The Coffin Quilt

Title: The Coffin Quilt: The Feud Between the Hatfields and the McCoys Author: Ann Rinaldi Original Publication Date: 1999 Edition: Harcourt (2001), 228 pages Genre: Historical fiction Ages: 12-15

Plot Summary

"The Coffin Quilt" is a historical fiction novel by Ann Rinaldi that tells the story of the infamous feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys from the perspective of Fanny McCoy, the youngest daughter of the McCoy family. The book begins in 1880, but the feud itself started long before Fanny was born, in 1878, over a dispute involving a few pigs.

The central plot revolves around Roseanna McCoy, Fanny's sister, who falls in love with Johnse Hatfield, a member of the opposing family. Despite their families' animosity towards each other, Roseanna and Johnse begin a secret relationship. This act of defiance by Roseanna sets off a chain of events that escalates the feud, leading to violence, death, and despair.

The title "The Coffin Quilt" refers to a morbid quilt created by the Hatfields, which features coffins with the names of family members around the border. The quilt is meant to symbolize the Hatfields' anticipation of their own deaths and the deaths of their enemies. Roseanna, who is creating this quilt for Johnse, is forbidden by her father, Ranel McCoy, and her mother, who are both opposed to the idea due to its morbid nature and the potential for further conflict.

Throughout the book, Fanny narrates the events as she grows up, witnessing the devastating effects of the feud on her family and community. The story explores themes of love, family, loyalty, and survival in the face of extreme violence and hatred.

Key Themes

1. Family and Loyalty: The book highlights the deep-seated loyalty and love within families, which can sometimes lead to conflict and violence.
2. Survival: Fanny's narrative focuses on her own survival and the choices she must make to navigate the treacherous landscape of the feud.
3. Morality and Ethics: The novel raises questions about morality and ethics in the face of prolonged violence and hatred.
4. Historical Context: It provides a historical context to the infamous feud, making it accessible to younger readers.

Critical Reception

The book has been well-received for its unique perspective on a historical event. Here are some key points from critical reviews:

1. Historical Accuracy: The novel is praised for its accurate portrayal of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, drawing from real historical events and figures.
2. Narrative Style: Fanny's childlike perspective adds a poignant and relatable element to the story, making it engaging for young readers.
3. Themes and Messages: Critics note that the book handles complex themes like violence, love, and survival without resorting to presentism or finger-wagging, instead focusing on Fanny's choices and growth.

Overall, "The Coffin Quilt" is a compelling historical fiction novel that offers a gripping and emotional exploration of one of America's most infamous feuds, told through the eyes of a young girl navigating the chaos and tragedy of her family's history[1][4][5].