What do you think?
Rate this book
The Thackery Journal
Civil War – the worst kind of war that any Nation could face. Fighting against itself there could be no winners in such a war, a war that divides communities; splits families; and makes enemies of long time friends. As the first sounds of gun fire echo through the land, two friends enlist on opposite sides of the conflict. Both believe right is on their side, and both hope they will never meet each other on the battlefield, but their lives become inextricably entwined as the war nears its end culminating in the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln from a single shot fired by John Wilkes Booth. Was Booth a lone assassin? Or was he part of a wider conspiracy? A plot hatched by his own generals to replace Lincoln with General Ulysses S. Grant.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2013
9 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 10, 2013
Author John Holt assures the reader at the beginning of his novel, The Thackery Journal that it is fiction - a product of his imagination. He tells us that only three of the characters are real. The rest were created, along with the plot, to weave a tale about how and why Lincoln was assassinated.
Nevertheless John Holt's idea of what might have happened is so credible that I had to keep reminding myself that it was indeed fiction. The novel is well written and the characters are so true to life this could almost be a history book rather than a novel. Well done John Holt. A compelling read.
Nevertheless John Holt's idea of what might have happened is so credible that I had to keep reminding myself that it was indeed fiction. The novel is well written and the characters are so true to life this could almost be a history book rather than a novel. Well done John Holt. A compelling read.
April 13, 2014
This well-written book of historical fiction is divided into three parts: the first part sets the stage for the personal tragedy the looming civil war will impose on friends and family; the second part begins in 1864 when the South is on the brink of defeat and engages in plot to buy weapons from the French government, and the third part delineates the intricate plot of Northern generals to carry out the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln using John Wilkes-Booth as their instrument. Holt informs the reader that only three of his characters are genuine, Grant, Lincoln and Booth. The reader will be hard pressed to believe that statement because Holt does such a good job of making all his characters realistic and seamlessly weaves them together with both the historical and the fictional.
At the outset the reader meets Aaron Thackery, an old man who sits before the fire in the remains of his Southern home reading the journal of his deceased son who has been implicated in some sort of plot. Thackery thinks back upon his own arrest and his wife’s death. After the flashbacks, the author shifts to the town of Larkspur in Virginia introducing us to Jacob Thackery and his friend, Miles Drew. When war is declared, Miles, who does not believe in slavery nor the fact that the South can win, flees to join the Union forces. He quarrels with his best friend Jacob, who will join the Confederacy. Their paths will cross again during the war.
In the second part of the book, the scene shifts to 1864. Jacob realizes that the South will lose, but he becomes involved with the plot of the Confederacy to buy weapons from the French government. When a Mexican agent finds out about the plot, he hatches a new plan to steal the gold needed from the Mexican government, which Thackery will be responsible for delivering to the French in Canada. After the weapons destined for the Confederacy are blown up, he must decided what to do with the gold.
The third part of the book is the crux of the plot. Holt creates a character named Jarvis who will enlist Lincoln’s most trusted generals in a plot to wrest power from him and replace him with Grant. The plan goes awry, so Booth is enlisted to carry out the plan. How will Miles and Jacob be involved and how will it affect the rest of their lives and the future of the new restored Union government?
Holt does a magnificent job of transporting the characters into the minds of the reader. His research is carefully done and the descriptions of battle, angst, and raw emotion are outstanding. I had to finish the entire book in one setting, and by the end of the read was totally convinced that the story was plausible.
As a historian, I liked the fact that Holt gave citations to his research to permit further exploration of the topics. The cover is a painting from the Battle of Antietam and the period photographs add another dimension of personality to the work. There is no graphic violence or sexuality so the book is suitable for young adults. This book sheds light on the psychological, historical and moral aspects of the American Civil War much better than any historical text and is highly recommended.
