I Shall Be Near to You: A Novel Author: | Language: English | ISBN:
B00HJXNA4E | Format: EPUB
I Shall Be Near to You: A Novel Description
An extraordinary novel about a strong-willed woman who disguises herself as a man in order to fight beside her husband in the Civil War, inspired by a real female soldier's letters home
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 someday. Though she's always worked by her father's side as the son he never had, now that Rosetta is a wife she's told her place is inside with the other women. But Rosetta decides her true place is with Jeremiah, no matter what that means, and to be with him she cuts off her hair, hems an old pair of his pants, and signs up as a Union soldier.
Rosetta drills with the men, prepares herself for battle, and faces the tension as her husband comes to grips with having a fighting wife. Fearing discovery of her secret, Rosetta's strong will clashes with Jeremiah's as their marriage is tested by war. Inspired by over 250 documented accounts of the women who fought in the Civil War while disguised as men, I Shall Be Near to You is the intimate story, in Rosetta's powerful and gorgeous voice, of the drama of marriage, one woman's amazing exploits, and the tender love story that can unfold when two partners face life's challenges side by side.
- Audible Audio Edition
- Listening Length: 10 hours and 19 minutes
- Program Type: Audiobook
- Version: Unabridged
- Publisher: Random House Audio
- Audible.com Release Date: January 28, 2014
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00HJXNA4E
A moving testament to the power of love and a woman's courage, "I Shall Be Near To You" is a novel readers may be unable to forget. Erin Lindsay McCabe has written a very personal, intimate accounting of Rosetta Wakefield's life as a Union soldier during the Civil War. Echoing the sentiments of the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, this novel follows the life of Rosetta from just prior to her marriage through her enlisting in the Union Army to be with her husband. The subsequent wartime events she experienced reflect those actually lived by women who defied convention to enlist and fight as soldiers on the battlefield in order to be near their loved ones.
Erin Lindsay McCabe has effectively used the first person narrative style to humanize Rosetta and to evoke an emotional response from the reader. Grammar, syntax, and style add authenticity to the presentation of Rosetta's background as a young farm-raised woman whose education is limited. Letters written by the characters - to be opened upon their death - are touching and may, upon reading them, result in the reader shedding tears.
"I Shall Be Near To You" highlights the strict parameters of behavior and the scarce career opportunities available to women during the mid-nineteenth century. The appeal that enlisting in the army provided to those of lower economic classes is apparent throughout the novel. By enlisting and fighting the War, many men saw an opportunity to advance and provide a better life for their families.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction, based on factual events, will want to read "I Shall Be Near To You". Be prepared to lose yourself in Rosetta's life and experiences; this is a book you may have difficulty setting aside. I highly recommend "I Shall Be Near To You". I will be suggesting it to my Book Club as a choice for next month's book selection.
By delicateflower152
TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE VOICE
I just finished "I Shall Be Near You" and thought it was wonderful. It was so well
written and period appropriate that it was easy to be transported back to the Civil
War. Rosetta was a well developed character and I foundit was easy to be swept into
her life during the late 1800's. I appreciated the Author's Note describing how the book
was created through letters, pictures, fact and fiction. I love this genre.
I judge a book by how much I want to read it often letting other things slide as much
as I can during the day. I read this over the weekend and loved every minute of it.
The pace was good and the ending believable and heartbreaking all at the same time.
I recommend it most highly!
By Jeanie Milliken
I Shall Be Near to You: A Novel Preview
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