Wissahickon Souls

by P.J. Devlin

Wissahickon Souls: A Wissahickon Creek Story, is historical fiction set in the Philadelphia area in the early 19th century, and is a story of love, regret and reconciliation. The story follows the life of Claire Penniman, a free black woman born to free black parents in Philadelphia. Claire is indentured to Wissahickon Farm at the age of 6 in order to receive an education. Claire is an unlikely but highly likable heroine, and the reader joins her on her journey toward adulthood against the alternating backdrops of Philadelphia, a rural farm, and Haiti, as each location becomes almost another character in the story. Claire’s story fills a gap in American memory that marginalizes 19th century African American lives. This novel will appeal to readers who love to enter a time and place where they walk alongside characters they get to know as friends. Though Claire’s world defines a person by the color of his or her skin, Claire’s destiny is to bear witness to the truth that illuminates the color of souls.

Genres: Historical Fiction

356 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

After a civilian career with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, PJ Devlin decided to pursue an MFA in Fiction from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, where she studied with Susan Shreve, Alan Cheuse and Courtney Brkic. Devlin tells stories about relationships. Her characters meet at the intersection of acceptance and rejection and their choices impel them to understand what it means to be human. Whether writing of a witch, a dwarf, an elderly woman, or a black indentured servant, Devlin’s characters exist in the Philadelphia of her birth and share her love of the Wissahickon Creek.

PJ’s short stories have been published in print and on-line. “The Witch” may be found in Rose Red Review. “The Decline and Fall” was runner up in Saturday Evening Post 2013 Great American Fiction contest.

Reviews

[Debbie Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

[R Mccorry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read! I felt transported to the time and place through the author’s use of imagery and character development. I read this book for my book group and, as well as being loved by all in my group, the characters and their lives, passions and struggles provided a an excellent forum for discussion. I highly recommend this book!!

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like nothing you've read before...and that's a good thing. Devlin's evocation of place is so strong, even when her settings are as different as the Wissahickon Creek in Pennsylvania (a place I never knew I longed to be) and Haiti. I could taste the oranges and mangos! I liked the use of animal characters too.

Devlin's heroine is also one-of-a-kind, strong but not in an annoying "I've been dropped in from the 21st-century" kind of way. I'll never forget Claire Penniman. Bravissima.

A few things prevented this from being a 5-star read for me. Some are a matter of taste, such as the head-hopping. I would have preferred more of Anna and Lawrence's POVs or none at all. The transitions between chapters often felt jarring. A certain character's downward spiral happens mostly off-screen, so I didn't find it entirely convincing, and this person's final fate seems to be drawn out of a hat, it's so unprecedented.

Nevertheless, the ending was satisfying. I'm glad I spent several hours in these characters' company, and I shall miss them, especially Claire.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story very much. Realistic, historical fiction is not usually a passion of mine, but I would recommend this to friends. I felt the pacing was stilted at times, and I did rush through the end, which was not as sweet as I'd hoped.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a story, it was easy to read and entertaining. The historical perspective was interesting, and I appreciated reading about an area close to home...but I struggle with heavy-handed stories.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 1% er for sure ! Few books are truly worth 5 stars

Excellent story and superb cast of characters! A First rate tale of early 1800s in Pennsylvania and Haiti. Good stuff!

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, beautiful book! A must read from this author!! Very well written.

[Staci Suhy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i received this book for free as part of a first reads promotion