Lamb in His Bosom

Caroline Miller informs her readers about the people and life of the back woods of rural Georgia during the ante-bellum period of the US.  More than that though, she teaches her readers about human endurance, suffering, hope, and constancy.  We follow Cean--as mother, wife, daughter, and sister--through her struggles to become a woman she can look in the mirror and be proud of.  She is a true Stoic and a likable one. 

How to be a good Stoic (from Richard Walsh): 

According Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, 

to be a Stoic, you should begin the morning by saying the following to yourself.  

1. Be grateful.

2. Be a Roman.

3. Trust Providence.

4. Know your place.

5. Control your mind.

6. Remember that you are worth only as much as those things you busy yourself with.

7. Live over your troubles.

8. Don'ts whine.

9. Don't think you're special.

10. Live today as not to be ashamed when you face the mirror tomorrow.

Back to Cean...Despite her hardships and disappointments, Cean self-actualizes, growing more confident, competent, and beautiful. The first half of the novel paces more slowly, leisurely letting us get to know the families and their situations.  The second half narrates more drama and culminates with a perspective while not totally unexpectedly, certainly intriguing.