Civil War – Vegan Book Blogger

October 5, 2023 publication date Calleia Press publisher

ABOUT THE BOOK

“A moving, brilliantly conceived short piece… funny, grim, insightful” – Readers’ Favorite

“Highly recommended to Civil War aficionados, fans of Walt Whitman, and all those who appreciate beautiful writing.” – Renaissance Writer blog

During the American Civil War, the poet Walt Whitman volunteered in army hospitals tending to sick and wounded soldiers. This poignant short story imagines one of these patients, Private Nathaniel Gwynnett of the 97th New York Volunteer Infantry, writing to Whitman after returning to his regiment.

MY THOUGHTS

Though this is fictional I didn’t find it any less informative
Letters to Whitman follows the life of Private Nathaniel Gwynnett of the 97th New York Volunteer Infantry. He met poet Walt Whitman who volunteered in army hospitals in Washington when Nathaniel was a patient there. Walt boosted the moral of the men there and also brought small presents.

After returning to his regiment Nathaniel writes letters of daily life during the civil war and of their travels. Though there are good times there are also sorrows, losing friends, leaking tents, not enough to eat, etc.

Nathaniel uses these letters as a way to lift his spirit during battle as he tries to turn this into a friendship.
I do wish the book wasn’t all epistolary format though.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Margo Laurie studied history at university and is a member of the RNA. She is the author of the Christmas ghost story New York Miracle and the historical fiction novella The Anarchist’s Wife about the 1920s Sacco-Vanzetti case. She lives in the North West.

Thank you for stopping in.

All Through The Night by Tara Johnson-Review

About The Book

With her stammering tongue and quiet ways, Cadence Piper has always struggled to be accepted. After the death of her mother, Cadence sets her heart on becoming a nurse, both to erase the stain her brother has left on the family’s honor and to find long-sought approval in the eyes of her father. When Dorothea Dix turns her away due to her young age and pretty face, Cadence finds another way to serve . . . singing to the soldiers in Judiciary Square Hospital. Only one stubborn doctor stands in her way.

Joshua Ivy is an intense man with a compassionate heart for the hurting and downtrodden. The one thing he can’t have is an idealistic woman destroying the plans he’s so carefully laid. When the chaos of war thrusts Cadence into the middle of his clandestine activities, he must decide if the lives at stake, and his own heart, are worth the risk of letting Cadence inside.

Everything changes when Joshua and Cadence unearth the workings of a secret society so vile, the course of their lives, and the war, could be altered forever. If they fight an enemy they cannot see, will the One who sees all show them the way in the darkest night?

My Review

I haven’t read a Civil War book in awhile. Most historical books I see publishing recently are about more modern wars. This one is one I won’t forget anytime soon.
What makes it even more fascinating is it’s based on factual events and people.
I was drawn into the plight of a young woman who just wants to make a difference despite her father’s and society’s disapproval.
It was inspiring to read about the encouragement she gives to the troops as she shares her gift of singing and uplifting spirits.
I enjoyed the intricate plot line and the realism of the story.
There are descriptions of battleground surgery and disturbing aspects of the war but this makes the book even more realistic.
Very compelling with themes of forgiveness and the power to influence others to become better people.

Pub Date: 05 Jan 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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Elida Rumsey who the character Cadence Piper is loosely based on.

Have you read this author’s books yet? Would you read this one?

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