Widow's War - Bev Russell, Library Director
(This column appeared in the April 29, 2007, Star-Herald)
"The Widow’s War" by Sally Gunning is a wonderfully written and well-researched historical novel and a page-turner to boot. I expected to enjoy this book, but I did not know that I would not be able to put it down. The book is set in 1761 in a small village along the coast of Cape Cod. It tells the story of Lyddia Berry, a widow struggling against the restrictions of her society.
When Lyddia Berry’s husband Edward dies in a whaling accident, Widow Berry is in for a rude awakening. The legal rights of a widow in 18th century New England were almost non-existent. Given little time to grieve, Lyddia is ousted from her house and forced to live with her daughter and son-in-law as required by law. Edward left Lyddie the "standard widow’s third"—"a third of either the physical property itself or a third of the interest result from its sale." Son-in-law Nathan Clarke is a crass man, more interested in money than in Lyddie. Giving her no time to grieve her loss, he insists she sell her house immediately and makes arrangements for its sale. Edward Berry thought he was providing for his wife’s security by leaving her a widow’s share; however, Lyddie feels more like an interloper in the Clarke household and comes to despise her son-in-law’s bullying as well as his insensitivity to his wife and children. Going against the norms of her society, Lyddie decides to return to her home and inhabit one-third of her house. Then she must find a way to survive on her own without any aid of her irate son-in-law.
"The Widow’s War" is a novel that can be read on many different levels. One level addresses the legal standing of women in 18th century New England. Another is the power of political ideas, which during this era in American history focused on the rights of man (inalienable human rights). A final level considers the racism that is endemic in American society.
In 18th Century New England Lyddia Berry was really just an extension of her husband. She had no legal standing of her own. Upon Edward’s death she became subject to the whims of her son-in-law. Because she was a strong-willed woman, she demanded her only legal right—her one-third share of her husband’s property. She insisted upon returning to her home, which alienated her from neighbors.
On a second level, the book sheds light on power of political ideas during the American Revolutionary Era. Ebenezer Freeman, Lyddie’s lawyer, exposed her to the powerful ideas of James Otis. Otis railed against the despised Trade Acts, which England had imposed on the colonies. He spoke of the fundamental rights of man (and woman). The power of his beliefs influenced Lyddie to demand her own fundamental rights.
On a final level, the story focuses on racial prejudice. Ostracized by her neighbors, Lyddie seeks friendship from an Indian couple Sam and Rebecca Cowett. The Cowetts had attempted to assimilate with the dominant white culture. Furthermore, Edward Berry considered Sam a good friend. Upon Rebecca Cowett’s death Lyddie and Sam became lovers. Although their relationship was clandestine, the community became scandalized by their friendship. Could she overcome society's condemnation of their relationship, publicly acknowledge Sam and become the white wife of an Indian man? Lyddie must face her own prejudice.
"The Widow’s War" is historical fiction at its finest. The austere language and vivid descriptions place the reader squarely in a cold, 1761 New England winter. The book is also an extraordinary story. It is about love, loss, and survival and about a strong woman who finds her way in a complex situation. "The Widow’s War" by Sally Gunning is well-worth reading.
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