Beyond All Price

The Civil War in South Carolina's Low Country

by Carolyn P. Schriber, Carolyn Poling Schriber

This is an award-winning historical novel.  Nellie Chase was a fascinating and complex young woman, but she played only a small part in the machine that was the Union Army. History books have recorded only a few lines about her experiences as a Civil War nurse. She left no personal letters and no formal records, but those whose lives she touched remembered her as an angel of mercy. Her story, told here by a trained historian, is factual whenever events can be documented.  Fictional descriptions, conversations, and transitions strive to reflect the true nature of the time in which she lived and struggled.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Nursing, Historical, Civil War

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

As a tenured professor at Rhodes College, Carolyn Poling Schriber specialized in medieval history and published extensively on relationships between Anglo-Norman bishops and kings in the twelfth century. After attaining Professor Emerita status, she retired from teaching and focused her attention on her second love, the history of America's Civil War..
Her Civil War books, including A Scratch with the Rebels and Beyond All Price, are set in South Carolina during the northern occupation of the Low Country. In 2012, Carolyn released four more books. including The Road to Frogmore; Left by the Side of the Road (Short Stories); The Dilemma of Arnulf of Lisieux, the biography of a 12th-century bishop; and The Second Mouse Gets the Cheese, a how-to book on surviving the "thickets of self-publishing.” Along the way, she managed to accrue awards for her writing from the Military Writers Society of America (2011 and 2012) and was listed frequently among the top 100 Amazon Bestsellers in Historical Fiction.
There were more books to come. Her 2013-2014 publications include a second edition of her volume of short stories and a romantic historical novel about a mixed couple (one ‘North’, one ‘South’) as they face the challenges of the Civil War.
Carolyn and her husband Floyd live near Memphis, Tennessee. You can connect with her on her website, her blog, and on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Carolyn’s books are available in books stores and at all major online retailers, including Amazon.com.

Reviews

[Melinda Lang · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel read more like a history book and a very boring one at that. I skipped entire paragraphs just to get through and I finished it thinking I hadn't missed a thing. As much as I tried to like Nellie, I just didn't. She was hasty and emotional and childish through most of the book, always "holding back tears" or "biting her tongue." I didn't get her at all and as she was the heroine of the book, it was disconcerting to not be able to connect with her on any level. The rest of the characters kind of flew in and out of the chapters so quickly, it was hard to keep track of who was who. The Reverend was less than likeable and his whole hatred for Nellie never quite made sense and started to get really boring.

One thing that bothered me about the historical part of this book was the dialect the writer used for the slaves depicted in the novel. I've read a lot of historical fiction and biographies pertaining to slavery and the Civil War period and none of the dialouge was presented as it was in Beyond All Price - it seemed contrived and not authentic to me.

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought she made the nurse unbelievably stupid about men. I realize this was a women in a man's world but she kept on making things worse for herself with those that wanted her out of the picture. Maybe it was just the lackluster writing. I just read it to finish. Not that I was interested in any of the lives here.

[Dana Sahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an extremely enjoyable story based on the life of Nellie Chase, a well known and much loved nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. I highly recommend this book, especially those who enjoy well researched historical fiction.

[Karen Hogan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decent Fictionalized account of a volunteer nurse "Nellie Chase" in the Union army, which is loosely based on her factual life. Nellie was admirable in her work, however, her character wasn't likeable or often believable.

[Claire Osgood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable historical novel, Civil War related

The woman, Nellie Chase, who this novel attempts to use as a basis for the story actually lived. The author weaves a story around the challenges of Civil War hospital nurses and the soldiers that they treated. This novel helped me to realize how primitive the care was in the mid 1800's. Later in the book, the author included a fictional account of the newly installed railroad and it's popularly accepted connection to the yellow fever epidemic in the South after the Civil War. Overall a good read with educational, thought provoking value.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

History of an Army nurse

Historical story of a memorable woman character who deserves recognition for her contriburions to nursing at that time. It is important to recognize that not only the well known figures of Florence Nightingale etc had a part in this history but a shy, hardworking woman of conscience framed a future for Army nurses of which I am one.

[Tina Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good blend of history and fiction

This was very well written as a historical fiction. It was interesting to learn that most of the story was taken from actual historical accounts. The history nerd in me found it interesting and engaging. The fiction reader found it dry and hard to read.

[Debbie Sevey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down.

Even more meaningful now that I know it was based on facts. I would recommend this book to those who consider themselves patriotic and who like reading about history.

[Barbara Curry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t Work

While I appreciate the amount of research that went into this novel of historical fiction, it didn’t work for me for two reasons: a main theme of the first 2/3 of the book was the acrimonious relationship between Nellie and the Preacher, with the latter seemingly sabotaging Nellie at every step. But the Preacher’s vindictiveness was WAY overdone — so that I literally gritted my teeth ever time he started his B.S. name-calling (ie., little hussy, prostitute, etc) which was interspersed with his sanctimonious Bible readings. It was a major distraction to what would have been a stronger storyline by simply focusing on the day to day horrors of life of a Civil War soldier. And second, if Nellie was as stoic and concerned about being willing to die if she could just make a good contribution during her time on earth, then why did the author have her crying regularly throughout the book?! Every time something happens where she’s been reprimanded or something doesn’t go her way, “tears appeared behind her eyelids” or she just starts bawling. Doesn’t fit the character.

