A DIFFERENCE OF PURPOSE: A Novel Of The American Civil War

by Terry Soileau

A DIFFERENCE OF PURPOSE tells the story of 12 year old Jonathan Berkeley, a Confederate drummer boy serving with the famous Orphan Brigade, and his uncle and Godfather, Alexander Wythe, an abolitionist lawyer and captain serving in the Federal army. They wrestle with God and their own inner demons as they confront devastating personal tragedies and search desperately for faith, love, and meaning in a torn and tragic world of civil war. The story features the Battle of Fredericksburg, the largest mass execution in American history (at Dakota Sioux Indians at Mankato, Minnesota), and the Battle of Stones River.

Genres: Civil War, Historical Fiction

223 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 28, 2012

Reviews

[Julie Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reasonably well-written story concerning the American Civil War. It's really from the point of view of a drummer boy and his experiences. It is a story of loss - as with any war - but also deals with love and redemption.

Overall, this isn't too bad, but I do wonder about the accuracy, although, it could be said that it is more about impressions and that was well done.

Worth a look.

[Eric Ruark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very difficult review to write because this is a 5-star story but only a 2.5 to 3-star presentation and therefore I can only recommend it with certain provisos.

If you are a Civil War buff, you will love the historical research that Terry Soileau has done for this book. The author obviously researched his subject with an attention to detail, making the pathos of such a brutal war come alive. He takes a cliched storyline of a family torn by political and religious differences and breathes some new life into it by exploring the nature of his characters when confronted with the choice of doing right or wrong and of the individual nature of that quest. There are a couple of historical anomalies that shouldn't upset even the most strict buff.

Where the book came up short for me was in the execution. Every now and again, the flow of the story was interrupted by historical information that was forced into the novel rather than revealed by the novel. I call it author intrusion and it is a pet peeve of mine.

For me, it comes down to a question of VOICE. Is the author writing his story in the third person where everything is revealed by the person through whose eyes the reader is watching the story unfold, or is he telling the story as an omnipotent storyteller allowing the reader to make the discoveries as the characters do? In effect Mr. Soileau bounces from one to the other which has the effect of putting the flow of the story on hold while the author explains something to the reader that he thinks the reader should know regardless of whether the character in the story knows it or not or whether the character in the story needs to know it or not.

If I were Mr. Soileau's editor, I would send this book back for another re-write and tell him to choose one or the other. (One of the finest examples of the omnipotent point of view in 20th century literature is James Jones FROM HERE TO ETERNITY. Read the KINDLE or NOOK sample and you will see what I mean.)

So, in my final analysis, if a certain amount of author intrusion will not distract you from a very good historical, civil war story, then, by all means, read this one. If you are the type of reader that is put off by the execution of a story, then I suggest you read the sample to see if this is your cup of tea.

[A.H. Pellett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of the real people of the American Civil War. The mothers, sons, soldiers, orphans, nurses, doctors and clergy. It depicts well the terrific emotional, physical and even philosophical struggles that each had to endure during this horrible time in the history of the United States. Mr. Soileau writes in a fashion that is easy to read, yet gets across concepts that are deep and worthy of thought even after the last page is turned.

That said, it does contain a pet peeve of mine all too common to Civil War stories (fiction and non-fiction alike). That is that when two warring sides are being portrayed, characters, troops, regiments, generals, etc. can get mixed up and I am left wondering "Now was that particular party Union or Confederate?". I was disappointed to have that experience from time to time while reading this text. Mr. Soileau seems to recognize the problem and provides character index; however, it is not found until the end of the book. Had it been presented at the beginning or made reference to there, I might have given the story five stars as my enjoyment of the text would not have been interrupted by periodic paging back and forth. Still a good read and an excellent bit of history for the novice Civil War enthusiast. Just follow my advice and bookmark the character index before you begin.

Conclusions: Four stars for a novel of depth, hitting all the high points of a Civil War novel and making me think.

[Cynthia Kaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Family vs Family

You have reminded us to never forget who we fought during the Civil War.. The whys and how's of tthe dress. It reminds me of What's going on now. People need to go trouble Gettysburg. Americans were killed and buried there. Excellent book.

[Doris Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first and favorite book about the Civil War was Red Badge of Courage. A Difference of Purpose, blends the historical and deeply personal lives of each character. Any history buff especially a fan of great stories is going to love it!

[Rich Weatherly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliantly balanced and well executed Civil War novel

A Difference of Purpose: A Novel of the Civil War gives readers a close-up look at the horrors of battle, but I found it to be much more than a classic war story. It features a tightly woven plot that helps readers comprehend an often stated fact. In the Civil War, brothers fought against brothers just as generals from both the Union and Confederate states studied at West Point. As a case in point, a Confederate drummer boy is the nephew of the protagonist. The author uses the language of the period through the voices of the characters on both sides to make convincing arguments for why they fought.

