"Dazzling historical fantasy . . . Both the historical and fantastical elements come alive in Sylvie's suspenseful narration, which is interwoven with the text of the imaginary play. Fawkes wows with this wildly original tale." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Jen Fawkes's writing—and her characters—are ferociously, radiantly compelling in Daughters of Chaos. Like the best historical fiction, this speaks to the reader and the times in which she lives."―Kelly Link, author of The Book of Love
An epic novel about Civil War-era Nashville's "public women," an age-old secret society, and the earth-shaking power of the female
In 1862, after a tragedy at home, twenty-two-year-old Sylvie Swift parts ways with her twin brother to trace the origins of an enigmatic playscript that's landed on their doorstep. This text leads her to Nashville, an occupied city bustling with soldiers, saboteurs, partisans, powerful men--and powerful women. Sylvie trans lates the playscript by day, but at night, drawn into the work by the chief of the Union Army's Secret Service, she acts as a spy.
Both endeavors acquaint her with a sisterhood whose members—including Hannah, a fiery revolutionary to whom Sylvie is increasingly drawn—possess potentially monstrous powers. Sylvie soon becomes entangled in the Cult of Chaos, a feminist society steadfast in its ancient mission to eradicate the violence of men.
Inspired by Aristophanes' Lysistrata and the true story of Nashville's attempt to exile its prostitutes during the American Civil War, Daughters of Chaos weaves together "found" texts, fabulism, and queer themes to question familiar notions of history and family, warfare and power.
"A riot of lust, secrets, gods, and mythical creatures make this a thoroughly entertaining novel, rich in detail and lavish prose. Fawkes shines a light on women troublemakers through time in this dazzling feminist tale." --Kirkus Reviews
"Fawkes' genre-blending debut novel expertly examines how women have found and exerted their own power throughout history. Inspired by the real-life experiences of the exiled Civil War era 'public women,' Daughters of Chaos will appeal to readers and book clubs seeking to savor a layered, chaotic, feminist read." --Booklist
