Absolutely loved this book. The research done by Richardson brought out several cultural pieces I had not known. The prejudice because of the condition that caused her blue color, the desperation of the father to see his daughter married even to the point of giving her to a horrible, abusive man, and the manner of getting books to people in the remote areas - all fascinating. Woven into such a beautiful story of Cussey Mary with the beautiful heart. She lives such a hard life but never sees that. Sweet and upbeat spirit carries her through. And, she has no idea she is forging the way for other women and minorities in this backward society. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.