Aaron's Civil War

by Romaine Stauffer

I've been pushed around all my life, Aaron thought. Somebody is always telling me what to do, when to do it, and where to go. I'm sick of it.

Lured by the promise of adventure, travel, and a large bonus, Aaron Stauffer turned his back on his training and his mother's tears and enlisted to fight in the Civil War. His heart swelled with pride and patriotism as he shouldered his newly acquired musket and marched behind the banner of his company. He felt powerful enough to win the war single-handedly and return in a matter of weeks as a hero.

But things did not go the way he had dreamed. Army life was not what he had been led to believe. Euphoria turned to misery and fear and questions as the horrible realities of war brought him face to face with the enemy—and death.

As Aaron looks for answers to the questions he can no longer avoid, he discovers the Civil War has become, for him, an intensely personal battle.

Genres: Historical Fiction

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Ellen Spes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting and based on true story. Mennonite boy from Pennsylvania willfully sneaks off with friends to join union army. Follows him throughout the war and his struggles with guilt and feeling he can not be forgiven for his fighting. Finally he accepts forgiveness for his sins by the grace of God.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't much care for this book. I don't think it knows what genre to be in. The book seemed almost too technical for a story and to story like to be a technical book. I don't think that the non-resistance belief system is well portrayed either. I'm someone who grew up in non-resistance culture and have seen many many better books on the subject.
I did feel very sorry for the main character as a child, being shuffled around with different family member is always awful; and it's no wonder he wanted to get away from them!

[Lynette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This took place in my backyard. I actually live in the old
Reuben Reidenbach store. It is divided into 4 apts. I believe I live in the store side. As the other neighbor has a nice staircase, mine is a narrow service stairway.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Having grown up surrounded by this culture (the Mennonites), I would know if descriptions were incorrect and I found none. I especially liked the footnotes that helped to relate the old road names to current day addresses.

[Reuben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter sweet book. Would read it again if I had the copy.