The Tall Woman

by Wilma Dykeman

Book Overview

Now in its 41st printing, this classic novel, set during and after the divided loyalties of the Civil War in the Southern mountains, describes Lydia McQueen's efforts to overcome grave challenges, live her best life, and bring a school to her community. This quest involves the challenges of the natural world and is entangled with the desires and ambitions of all the novel's diverse characters - including a clan of outcasts - and promises to resolve...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 096138591X
• ISBN13: 9780961385910
• Release Date: July 2024
• Publisher: Wakestone Books
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

a moving tribute

I absolutely loved this book! I was so inspired by Lydia that I didn't want the book to end. She was truly a modern woman living in a past time. She did the best she could do with what she had; loved, lost, and went on, trying to make her small world a better place. Indeed, I felt a better person for having known her.

My Favorite

A magnificent view of life in the beautiful mountains of Appalachia after the Civil War. If you love to read about strong women the likes of those who made this country what it is then you must not miss this book. I'm so thankful my mother steered me to read what has become my all time favorite!

Great Literary Masterpiece

As an English major, I have read hundreds of books throughout my four years of college. This is, without a doubt, the one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Dykeman's portrayal of post-war Appalachia is accurate and moving. The McQueen's struggles in putting their lives back together provide a realistic portrait of the horrors and suffering of the South after the Civil War. This is a MUST READ book.

Wonderful. Cuts through stereotypes of Appalachian women.

Hurray for Wilma Dykeman! This book cuts through all the old stereotypes of Southern Appalachian women and life. She gives grace and respectability to women of the mountains. I put off reading this book for years, and now can't believe I did. Although written about a woman during Civil War times, the story has meaning and impact for women today. Today's modern working mom can take heart in knowing that her sacrifices and hard work may not go unnoticed in the end. The historical content of the book, although not the main focus, is thought provoking. The story flowed easily. Lydia McQueen will leave a mark on your heart for the unsung heroes the world over. A must read!!

Great book: Cold Mountain from a woman's perspective

This is a great book!!!! It's wonderfully written, and the current popularity of Cold Mountain may help steer readers toward The Tall Woman. Like Cold Mountain, The Tall Woman takes place at the time of the Civil War. Lydia McQueen's husband leaves home, and she's left to struggle for family and community. Read this book!!!!!