The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Moonlight School by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Series: A Standalone
Publisher: Revel (February 2, 2021)

Review by Mae Clair

I have a fondness for stories set in Appalachia. The setting is always so rich and the characters wonderfully authentic. In this case, the year—1911—adds to the vibrancy of the novel. I was unfamiliar with Cora Wilson Stewart prior to reading this book but am now enamored of this woman who made it her mission to bring adult literacy to the backwoods of Kentucky and beyond.

In this fictional account, woven with fact, Cora’s cousin, Lucy—a young woman of pampering and privilege—agrees to spend six months as Cora’s assistant, unaware of the poverty and hardscrabble conditions she’ll encounter. The bulk of the story, while purely fictional, easily steals the heart of the reader, especially with its colorful assortment of characters.

From Brother Wyatt, a singing school master, to Finley James, a young man unconvinced education is for him, and Angie Cooper, a mountain girl determined to help educate others—even Mollie McGlothin, an elderly woman who knows the history of the surrounding hollers better than any other, and Andrew Spencer, a slick-talking lumber man—the lives of each individual effortlessly sweeps the reader into the pages.

As the pivotal character who experiences growth and an awakening, Lucy is a heroine you can’t help cheering for. She comes to love the hollers, folklore, and customs that initially appall her.

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“Just remind them we are kin.” Cora smiled. “That should take care of any general suspicion when they find a pretty young woman at their door. Oh, and don’t be surprised how many people don’t know how to read but won’t admit it. You’ll have to find out without offending them.”

“Oh, that should be easy,” Lucy said. “Trying not to offend a moonshiner toting a loaded shotgun.”

The Moonlight School, Suzanne Woods Fisher

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I loved seeing Lucy go from meek and mild to strong and opinionated, standing up for what she believes is right and championing others. She starts the book in a dark place due to personal loss. Seeing that plot thread come to a resolution is satisfying in a way I didn’t expect. One that made me question what I would do if confronted with a similar circumstance.

Cora’s defining moment is in creating “moonlight schools”—teaching geared toward illiterate adults, held in the evenings. An idea initially met with resistance, but beautifully realized. There is a moment at the end that brought tears to my eyes.

This is a book rich in culture, history, and the ways of the heart. Most of all, the characters will stick with you long after you close the cover. I grew especially fond of Brother Wyatt, but knowing there was a woman like Cora Wilson Stewart made me appreciate the callings many are born to embrace.

I give The Moonlight School five fabulous fish!

I purchased the paperback version of The Moonlight School from my local bookstore.