Author Terry Soileau features Andrew Wyeth, abolitionist lawyer, law clerk to Abraham Lincoln, and captain with the Union Irish Brigade as his protagonist. He and the other characters struggle with faith and lack thereof. At times, the story takes a philosophical twist. Near the beginning of the story he is wounded while attempting to save a wounded flag bearer. His brother Patrick works to treat Andrew’s leg injury.

Andrew and his wife debate the merits of faith. Amanda is an atheist. She asks Andrew to explain his faith, and she concedes, his argument, “gave her something to chew on.” Amanda and her best friend Tina Thorn take jobs as teachers to Dakota Indian children in Minnesota and become involved in a massacre when over 300 Indians are charged. The Army presents President Lincoln with a list of 303 Indians, calling for their execution. After reviewing the cases, the President decided only 38 deserve the death sentence.

A Difference of Purpose: A Novel of the Civil War takes readers on a roller-coaster ride filled with every imaginable emotion. It is as balanced as any Civil War novel I’ve read. Terry Soileau has written a brilliantly executed novel of love and loss, terror and hate, yet one that I consider a must read. I look forward to Terry Soileau’s next book and highly recommend this one.

[Kerry Reis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amidst the time of the American Civil War, one extended family is facing the trials of being split between the two sides of the conflict. Jonathan Berkeley is a twelve-year-old runaway who has followed his deceased father and joined a Confederate brigade, only he has found his father's gravestone which has marked his father as a coward and deserter. His step-uncle, Alexander Wythe, is an abolitionist lawyer and captain on a Union brigade, who is working through grief and a crisis of faith upon learning of the death of his wife caused from injuries received during the 1862 Dakota Conflict in Minnesota. They represent two of a small group of connected characters whose lives are upended by the battles and moral conflicts of a civil war. Despite its short 220 pages, this novel proved to be a very complex and intricate tale that in its own way challenges readers to explore the loss of faith and personal questioning of purpose that arise in such a conflict. However, I felt the multiple intertwined stories, which had moments of confusion in the timeline, might have been deeper, taking its time to allow character motivation to be clearer. Still, the historical drama was very interesting and thought-provoking in its telling.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked it!
I believe the author did a wonderful job researching and putting as much information as possible in his novel. I also like how he lists his main characters at the beginning.
This is a story about a family in tatters by differences during the Civil War. Jonathan Berkeley ran away from home at the age of 12 and wound up as a Confederate drummer boy, and served with his relatives in the Federal army. Unfortunately, there are devastating personal tragedies in this novel, as there is with any war. It was their husbands, and sons and fathers who were killed and mangled.
I hope you find the time to check it out. You might learn something, as I did, that you didn't know about the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln. As Abraham Lincoln said in a letter, "Let there not be a difference of purpose between us."

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "I Saw the Light" - A True Story of a Near Death Experience

[Peggy Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book about the Civil War. The one thing, that sets this book apart from other Civil War stories, is that it's told from the viewpoint of both Northerners and Southerners. The character development is wonderful. The characters became real for me. The book is so much more than a Civil War novel. It shows the political and spiritual struggles of mankind as they try to make sense of the war. I have a few suggestions for the author. These are personal preferences on my part, Short sentences are preferable to long ones. Some of your sentences are strung together with "ands." They could be easily broken into several sentences. There is an over use of the words "that" and "just." If the author took a few minutes to cut about 2/3 of those out, it would read better.

I hope this author continues to write and to grow as an author. I look forward to reading more by him.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at both sides of the Civil War and how it affected each.

"Look at the motives behind the acts. Any Political acts. You'll find evil lurking everywhere. Politics is a nasty, evil business."

[Sherry Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves much more than 5 stars ... at least 10. It really is an amazing book! The story is full of action & would make a great movie.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! This is a story of the real people of the American Civil War The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for an awesome read about the American Civil War and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. Great book!

[Brian Bigelow · Rating 3 out of 5]

It could just be me but I did have a hard time keeping attention while reading this book.

[Melinda Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the Cast of Main Characters and Prologue to Appendix A ~ Lincoln's letter!! Mr. Soileau's novel is beautifully written and was a wonderful surprise for me. It flowed and connected characters so authentic you felt you knew them ~ the good, the bad and the downright ugly. I couldn't stop reading until I finished it! What a delight to find such historical detail and depth like the classics. It especially touched my heart that he shared the pain of both Union and Confederate loyalties as I have parents born to each "side" and ancestors lost on both sides of the conflict.

One brilliant favorite part in the story for me is the discussion between Alexander and Robert which refers to Young, Newton, light, energy and physics -- and how spiritual substance seems to give birth to the physical -- as it relates to God as Creator.

Amidst the horror and pain of war, I found great themes of mercy and grace. I highly recommend this book to civil war enthusiasts and all others as well. A truly exceptional story!

[Diane Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A "Red Badge of Courage" saga.

Although I usually avoid books about war, this excellent novel is more than a war novel. It's about people, survival, and a a crisis of faith. "What do you do when your whole world has ended and, yet, you're still here?" This quote poses the question that occupies the mind of one of the main characters, Alexander Wythe, after he suffers terrible losses. He says, "We're all brothers on opposite sides of the war. Killing each other's neighbors, buddies, and friends." That is the sad truth behind a civil war, and it's a miracle our country survived.

