Testimonials

Paulette Mahurin’s first novel is surefooted and unflinching in its portrayal of a singular and unique character and her compelling struggles. Compassionate and confident, Mahurin allows Mildred’s story to burn through onto the page with all its inherent outrage and tenacious, abiding love. Here is a character we can champion-flawed, striving, surviving-and fully embrace in her awkward, beautiful navigation of a world that resists her in every way. –Deb Norton, Playwrite/screenwriter of The Whole Banana

If you need to question your values, read this book! The author captures the intolerance and hypocrisy of a 1895 Nevada town, and its transcendence in time through tolerance and understanding. The angst and pain that two women feel daily, living the ‘lie’ of their lesbian relationship, and the prejudice they must endure, is unconscionable. I was moved to tears by their struggle in the face of the conflicted values that continue to dominate our ‘modern’ society. William K. Fox, PhD, Professor of Zoology

Paulette Mahurin has written an amazing tale full of deep emotions that had me in tears one moment, and laughing the next. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fantastic story that will touch you deeply. – Lynn Worton of Lynn’s Book Reviews

This book made me smile. For me, it’s a book that will teach its readers a thing or two about friendship and unconditional love. The author did very well; wonderful plot. The characters are effective. Ara @ My Book and My Coffee

I stayed up late to finish this, and I notice similar comments in other reviews. The reason is simple: the characters are so real and you empathize with them so much that you just have to find out what happens to them. In some cases, that means worrying about whether or not they will be all right. I won’t give a spoiler here and say what happened, but I found the conclusion very satisfying. The themes of love and friendship are well presented — and so are those of bigotry and hatred. This book conveys powerful sentiments which are relevant to modern times set in a convincing historical background. The characters all have their own frailties and weaknesses along with their good qualities, just as real humans do. To say that this is a good character study is something of an understatement. Bog Craton, author of  Journey to Light: Part I of The High Duties of Pacia

There are two types of fiction in my mind: fiction which simply entertains, and fiction which enlightens, stimulates thought, and moves the reader to be something more than they were before they read the work while it still entertains. I like to be entertained, but even more so I enjoy reading a work which can not only entertain, but leave me uplifted and a better human being for having read the work. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap, is one of those wonderful pieces of literature which leaves the reader a better human being while still providing entertainment. I will not give away the story because I hope that you will read this work for yourself, but let me say that this book is about something all people struggle to find; the ability to be loved and accepted for who we are, without having to fear hurt and pain for having risked our hearts. This book is an excellent piece of literature, and one which I would highly recommend to anyone. Brent McCay, Author of Confessions of a Heretic: How a Right Wing, Fundamentalist, Conservative Pastor Became a Leftist, Liberal Heathen

Paulette addresses these issues within her amazingly well written book. She is a great author as her characterization is the best I’ve seen. The plot is so realistic it seems like honest true history. Liisi Carr, Mom’s Thumbs Review

I well up and get eye-stingy over some stories, but this one brought full-on tears (in a good way). I recommend this book to anybody who enjoys history, controversy, and stories that tug at your spirit and wrap you in their compassion. Bonnie Bernard, Best Selling Author of The Midnight Hunter Trilogy

Absolutely the best book I’ve read in a very long time. I would recommend this book to any avid reader out there. Love the detail and the characters come to life from the pages. I felt I was there. Great writing. June Spears, Blogger

I give this book a 7 *** *** * review rating. Wanda Hartzenberg, Reviewer

“The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap” is not just about the struggle of two women against a community that condemns same-sex relationships. This important book speaks to the viciousness of all forms of prejudice. It shows how oppression silences and hurts victims. It reveals how close-mindedness and sharp words kill the spirit in others. Author Paulette Mahurin does a masterful job in bringing the characters and scenes to life. The happenings in a small Nevada town in 1895 are cradled within international news about the controversial actions of Oscar Wilde. The historical context gives Mahurin’s book a richness that many novels lack. I wholeheartedly recommend “The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap.” Dr. Carlotte Laws, Author & TV Talk Show Host, NBC

