The Jackal’s Mistress : A Novel – Chris Bohjalian

Set in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War, The Jackal’s Mistress follows Libby Steadman, a woman clinging to hope as her husband, a Confederate soldier, remains missing. Amid the chaos of a war-torn landscape, Libby manages a gristmill requisitioned by the Confederate Army, her days filled with labor and uncertainty. Her fragile routine shatters when she discovers Jonathan Weybridge, a gravely injured Union officer, left to die in a neighbor’s abandoned home. Torn between loyalty to the South and her humanity, Libby risks everything to nurse him back to health—a decision that could label her a traitor.
As Libby and Jonathan navigate their fragile trust, the novel explores the moral complexities of war and the bonds that transcend battle lines. Bohjalian weaves a tense, emotional narrative inspired by real historical events, highlighting the resilience of ordinary people in extraordinary times. The story delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and the haunting question of what we owe to strangers—and to ourselves.
With rich prose and meticulous research, Bohjalian brings 1864 Virginia to life, capturing the grit of daily survival and the looming shadow of violence. Libby’s strength and Jonathan’s vulnerability create a poignant dynamic, while secondary characters like her sharp-witted niece Jubilee add depth and heart. The novel’s pacing mirrors the unpredictability of war, balancing quiet moments of connection with heart-pounding stakes.
Fans of sweeping historical fiction will appreciate the vivid setting and moral ambiguity, while romance readers will find a slow-burn connection that feels earned, not contrived. Bohjalian’s signature empathy shines through, making even the smallest acts of kindness feel revolutionary. The book’s climax delivers a satisfying yet bittersweet resolution, leaving readers reflecting on the cost of compassion in a fractured world.