The author obviously researched his subject with an attention to detail, making the pathos of war come alive during scenes of brutal destruction. He helps his readers see the war from his characters' perspective and understand the decisions these people had to make after the conflict. My heart ached for the young boy, Jonathan, trying to find out the truth behind his father's death. He reminded me of the character in "The Red Badge of Courage," too young to face the stark reality of war. He deserves a chance to be loved and part of a family once again!

If you're a Civil War buff, you'll love the history revealed in this novel. If you enjoy reading about people, follow this courageous family as they struggle in aftermath of a war that turned brothers into enemies. Lincoln's words said it best, "God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time. In the present civil war, it is quite possible that God's purpose is different than the purpose of either party." This well-written novel explores those "differences of purpose" and reminds us that it took great courage to survive that kind of conflict.

[Kari Lynn Mackey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is simply all over the place, both geographically and in terms of narrative. Is Alexander's wife Amanda dead or isn't she? One can't quite tell from one page to the next. How do the characters move so rapidly from one location to another? In the nineteenth century, it would have been quite literally impossible. Why do they need to change scenery so often anyway? Most of the dialogue and events that concern the main characters could have been concentrated in a few key locales, rather than charging off to have them be present for yet another major historical event.

The historic details, such as battlefield scenes and events in the life of President Lincoln, which are included seem incredibly forced and often out of place (it seems unrealistic for telegrams from Lincoln to be Alexander's main means of gaining information, and the funeral of Lincoln's son is irrelevant to the plot of the story). However, the more glaring issue is the research which the author seems to have neglected, such as that there was no indoor plumbing, almost everyone drank alcohol so it wouldn't be frowned upon, women had little hope of joining scientific professions, and people of the opposite sex not married to each other were not supposed to be physically affectionate with each other. These types of details about society and daily life are so blatantly incorrect that the story does not feel like it takes place in 1862 at all.

For those looking for a good historical fiction piece set during the Civil War or Reconstruction, try The March by E.L. Doctorow, or Red River by Lalita Tademy.

[BookAddict · Rating 2 out of 5]

This could have been a great book. It had huge potential. Told from both a southern and northern perspective and also how families and friends were torn apart between the sides. It also had great characters and a compelling primary plot line that completely disappeared after the prologue and didn't turn up again until the end! WTF? This book is NOT about the young boy Jonathan as described in the description but it's primarily about his godfather, Alexander. Also the plot is all over the place and jumps around so much it's hard to tell who's dead, who's alive, who's mad at each other and why, etc. Past relationships are mentioned but never full explained. You never really find out what the real issue is between Alexander and his wife Amanda. Alexander never goes to Saint Patrick's cathedral to read the letter to find out what really happened to his father. You never find out exactly how Amanda dies - but she's well-known enough to answer the door and entertain guests the morning before her death? Alexander's infant daughter never gets a mention in her father's misery. It really is just all over the place, which is a shame because all of the pieces are there for a truly epic family story. This needs a really good editor and should actually be re-written and lengthened in order to reach its full potential.

[Haley Whitehall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A DIFFERENCE OF PURPOSE is a story about a family torn by political and religious differences during the Civil War. This is a common theme in Civil War novels, but the author portrayed it well. We are all capable of good and evil. This came through in his novel and it is something I try to get across in my work as well. This novel was a quick read. It is a good book suitable for middle grade readers. But I also think adults will like this book, too.

This novel was well researched. I could tell that Mr. Soileau knows a lot about the Civil War. But at times the historical information seemed forced into the novel. Like he was trying to teach his readers instead of letting the story flow. (This is a common problem with historical fiction. I also found the author's style to be distant. I never felt connected strongly to the characters, like I was in their shoes.

But all in all, if you are looking for a unique Civil War novel I recommend you check this one out.

[LeighAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is quite different from the types of books I usually read so I was excited to try it out and see what I thought of it! I got through school with all A's but for some reason I didn't learn much about the Civil War (or any war for that matter) so this book helped me learn more about it.

I found this book intriguing. I really liked how the author focused on the struggles of the characters. The families had a hard time agreeing about what was right and what was wrong. Is killing in the war justifiable? Or is murder simply murder? The characters were also struggling with their faith. Is there a God? If so why would he allow this suffering? Does he hear our prayers? This book portrays the sad truth that many families had to go through with being torn away from their loved ones during the war not knowing if they would ever see them again or not.

[Randy Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophy and Theology

Stories of the American Civil War are so interesting, thought provoking and sad all rolled into one. The fact that people of the time so openly talked of God and His will for mankind is encouraging. I believe some of the observations regarding these matters were quite correct, while others were far off base. A statement accredited to Lincoln in the story said it like this....paraphrase....both sides believes to be doing God's will, but both could NOT be right but both COULD be wrong. Also the brutality of killing is so graphic...incredible what mankind do to themselves.

[Dave Folsom · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent account of the Civil War