wrote and published two...more

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“God gave you brain, Charley. If you're using it then that's a gift from him. Not for someone else to determine for you what's right and wrong. Twenty people read the Bible and each has a different interpretation. More wars fought and blood shed over religion than anything else. That should tell you something. No clear right or wrong about anything. That's how I see it.” — 5 people liked it

“That's why I read so much. A book isn't going to hurt me. A book isn't going to form some opinion about me that could wreck my life. I learn about so many new and great things from reading. I keep to myself with a good book and a shot of whiskey and I'm right with the world.” — 3 people liked it

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