Review - The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin

Title and Author: The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap by Paulette Mahurin
Publisher:
Publication Date: January 1st, 2012

Paperback/Hardcover: 2012

Genre: Historical,

Find it at: Goodreads /

Summary:
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 Britain’s recently passed law that made sex between males a criminal offense. When news of Wilde’s conviction went out over telegraphs worldwide, it threw a small Nevada town into chaos. This is the story of what happened when the lives of its citizens were impacted by the news of Oscar Wilde’s imprisonment. It is a chronicle of hatred and prejudice with all its unintended and devastating consequences, and how love and friendship bring strength and healing.

Review: 

I have received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.

In 1985 Oscar Wilde was tried and convicted for gross indecency under Britain’s recently passed law that made sex between males a criminal offense. When that news reaches a small town in Nevada, chaos erupts.

In this book we meet several characters from a small town in Nevada. These are all very interesting and intriguing characters and the story revolves around them and the prejudices they held on to. The events of this book happen in 1895, the year when Oscar Wilde is found guilty and sent to jail for gross indecency, that is, for being caught with another man. As that news reaches the town it reacts and the readers get to know Mildred Dunlap, Edra and Charley and join them in their attempts to go on with their lives even when they are being persecuted because of their actions and choices.

The historical atmosphere is very well-written and allows the story to unfold perfectly. As you might have guessed the book is about gossip and prejudice against same sex relationships and the persecution of people who engaged in them.

I think the author did a great job telling a story about hatred and intolerance and how those feelings affect the people they target.

There’s a great message in this book: tolerance is needed and friendships should be cultivated and kept.

All in all, I really enjoyed this story and thought the stories about the people in town were very interesting. This is well-written story about an important topic with good characters, some of whom you would like and others not so much.

This is a story about intolerance and prejudice that I think any historical fan might enjoy. 

Rating: Worth Your Time (4 Stars)