“ A Death for Beauty”, takes you into the deeply troubled life of Virginia Mae Mercy, who is living during the Civil War. When her husband, Birdie is killed Virginia is certain that his death was divine justice from God. After the giving birth to twin boys, one that is stillborn and the other who dies shortly after birth, she is convinced that she to is being punished for the numerous sins that she has committed. She is further convinced each time she looks at her only surviving child, a disabled girl named Triste. Virginia deceides to leave her mother, her home, and the stigma attached to her and her daughter and move to Idaho. Traveling with an unscrupulous man named Clayton Fraquhar, his wife Sissy, and Reverend Thorpe, they are unaware of the many dangers that await them on this long hard journey. Soon they find themselves surrounded by wild Indians and with no way to escape they find themselves held captive. With their traveling companions being murdered one by one Virginia sees an opportunity for Triste to escape. Although she sends her daughter to what she thinks is safety she is uanable to escape. Virginia soon finds herself belonging to the Indian chief Ottawa she also finds out that they have murdered her only child Triste. Constantly in a state of praying, plotting, and planning her escape she makes friends with an Indian named White Tipi, and together enlists the help of the army to aid in her escape. Will Virginia be able to find safety and return home or will she succumb to the beauty that she feels death holds?

 

 

“A Death for Beauty”, offers the reader the perfect blend of history and fiction. Drawing inspiration from the real-life account of Fanny Kelly and her captivity by Indians, Alberto Rios Arias breaths life into the fictional character of Virginia Mae Mercy. Methodically researching each and every aspect of this touching story including the Lakota language, Alberto Rios Arias takes you into the heart of the story. Baring the heart and soul of Virginia Mae Mercy as she struggles to survive and find meaning for her life. “A Death for Beauty”, is guaranteed to touch your heart and stir the soul. Truly a book that should be on the top of everyone’s must read stack.