Refuge, a novel by Dot Jackson (1932 – 2016) is a gripping story of discovery and love that takes place in the late 1920s and early 30s. Mary Seneca Steele’s privileged Charleston background is of little value when she faces her abusive, unemployed though money-grabbing husband. Although she would have liked to divorce him, North Carolina is a “no divorce” state. When Mary Seneca (called Sen) finally has enough of his emotional and physical abuse, she packs up her young daughter and son, and in her husband’s expensive Auburn Phaeton automobile steals away in search of her late father’s roots in North Carolina’s Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains.
Nearing her destination, Sen follows what she remembers of her father’s description of his homeland, but takes a wrong turn on a rutted winding road and sinks the car into a shallow part of a river. She and the children are able to climb out, soaking wet, and salvage most of their clothes. They discover an abandoned house and take refuge there. Although off to a rough start, it doesn’t take long for Sen to become acquainted with relatives and neighbors, people with whom she finds happiness and fulfillment.
Years pass, the children thrive, and Sen becomes an integral member of the community. She becomes especially close to her cousin, Ben Aaron Steele and it is from Ben that she learns about her family’s roots and the true meaning of life, love and loyalty.
Author Dot Jackson spun a story rich in details, and told in an authentic, captivating Southern voice. I especially recommend this novel to those who love Appalachia-based stories. The author beautifully describes the hilly landscape, the floral and fauna particular to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and the attitudes of the people who live there.