In the Hope of Rising Again, is a book that takes place in Mobile Alabama from the time of the American Civil War up until the 1930s. We are introduced to a Regina Riant, who is the fifth child born to a well off Confederate veteran who survived the war. She is her father's favorite child and he spoils her all that he can. She gets a good education and is pampered along the way.
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The book begins in 1919 when Regina marries a lumber business professional Mr Marrow, soon after her loving father's death. At this time the newlywed couple move from the city of Mobile Alabama to a rural town a 100 miles away so that Regina's husband can sell some of his lumber business and after which buy a plot of land in Mobile and build a new dream home. During this time Regina grow tired and bored. She wants the attention of her husband, but he is often indulged in his work.
During these long days of boredom and frustration Regina become pregnant and to ease her mundane life she sends for her family maid, a black woman Camilla. With Camilla by her side this helps Regina pass the long days with a companion. Regina eventually has had enough and she decides to move back to her estate in Mobile.
The novel at this time backtracks through time and we get a better glimpse of who her father was and how she was raised. Her father served as a Confederate lieutenant, but after the war the townspeople refer to him as 'The Colonel'. After the war he became wealthy as the owner of the cities newspaper. He was a kind man who treated all people with respect, but he had a special love for Regina who was his only daughter of of 5 children.
The underlining theme of the novel is how during this time woman were reliant upon their men if be their dad's or their husbands. Regina will find out throughout the novel that she must become more dependent upon herself and face life alone.
Best part of story, including ending:
he book portrays the events of an unhappy family. This can be good in someways as it adds drama, but also can be at times sad.
Best scene in story:
The time when her alcoholic brothers take what is left with the families fortune.
Opinion about the main character:
Regina is a likable woman who had difficulties in life. She is a woman with whom many can relate with.
