I am happy to count myself among the history buffs and readers on this enjoyable site. I am fortunate enough to have recently (December 2008) had my first book published. It is a Civil War novel titled "The Last of Six." It is inspired by actual events and tells the story of a Boston-MA family (The Bixbys) that suffered tragic losses in the war. The mother (Lydia) received a thoughtful letter from President Abraham Lincoln thanking her for her family's incredible sacrifice and offered kind words of respect and remorse. If you saw the movie "Saving Private Ryan" you may recall the scene where a subordinate reads the actual letter to General George C. Marshall. My book is a fictional account of what I imagined she and her sons experienced during such a trying time. As a guide, I utilized a poem purportedly written by Mrs. Bixby that is a sad tribute and testament to her sons. The poem - found in my book - is beautifully written but gutwrenching!
A great deal of research did go into the book to provide historical backgroud, determining where Massachusetts regiments fought, what the lay of the land for certain battles was, etc. But, in the end, I tried to let my imagination intermingle with Mrs. Bixby's incredible poem. In the end, I hope my readers will finish my book feeling that they were witnesses to an incredible journey.
I try to capture all of the emotions that I believe soldiers - and their suffering mothers - must experience during that hell. It is a book filled with human emotions set amidst the homefront and battlefields. The battle scenes are graphic, but I try to establish an intimate touch at every turn and concentrate on the emotional aspect of war. You don't have to be a history buff to like it. I think if you are history buff that may enhance your interest, but if you enjoy reading about adventure, sacrifice, love, family, and a look into the sometimes fragile human spirit, I believe you will enjoy it.
I dedicated the book to the long (and growing) list of mothers who have seen their sons go off to war because I've always imagined their impossible plight. While Mrs. Bixby is the central figure, there are several other "characters" throughout the book - including 6 unique sons - who I think readers will connect with.
If you'd like to see more about my book and have any interest in purchasing it, please see my website located at:
http://www.StrategicBookPublishing.com/TheLastofSix.html
"The Last of Six" is also available at BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, and a host of other on-line retailers. A copy of the press release is attached.
Attachment: Tiernan, Thomas - The Last of the Six+PR+FINAL.pdf (Downloaded 0 times) Last edited on Sun Jan 11th, 2009 05:25 am by thomastiernan
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