Virgilia or, out of the Lion's Mouth By: Felicia Buttz Clark (1862-)
Virgilia or, out of the Lion's Mouth by Felicia Buttz Clark is a mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a tumultuous period in American history. Set during the Civil War, Clark's vivid descriptions and extensive research create an authentic backdrop for this emotionally charged narrative. The story revolves around the life of the eponymous protagonist, Virgilia, a young woman who finds herself torn between her loyalties to her Southern heritage and her growing empathy for the suffering caused by the war. Raised in a privileged plantation family in Virginia, Virgilia's world is turned upside down when Union forces invade her town, leaving her family devastated and their way of life shattered. What sets this book apart is Clark's remarkable ability to delve into the complexities of human nature. Virgilia's internal struggle as she witnesses the horrors and injustices of war is palpable throughout the story. Her transition from a sheltered, naïve young woman to a fiercely independent and compassionate individual is a captivating journey to follow. Clark's meticulously researched historical background allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the era. From detailed accounts of battlefields to the societal norms of the time, each element is woven seamlessly into the narrative. The book also provides a balanced perspective, offering glimpses into the lives of individuals from both sides of the conflict, ultimately emphasizing the shared humanity that underlies all human struggles. The emotions evoked by the characters are remarkably raw and relatable, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fates. Virgilia, in particular, displays a strength and resilience that inspire admiration and empathy. Her transformation is accompanied by a profound sense of loss, sacrifice, and redemption, beautifully capturing the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome adversity. Furthermore, the book's pacing is masterfully executed, seamlessly blending moments of heart-pounding action with introspective passages that allow for deeper reflection. The plot is artfully constructed, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is evident that Clark has a profound understanding of storytelling, effortlessly manipulating tension and suspense to keep the narrative engaging from start to finish. Virgilia or, out of the Lion's Mouth is an emotional rollercoaster, gripping readers from the first page until the very end. Felicia Buttz Clark's nuanced portrayal of a young woman's journey through the Civil War is an outstanding achievement in historical fiction. With its richly developed characters, well-researched setting, and expert storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive, thought-provoking, and unforgettable reading experience. First Page: VIRGILIA or OUT OF THE LION'S MOUTH By FELICIA BUTTZ CLARK 1917 CONTENTS CHAPTER I. A confession of faith CHAPTER II. The "Little Fish" CHAPTER III. The hymn of the water carrier CHAPTER IV. The inner shrine of Jupiter CHAPTER V. The Old One speaks CHAPTER VI. The Feast of Grapes CHAPTER VII. Enter, Lycias, the gladiator CHAPTER VIII. The symbol of the lizard I. A CONFESSION OF FAITH. The Circus in Rome was thronged with an enormous crowd of persons on a day in June, about two thousand years ago. One hundred thousand men and women sat on its tiers of white marble seats, under the open sky and witnessed a gladiatorial contest in the arena, beneath. At the western end of the oval amphitheatre was the Emperor's box, flanked with tall Corinthian pillars, on which were hung the coat of arms of the Roman people. Here sat one of the most cruel emperors Rome has ever suffered under. His cloak was royal purple, and was thrown carelessly back, on this warm June afternoon, to disclose a white tunic, embroidered in scarlet. Beside him were several ladies, elaborately gowned in the manner of the day, with hair dressed high, studded with jewels brought from Oriental lands, while their necks and arms were loaded with strings of pearls and emeralds, armlets of tawny gold in Etruscan designs, in which were set cameos of extraordinary delicacy and diamonds, only partially polished, as large as the half of a hen's egg... Continue reading book >>

Virgilia or, out of the Lion's Mouth By: Felicia Buttz Clark (1862-)

Virgilia or, out of the Lion's Mouth by Felicia Buttz Clark is a mesmerizing tale that transports readers to a tumultuous period in American history. Set during the Civil War, Clark's vivid descriptions and extensive research create an authentic backdrop for this emotionally charged narrative.

The story revolves around the life of the eponymous protagonist, Virgilia, a young woman who finds herself torn between her loyalties to her Southern heritage and her growing empathy for the suffering caused by the war. Raised in a privileged plantation family in Virginia, Virgilia's world is turned upside down when Union forces invade her town, leaving her family devastated and their way of life shattered.

What sets this book apart is Clark's remarkable ability to delve into the complexities of human nature. Virgilia's internal struggle as she witnesses the horrors and injustices of war is palpable throughout the story. Her transition from a sheltered, naïve young woman to a fiercely independent and compassionate individual is a captivating journey to follow.

Clark's meticulously researched historical background allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the era. From detailed accounts of battlefields to the societal norms of the time, each element is woven seamlessly into the narrative. The book also provides a balanced perspective, offering glimpses into the lives of individuals from both sides of the conflict, ultimately emphasizing the shared humanity that underlies all human struggles.

The emotions evoked by the characters are remarkably raw and relatable, making it impossible not to become emotionally invested in their fates. Virgilia, in particular, displays a strength and resilience that inspire admiration and empathy. Her transformation is accompanied by a profound sense of loss, sacrifice, and redemption, beautifully capturing the human spirit's capacity to endure and overcome adversity.

Furthermore, the book's pacing is masterfully executed, seamlessly blending moments of heart-pounding action with introspective passages that allow for deeper reflection. The plot is artfully constructed, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. It is evident that Clark has a profound understanding of storytelling, effortlessly manipulating tension and suspense to keep the narrative engaging from start to finish.

Virgilia or, out of the Lion's Mouth is an emotional rollercoaster, gripping readers from the first page until the very end. Felicia Buttz Clark's nuanced portrayal of a young woman's journey through the Civil War is an outstanding achievement in historical fiction. With its richly developed characters, well-researched setting, and expert storytelling, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive, thought-provoking, and unforgettable reading experience.

First Page:

VIRGILIA

OUT OF THE LION'S MOUTH

FELICIA BUTTZ CLARK

1917

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I. A confession of faith

CHAPTER II. The "Little Fish"

CHAPTER III. The hymn of the water carrier

CHAPTER IV. The inner shrine of Jupiter

CHAPTER V. The Old One speaks

CHAPTER VI. The Feast of Grapes

CHAPTER VII. Enter, Lycias, the gladiator

CHAPTER VIII. The symbol of the lizard

A CONFESSION OF FAITH.

The Circus in Rome was thronged with an enormous crowd of persons on a day in June, about two thousand years ago. One hundred thousand men and women sat on its tiers of white marble seats, under the open sky and witnessed a gladiatorial contest in the arena, beneath.

At the western end of the oval amphitheatre was the Emperor's box, flanked with tall Corinthian pillars, on which were hung the coat of arms of the Roman people. Here sat one of the most cruel emperors Rome has ever suffered under. His cloak was royal purple, and was thrown carelessly back, on this warm June afternoon, to disclose a white tunic, embroidered in scarlet.

Beside him were several ladies, elaborately gowned in the manner of the day, with hair dressed high, studded with jewels brought from Oriental lands, while their necks and arms were loaded with strings of pearls and emeralds, armlets of tawny gold in Etruscan designs, in which were set cameos of extraordinary delicacy and diamonds, only partially polished, as large as the half of a hen's egg... Continue reading book >>

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