I loved this book. It’s well done and paced just right. I look forward to more stories from this author. Brenda Sorrels, Author of The Bachelor Farmers

Some books just deserve to be read by everyone, and this is one of those! Priya Dabak, Blogger

Congratulations to Paulette Mahurin for crafting this amazing story! As other reviewers have frequently noted, it is phenomenal that this is her first novel. I found it particularly effective to set modern cultural themes (bigotry, homophobia, same-sex relationships) in the late 1800′s in a rural town. She deftly creates a microcosm that allows the reader to understand many complex issues and illuminates both ugly and sublime aspects of human nature. Works such as The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap engender understanding, tolerance and an enhanced appreciation for the importance of love. I highly recommend this book! Bruce Hines, Physicist

Mahurin’s writing style is straightforward. Descriptions are lean, almost like Mozart in a way – no more than what is needed, but no less. The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap is a book that will open eyes and minds, a book that deserves a critical look because it addresses issues that still plague society today. Jessica Nickel, Author/Musician

Quite a view of bigotry in the 1890′s that has lessons for us today. My own viewpoint of “live and let live” wouldn’t have been very well tolerated back then. If you were gay you had to keep it quiet and not let anyone know. It didn’t matter if you were the most giving person in the world and Mildred happens to help out just about anyone in the town. My Son would have been one of those persecuted back then as he has openly stated that he is bisexual. That’s something that’s his decision on how he wants to live and I still accept him and love him. I’ll say that this book has got me thinking which some books really are meant to do. This review copy will continue to be treasured for a long time. Brian Bigelow, Author/Blogger

I would recommend this easy reading and emotional book to all ages and sexes as a learning tool for tolerance and compassion. Sue Morgan, R.N.

It is compelling reading on many different levels and enhanced by a pertinent quotation from Oscar Wilde at the beginning of each chapter. Kerry Dwyer, Author of Ramblings in Ireland

This book is not only a statement on friendship and tolerance but also of love – physical, emotional and spiritual. The story is moving and intelligently enables us to look at cultural norms that encourage prejudice and bullying. I appreciate Ms. Mahurin proficiency in creating a perfect setting to get to the heart of such controversial issues. The quotes she uses from authors of that time, the late 1800s, add to the backdrop of the story and are also totally appropriate for today. Dr. Jim Dincalci, Author, How to Forgive When You Can’t: The Breakthrough Guide to Free Your Heart and Mind

Mahurin is a genius developing her characters. I recommend this beautifully written book for readers of all ages. Mary Crocco, Blogger

This book is a historical bombshell. I loved the plot and the story line, and the ending I never seen coming. I totally expected something else to happen. `The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap totally blew me away. C. Scarlett, Blogger

I am not much of a fiction reader by nature but I was absolutely captivated by The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap. It is a story of love, learning to trust again and just how much more complicated our lives and hearts truly are than what we allow others to see on the surface. The characters are fascinating and the author describes them each in such a manner that you feel as if you have come to know them on a personal basis. Mildred comes across as a real survivor despite everything that has been thrown at her which is certainly something I can relate to in my own life. I found this book difficult to put down and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a novel that truly captivates them. Graham Aitchison, Best Selling Author, No Way Out But Through

This novel’s impact and importance as an historical realistic fiction piece sneaks up on you and grows as you turn the pages. One cannot ignore the injustices of man’s inhumanity to man borne out of ignorance and prejudice, the roots of which are deep-seated in history. Mahurin tactfully reminds us how the tentacles of such injustice insinuate their way into daily life, manipulating and hurting with every twist and turn. Set 100 years ago, The Persecution of Mildred Dunlap depicts history and in doing so acknowledges our progress to-date. The novel helps remind us of the importance of that progress and tacitly urges us to keep moving forward. Jos Callard, Singer/Musician

A truly feel good and amazingly humanistic story that will be a part of your heart for years to come.De Ann “Native” Townes Jr., Native American Author & Poet of, Author of “Peer Inside My Soul and See Me”