The Diary of Essie Lassiter

In The Diary of Essie Lassiter, Sam Polakoff delivers a gripping historical narrative set in 18th-century England and the American colonies, following Essie’s tumultuous journey after the devastating loss of her husband, Thomas. After succumbing to smallpox, Thomas leaves Essie to face a cruel world where she is plunged into debt and ultimately imprisoned. As Essie navigates the treacherous waters of London Debtor’s Prison, she is later indentured to Aquila Wright, a wealthy mill owner in the British colony of Maryland. She saves his life and gains his trust, leading to the request for her to run a hospital in the colony. She encounters a vivid cast of characters, from the treacherous Elias Carmichael to the supportive Pastor Vinson. Throughout her struggles, Essie showcases resilience and strength, ultimately choosing to assert her independence even amid the social constraints women of her time faced.  

Polakoff's characters are richly drawn, each representing different facets of life during this period. Essie emerges as a complex heroine, skilled yet genuinely flawed, whose determination to rise from the mire of her misfortune. Supporting characters like the stoic Mr. Wright and the formidable Mrs. Greene offer insights into themes of kindness and betrayal. Meanwhile, antagonists like Haverford manifest the oppressive power structures in the colonies, making Essie’s struggles all the more relevant and relatable in a contemporary context.

Polakoff’s prose is hugely descriptive, evoking dazzling imaging and delivering a finely drawn canvas of the historical period and life in the colonies. The setting will captivate readers, especially the grim reality of Debtors’ Prison, the quaint charm of Cromwell's Passage, and the burgeoning hopes of establishing a new hospital. Flashbacks to Essie’s life in Wickhamshire starkly contrast her current hardship, emphasizing the loss of agency and comfort many experienced in that era. The diary format and the clever use of the epistolary enhance the intimate portrayal of Essie's thoughts and feelings, creating a strong emotional connection between the reader and the character. The author explores the social norms and shines a powerful light on Essie’s predicament. The Diary of Essie Lassiter is a richly woven narrative that explores themes of resilience, constraints on women, and the strength found in community and friendship. You have a gutting, magnificent story of what it takes to assert one’s independence as a woman in a world ruled by men.