I Shall Be Near to You
A Novel
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4.2 • 73 Ratings
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
An extraordinary novel about a strong-willed woman who disguises herself as a man in order to fight beside her husband, inspired by the letters of a remarkable female soldier who fought in the Civil War.
Rosetta doesn't want her new husband Jeremiah to enlist, but he joins up, hoping to make enough money that they'll be able to afford their own farm. When Jeremiah leaves, Rosetta decides her true place is by his side, no matter what that means, and to be with him, she follows him into war.
With the army desperate for recruits, Rosetta has no trouble volunteering, although she faces an incredulous husband. Her strong will clashes with Jeremiah's, and their marriage is tested by broken conventions, constant danger, war, and the fear that Rosetta will be discovered.
Rich with historical details and inspired by more than 250 documented accounts of the women who fought in the Civil War while disguised as men, I Shall Be Near To You is a courageous adventure, a woman's search for meaning and individuality, and a poignant story of enduring love.
Praise for I Shall Be Near to You
“Astounding.” —Glamour
“Compellingly authentic.” —Elle
“This fascinating historical novel is beautifully written and emotionally charged. Using a female soldier’s point of view for the narration makes McCabe’s story refreshingly unique.” —Romantic Times
“McCabe has created a tough, realistic woman who is equally committed to being a good soldier and a good wife. I Shall Be Near to You is both a poignant love story and a gritty war experience, and is highly recommended.” —Historical Novels Review
“A beautiful and powerful story that offers a rare perspective on those who fought in the Civil War…Following a pair of newlyweds, so brave and loving and committed, navigate the horrors of war is heart-wrenching. In her deceptively simple prose, McCabe has delivered an unforgettable, haunting and well-researched take on history that has a rightful place on bookshelves next to the most timeless and celebrated of sagas.” —Free Lance-Star
“A gripping story, and McCabe's writing gives it considerable impact; I Shall Be Near to You is a memorable addition to the literature of the Civil War.” —San Jose Mercury News
Customer Reviews
I Shall Be Near to You
Despite a rather slow start, the author picked up the pace and then told a fascinating story. The protagonist was a strong, spunky female who shunned the prescribed societal sex role, first by performing work on her father's farm generally done by males, and then disguising herself as a male in order to follow the lead of her new husband by enlisting in the Union army in order to be near him. Putting aside her fear and trepidation, she performed admirably as a soldier. The story primarily focused on her time in the military, drawing from the life of particularly one female who also passed for a male in order to serve in the military during the Civil War, as it turns out, many women did. The story is well written and well paced following its initial slow beginning. I found the book to be both engaging and revelatory.
I Shall Be Near to You-A Book You Won’t Forget
I found this book to be intriguing, thought provoking and one I couldn’t put down!
This is a fictional rendering of the Civil War infantry from the viewpoint of a woman. It contains examples of fierce independence, strength, courage, grit, determination, caring, deep sorrow and great love. Make sure you have Kleenex handy!
For me, this book shows the scars left behind in both people and country when humankind can’t resolve conflicts without the use of guns and shells. It should be a great reminder of the importance of open listening and truthful communicating to de-escalate and resolve a myriad of disagreements and conflicts before guns are drawn.
Good job by the author to create a really great book!
Definitely recommend
This was an amazing book. It was easy to root for Jeremiah and Rosetta, but there aren't always happy endings. It definitely felt realistic even though it is a fictional work. Definitely recommend this book.