The Moonlight School

Title: The Moonlight School

Author:

Publisher: Revell

Publication date: February 2, 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction; Christian Fiction

Synopsis: 

Haunted by her sister's mysterious disappearance, Lucy Wilson arrives in Rowan County, Kentucky, in the spring of 1911 to work for Cora Wilson Stewart, superintendent of education. When Cora sends Lucy into the hills to act as scribe for the mountain people, she is repelled by the primitive conditions and intellectual poverty she encounters. Few adults can read and write.

Born in those hills, Cora knows the plague of illiteracy. So does Brother Wyatt, a singing schoolmaster who travels through the hills. Involving Lucy and Wyatt, Cora hatches a plan to open the schoolhouses to adults on moonlit nights. The best way to combat poverty, she believes, is to eliminate illiteracy. But will the people come?

As Lucy emerges from a life in the shadows, she finds purpose; or maybe purpose finds her. With purpose comes answers to her questions, and something else she hadn't expected: love.

Inspired by the true events of the Moonlight Schools, this standalone novel from bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher brings to life the story that shocked the nation into taking adult literacy seriously. You'll finish the last page of this enthralling story with deep gratitude for the gift of reading.

My Review:

I absolutely loved this story! I loved that it is based on the true story of Cora Wilson Stewart, who started the "Moonlight Schools" in September of 1911. Her goal was to teach illiterate and semi-literate adults how to read. These mountain people were being taken advantage of because of their lack of education. They would have to sign contracts that they could not read. Cora's mission to help these adults would change their lives and the lives of future generations.

Lucy is pretty much all of us. We take what we know for granted until confronted with a situation that challenges our thinking. Lucy is from a wealthy family and when she encounters the mountain people she is appalled by their living conditions and lack of education. She is quick (just like we are) to draw conclusions without all the information. Lucy was ignorant of poverty until she saw it first hand, she couldn't imagine adults not knowing how to read, or parents not sending their children to school. Lucy did not understand that not all parents can afford to let their kids go to school because they are needed more at home. 

As Lucy and Wyatt visit with the mountain people, gaining their stories, understanding their conditions, it turns into soul-seeking mission for Lucy. She must confront what she has always believed by what is right in front of her. As time passes Lucy really begins to understand and admire Cora's passion for the mountain people and their education.

There is quite a bit going on in this multi-layered story. There are several  surprises and quite a few tender moments. Fisher's writing is engaging, the characters are real, and I had a hard time putting down this fantastic book. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Historical Fiction! 

Thank you to Net Galley and Revell for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review, but am happy to do so. All thoughts and opinions are my own.