A Confronting Story About an Underrepresented Voice in History - an Editorial Review of "The Trails of Thomas(ine) Hall"

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Author Bio:

Vaughn Roste is most drawn to telling dramatic true stories from underrepresented voices. A recovering academic, he has two WWII features optioned and another short produced (FIREFIGHTER, 2021, on Youtube). A published author of plays, song lyrics, and poems, his first book, The Xenophobe’s Guide to the Canadians was published by Oval Books in England.

Editorial Review:

““It’s time for me to make my own way in the world, Auntie. You know I’ll always call this house home. Or wherever you are. You are my family now.” They had a quick hug – but then Thomasine decided now was as good a time as any to drop her bombshell. “Mama – I’m enlisting too.” The shock on both James’ and Abigail’s faces was obvious. “I’m losing both of you?” Abigail wailed afresh. “Don’t be ridiculous. Women can’t enlist,” James countered. Thomasine raised an eyebrow at him. He got it. No time like the present. Thomasine left the kitchen and went into her own bedroom. She found her mother’s looking glass – the only one they had in the house – held up a pair of scissors up to her hair – and attacked it mercilessly. Locks of long curly hair piled up in clumps on the floor. But Thomasine was determined. The scissors were rusty and dull – but they sufficed to cut hair.”

“The Trials of Thomas(ine) Hall: the true story of America’s first non-binary immigrant” by Vaughn Roste is an insight into a world few of us know, and one that is still shrouded in mystery and misunderstanding. Thomas(ine), who lived in the early 1600s, was an intersex person, whose dress at different times in either male and female clothing caused consternation and, ultimately, a court case to determine the matter (Thomas(ine) was found to be of “dual nature”, and other comments were also made). In 2025, Google describes an intersex person as someone who has sex characteristics that do not fit within “typical definitions of male or female”. The modern-day statistics differ on how many people are intersex; this is because of the differing way in which these natural variations are diagnosed (and when), and the medical criteria used. (One estimate is one in every one thousand births). Roste has included a compelling author’s note about Thomas(ine), and the historical facts which are carefully woven into the story. The modern reader may find some of the content confronting, although it is apparent it is historically accurate. Thomas(ine) was subjected to a “physical inspection” which is a stark scene to read. It is to be hoped that the understanding of intersex persons and their individual dignity continues to move far away from that place of voyeuristic study.

Thomas(ine) is intriguing, and is not short of courage; courage would certainly have been needed at such a time, and in such circumstances. This reviewer was particularly struck by Thomas(ine)’s incredible ability to adapt to circumstances, and to triumph over what most would find unbearable. As with any novel that focuses on a real historical character, much is unknown, and of course there is some necessary artistic licence. Clearly, this is an adult novel, dealing with adult themes and adult life. Personal relationships – yes, including sexual ones – are a part of adult life for all of us to some intensely personal degree, and yes, this book refers to Thomas(ine)’s relationships and intimate thoughts too. Some of this content is based on rumor, and some on fact. Consent in some of these matters appears nebulous, but after so many centuries, the truth may have been lost. The secondary characters, some of whom are real and others who are fictional, demonstrate the full range of reactions to Thomas(ine)’s circumstances and actions.

““And just what, pray tell, is so preposterous about that?”

“Well, we’ve never had tea with our servants before, for one…”

“You haven’t had her – him – them here that long. Just tell ‘em this is a tradition, to invite the servants to join us, only the first time. She won’t know the difference.”

“But it isn’t our tradition…”

“Sure, but they won’t know that.” Kate remained unconvinced. “It is not Christian to lie.”

“You don’t have to lie,” countered Alice. “Just – don’t tell the entire truth.”

“This luring to tea under false pretenses feels entirely deceptive…:

“Kate! This is for the community! As Chair of the local Committee for Social Order–”

“Oh! I didn’t know we had a Committee for Social Order–” Dorothy exclaimed.”

Thomas(ine) was born in England, and also worked in colonial Virginia, both as a servant and as a tobacco planter. These settings and times are well-described, and Thomas(ine)’s search for acceptance in such a society is heart breaking.

“Thomas eventually fell asleep. At some point, Bessie lay him gently on his mattress, covered him with a blanket, and left – but when he awoke, Thomas didn’t remember that. In the morning, after a fitful sleep, the sun dawned like any other day. And Thomas rolled over a few times as he could – but eventually he had to face the fact that he was still alive, and even if he wanted to, he couldn’t spend the day in bed. At some point, he needed to eat. He got up and, with some reluctance, dressed himself in men’s clothes. It was funny how sometimes he would choose to do so, but he resented it now, only because it was not his choice to do so. It was the first time he had done so here at the Atkin’s plantation.”

“The Trials of Thomas(ine) Hall” by Vaughn Roste is an unexpected and compelling read which shines an unflinching light of the life of a unique person who faced several challenges in a turbulent and unforgiving society. Suddenly, first-world problems of modern times seem completely inconsequential. Now, this reviewer is off to Google and other resources to read and learn more.

*****

“The Trials of Thomas(ine) Hall” by Vaughn Roste receives 4 stars from The Historical Fiction Company

*This review uses the name of “Thomas(ine)” throughout the review, in keeping with the title of this novel and what this reviewer understands to be the commonly used name for this historical figure. The author’s note refers to Thomas(ine)’s birth name being Thomasine, and refers to Thomas(ine)’s own account of childhood as a girl.

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