She Was Never the Same by Susan Glasier is a story about a woman's determination to be fully liberated and independent in a society that aims to suppress these qualities in women. Though readers may find the main character, Amelia aggravating and exasperating, they will admire her determination to fend for herself and to survive, despite the narrowness of the society she was born into and the overprotectiveness of those around her. Born in the late 1800s in Utah, USA, Amelia wrestles with her place in that world. She fights to hold on to her identity and to live her life the way she wants to, despite a society not yet ready for independent women.She is a complex woman who often acts against her own best interests.Her life brings betrayal, deception, rape, murder, illness and death. The author uses imagery, language and tone to paint the periodic setting and draw the reader into that period and time, which makes the book a captivating read and an appealing read for all kinds of readers, and not just those interested in Historical Fiction Excerpt from She Was Never the Same by Susan Glasier: "I feel anxious in this meeting and I feel my hands curl into tight fists. I break into Mr Mongomery's legalistic speech and ask the only question I really want an answer to, "How did Mr. Goutière die? I didn't know he was ill. He always seemed healthy." Even though we are the only ones in the room, Mr. Montgomery lowers his voice as though he doesn't want anyone to hear what he has to say. "He had an accident," he says, his voice condescending and abrupt. I gasp and reach out for Catherine's hand. "What accident?" I ask. "I don't have that answer," he snaps. "All I know is that poor Samuel died much too young." "What about his parents? They would know how he died." "No, his parents are long dead."I glance at Catherine and back at the attorney. "He - Mr. Goutière - " I stumble over his name as if I'd never heard it before. 'Mr. Goutière led me to believe his parents were old and sick.'"