[Joyce Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond All Price is a five-by-eight inch paperback book. The cover has a pleasant design portraying a gun battery at Fort Donelson, Tennessee. As Civil War fiction, this book presents a well-researched chronicle of Nellie Chase’s career as matron and nurse to the 100th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Nellie Chase existed. The 100th Pennsylvania Regiment existed. This fictional account of Nellie’s efforts gives the reader an insight to the early years of the Civil War; as the 100th Pennsylvania goes through training and campaigns in coastal Carolina.

Following her career with the 100th Pennsylvania, Nellie becomes the organizational force that develops the model veterans hospital in Nashville as the Civil War comes to a close.

Beyond All Price is a recommended read for Civil War followers. It is an interesting story that provides insight into Nellie Chase’s life during and after the Civil War.

Reviewed by: John R. R. Faulkner (2011)

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every week I randomly download a free book from Amazon just to have something on the side to pass free time. Most of the time the free books are either okay or poorly written (I'm not complaining because they are free, but just stating my general consensus). Therefore, I was quite surprised when I found this little gem. This book is an easy read and I was able to easily sympathize with the main character. The details in the book are very descriptive and the author highlights the book with many historical references, which the history buff in me "geeked out" at the well written historical allusions. You can tell the author wanted to pay respect to the actual life of Nellie Chase and her contributions and wanted to stay as close to the truth as possible concerning her and the Civil War. I really appreciated finding this in a historical fiction book and commend the author for her passion that is shown throughout the book. This is definitely a recommended read!

[Shari Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fictionalized of Nellie Chase, a real woman who served as a nurse during the Civil War. She originally volunteered with the 100th Pennsylvania Regiment to escape her past, which was considered scandalous back in those days, but today would barely raise an eyebrow. She had little training as a nurse, but she was a fast learner, and her organizational skills helped to develop the veteran hospitals that we have today.

I really enjoyed this story of Nellie, and I loved that she was a cat lover too. The stories of the cats in her life just added another dimension to the story that made her more human. The book also addresses the issues that newly freed slaves faced; Nellie was interested in helping them too. It was hard at times though, to read of some of the horrific medical treatments.

[Val Wilkerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction. This was about a volunteer nurse named Nellie Chase. During the civil war she claimed to be 25 years old, actually she was only 19, and literally talked them into letting her
go along with the troops as the matron. Her medical experience was only what she had learned from
her grandmother about what herbs to use for this and that. She ended up caring for the seriously injured, aiding with amputations out in the field, and it was just an incredible story. After
I finished the book I googled her name and was able to read an article that had been written about
her in the 1800's and even see a picture of her. Seems like if we had more Nellies in the world
today we would certainly be better off.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction of a young lady, Nellie Chase, from Maine who volunteers for the the 100th Pennysylvania Voluntary Infantry in the Cival War as a matron nurse. She has no experience when she begins but earns a reputation as an extremely capable nurse despite her background. Her struggle to be recognized and respected shows amazing strength in a setting which does not welcome females amongst their ranks. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned many things about the civil war which i knew nothing about. Mary Chase should be honored and remembered for her tenacity, kindness, unwavering drive, and her skills and knowledge in developing one of the first Veterans Hospitals in Nashville. I highly recommend to all you readers out there!

[Janet C-B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of young woman who becomes volunteer "nurse" in military during the Civil War. The story was a bit slow going until towards the end. The characters were well developed and realistically flawed, as we all are. Overall it was worth spending this time reading historical fiction, because I am very weak in history. Story + history was palatable in this case.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical novel. Based on Civil War history. Enjoyed following the main character as she followed a group of former farmers into the Union Army down through the East coast into Georgia. Good details without being boring. Characters are well developed.

[Georgiana · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was more than okay, especially for a free Kindle book. However, many dialogues read as if they are examples from self-help books, with bits of wisdom phrased in a way that makes them seem fake in speech.

[Jina Howell-Forbes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an historical novel based on true events but fictionalized in order to add dialogue and connect events together. It is an interesting subject, but the telling of it here came out dry and rather boring.

[pcb · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the few books I just couldn't make myself finish...

[Lorena Engen · Rating 5 out of 5]

History of the civil war but in novel form. Highlights one woman as she nurses her way through the war.

[Elba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice read. Enjoyed the historical and medical prespective.

[Barbara]

Well written. Enjoyed the book.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eye opening for what a woman had to go thru in the 1800's. Great story!

[Linda Barnhart · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about a woman who became a nurse for the Union Army during the US civil war.

[Mitzi]

Free Kindle book 12/28/11.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another freebie from Amazon...OK

[Susan Clingman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fictional account of a real-life Civil War nurse. What is known of Nelli Chase, was gathered from letters of soldiers who were cared for by her.

[Kristin D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wound up liking this book, even though it was kind-of hard work to get through. it helps to know that it is historical fiction, based on a real person.

[Virginia Hlavaty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish.

[Maryellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book about a nurse during the civil war.