Tragedy and Triumph
Elmira, New York, 1835-65
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5.0 • 2 Ratings
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- $3.99
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- $3.99
Publisher Description
Truman Haden is just ten years old the night his childhood disappears forever. After he is sent to live with his grandfather to escape the ravages of yellow fever that has overtaken his home, Truman learns all
his family members have died and receives a letter penned by his father in his final days. The letter holds an important message for Truman: to protect his heritage and honor laws for the good of the southern
people. Although Truman is too young to completely understand the words, he knows the message must not be forgotten.
In the midst the Civil War and the events that precede it, Truman grows to adulthood and becomes a lawyer who must learn to honor the promise to his father without surrendering his principles. As Truman
quietly makes his presence known in Elmira, New York, he is changed forever by those he encounters: an abolitionist woman whose humanity is tested by her commitment to end slavery; an evangelist
who teaches him how to forgive; a young, abandoned slave who values freedom; an older former slave who teaches him dignity; and the many young POWs who live and die for their noble cause.
Based on actual events, this sweeping historical
epic tells the tale of the remarkable town of Elmira, New York, one of the most compelling and timeless stories of our countrys crucible years.
Customer Reviews
An excellent debut novel
This is a terrific book with interesting and complex characters that I really became attached to as the story progressed. The stories of Truman and Elizabeth are both heartbreaking and inspiring, as the perspective of the Southern slave owner is contrasted with that of the Northern abolitionist. The depiction of life of Southern soldiers in the Northern prisoner of war camp in Elmira is especially good, and the portrayal of the perils faced by both runaway slaves and their Underground Railroad supporters was quite gripping.
This is a well researched and strongly written book from a very promising new author. I look forward to future novels.