I was provided with a free Kindle edition of this book as an Early Reviewer for the LibraryThing website. This review is my own.
I was totally impressed with this piece of historical fiction. Without summarizing the entire plot, it was based on the true story of a Pennsylvania farmer (William Henry Howe) who joined the Union Army during the Civil War, deserted after the harrowing battle of Fredericksburg, and then, after capture, was hung. There are thirteen chapters, each told from a different character perspective in a sequential order of events. The unfortunate soldier, William Howe, floats through the chapters, as a character, but it's primarily through the first chapter where his feelings, motives, and thoughts are most apparent. Having changing perspectives throughout chapters was an effective means to view events through different lenses in a time of turmoil and horrible violence. We view Howe's plight and angst as he struggles at first to attempt to serve the Union, while providing for his young family. Either choice (to stay or leave) had brutal ramifications.
The author's writing craft was meticulous---I felt that I was reading a painting with clear descriptions--full of color, but with mood setting and foreshadows of an impending doom.
I give this short novel high marks. Thank you! ( )