Reader Reviews

“Rachel’s Search by Oscar Patton is a historical novel about life in a small Georgia town in 1915. Told through the eyes of a young female journalist raised in Boston it paints a picture of a close community of farmers, tenant farmers and business owners.

The KKK had essentially been erradicated in 1870 and declared a terrorist organization by the Federal Government. In 1915 it begins to make a comeback based on lies about it’s true ideology. Claiming to be a “religious” organization similar to Free Masons (a blatant lie) it states it is being formed to protect women, stop bootlegging (prohibition was in full force), provide spiritual guidance and for the betterment of society.

Before the KKK takes hold Satilla County is a community where the black and white citizens have a comfortable relationship with each other. Although they are “separate but equal” there is friendly interaction between everyone in society no matter what race or social standing a person comes from. Once the KKK takes hold that disappears and trust erodes.

Rachel is journalist and an outsider. When she starts writing editorials condemning the klan and everything it stands for she is threatened. Through her eyes the reader sees the erosion of trust and friendships. Life becomes precarious for the black community and those in the white community who refuse to be a part of a racist organization clearly run by bullies, deviants and elitists. During this time Rachel’s best friend Eve disappears without a trace. With time ticking Rachel and the rest of the community begin to search for the missing woman.

I enjoyed this book. I didn’t know the klan had been erradicated and made a resurgence in the early 1900’s. The storyline is really well developed and movies along effortlessly. The author exposes the true nature of the klan and it’s destructive influence on a community that had been living in peace with each other. He points out that those who are die hard klan members are what Hillary called “a basket of deplorables.” (I will clarify I disagree with her use of it to describe Trump supporters but it is a true description of the klan.)

Character development is well done. Rachel comes across as a smart and capable woman. I’m sure she is the image of many women of her time in the suffragette movement. This is really her story so the fact that other characters are not as well developed does nothing to take away from the story.

I recommend this book. There is history that I believe most people are unaware of. It also gives the reader a glimpse inside the klan and shows what leverage they use to recruit members. Seeing the changes that happen in a small Georgia town once the klan starts to take hold was eye opening and informative.“ – Seraphina, Reviewer