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Cover of Tar and feathers : $b An entrancing post-war romance in which the Ku Klux Klan, its principles and activities figure prominently, based on fact

Tar and feathers : $b An entrancing post-war romance in which the Ku Klux Klan, its principles and activities figure prominently, based on fact

Written by Victor Rubin

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About this book

"Tar and Feathers" by Victor Rubin is a historical romance novel written in the early 20th century. The book addresses themes of racial and religious intolerance in post-World War I America, exploring the complexities of identity and prejudice through the experiences of its main character, Robert Hamilton. As he grapples with his beliefs against a backdrop of the Ku Klux Klan's activities, the narrative delves into the challenges of overcoming ingrained biases. The opening of the novel sets the scene on November 11, 1918, capturing the chaos and exuberance in Paris following the signing of the armistice. Robert Hamilton, a wounded American soldier, wakes up in a hospital to find out that he was rescued by a black soldier and a Jewish doctor, very much against the societal views of his Southern upbringing. As he navigates his recovery, Hamilton is confronted with his own deep-seated prejudices, particularly in his reactions to his saviors and the compassion shown by the nurse, Dorothy Meadows. Their interactions lead to a complicated emotional journey for Hamilton, steeped in struggle between societal expectations and personal growth, which promises to evolve as the story unfolds.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Tar and feathers : $b An entrancing post-war romance in which the Ku Klux Klan, its principles and activities figure prominently, based on fact, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • conflicted
  • historical
  • introspective

Victor Rubin's "Tar and Feathers" is an early 20th-century historical romance set in post-World War I America, grappling with pervasive racial and religious intolerance. The narrative follows Robert Hamilton, a Southern soldier recovering from war wounds, as he confronts his ingrained prejudices after being saved by a Black soldier and a Jewish doctor. Against the backdrop of a resurgent Ku Klux Klan, Hamilton's interactions with a compassionate nurse, Dorothy Meadows, challenge his societal beliefs, sparking a complex journey of personal growth and moral reckoning. The novel explores themes of identity, prejudice, and redemption, as Hamilton struggles to reconcile his upbringing with newfound understanding in a deeply divided society.

The war had ended the fighting abroad, but the truest battle, I realized, was just beginning within the walls of my own heart.

Key themes

Prejudice and Intolerance
The central theme exploring the deep-seated racial and religious biases prevalent in post-WWI America, particularly in the South, and how these prejudices are challenged by individual experiences and moral awakening.
Personal Growth and Transformation
Focuses on Robert Hamilton's profound character arc, detailing his journey from a prejudiced individual to one who embraces a more inclusive and compassionate worldview, driven by challenging experiences and relationships.
Societal Conflict vs. Individual Conscience
Examines the tension between an individual's evolving moral compass and the powerful, often oppressive, expectations and prejudices of their community, particularly in the context of the KKK's influence.

Worth discussing

How does Robert Hamilton's initial prejudice reflect the societal norms of post-WWI Southern America, and how does the novel challenge these norms?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

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