At the outset the reader meets Aaron Thackery, an old man who sits before the fire in the remains of his Southern home reading the journal of his deceased son who has been implicated in some sort of plot. Thackery thinks back upon his own arrest and his wife’s death. After the flashbacks, the author shifts to the town of Larkspur in Virginia introducing us to Jacob Thackery and his friend, Miles Drew. When war is declared, Miles, who does not believe in slavery nor the fact that the South can win, flees to join the Union forces. He quarrels with his best friend Jacob, who will join the Confederacy. Their paths will cross again during the war.
In the second part of the book, the scene shifts to 1864. Jacob realizes that the South will lose, but he becomes involved with the plot of the Confederacy to buy weapons from the French government. When a Mexican agent finds out about the plot, he hatches a new plan to steal the gold needed from the Mexican government, which Thackery will be responsible for delivering to the French in Canada. After the weapons destined for the Confederacy are blown up, he must decided what to do with the gold.
The third part of the book is the crux of the plot. Holt creates a character named Jarvis who will enlist Lincoln’s most trusted generals in a plot to wrest power from him and replace him with Grant. The plan goes awry, so Booth is enlisted to carry out the plan. How will Miles and Jacob be involved and how will it affect the rest of their lives and the future of the new restored Union government?
Holt does a magnificent job of transporting the characters into the minds of the reader. His research is carefully done and the descriptions of battle, angst, and raw emotion are outstanding. I had to finish the entire book in one setting, and by the end of the read was totally convinced that the story was plausible.
As a historian, I liked the fact that Holt gave citations to his research to permit further exploration of the topics. The cover is a painting from the Battle of Antietam and the period photographs add another dimension of personality to the work. There is no graphic violence or sexuality so the book is suitable for young adults. This book sheds light on the psychological, historical and moral aspects of the American Civil War much better than any historical text and is highly recommended.
March 29, 2014
An aged father mourns the tragic death of his son by reading Jacob's Civil War journal over and over, looking for answers to the boy's involvement in the plot to kill President Lincoln.
Using flashbacks, the story starts with Beauregard's capture of Fort Sumter which is quickly followed by Jacob Thackery's enlistment in the Army of the Confederacy. Meanwhile, Jacob's best friend, Miles Drew, enlists in the Union Army.
Mr. Holt uses Jacob and Miles to tell an immensely personal story of the Civil War from both the Union and Confederacy points of view. And what a story it is. The author personalizes the touching human drama of war in such a way no textbook ever could. And amid all this down to earth human drama, a plot is hatched by Lincoln's disgrunted generals to assassinate him and replace the president with Ulysses Grant.
Kudos to Mr. Holt for writing a captivating addition to the fiction surrounding the Civil War.
Highly recommended.
Using flashbacks, the story starts with Beauregard's capture of Fort Sumter which is quickly followed by Jacob Thackery's enlistment in the Army of the Confederacy. Meanwhile, Jacob's best friend, Miles Drew, enlists in the Union Army.
Mr. Holt uses Jacob and Miles to tell an immensely personal story of the Civil War from both the Union and Confederacy points of view. And what a story it is. The author personalizes the touching human drama of war in such a way no textbook ever could. And amid all this down to earth human drama, a plot is hatched by Lincoln's disgrunted generals to assassinate him and replace the president with Ulysses Grant.
Kudos to Mr. Holt for writing a captivating addition to the fiction surrounding the Civil War.
Highly recommended.
December 15, 2013
The Thackery Journal by John Holt
In 1865 President Lincoln was shot at the Ford Theater, was it a lone assassin or was it a conspiracy? John Holt brings about the conspiracy theory in this well written true-to-life like story. Written with vivid detail and amazing portraits and photos The Thackery Journal is a fascinating story.
I feel that history lovers and historical novel lovers will enjoy this read.
In 1865 President Lincoln was shot at the Ford Theater, was it a lone assassin or was it a conspiracy? John Holt brings about the conspiracy theory in this well written true-to-life like story. Written with vivid detail and amazing portraits and photos The Thackery Journal is a fascinating story.
I feel that history lovers and historical novel lovers will enjoy this read.
March 27, 2018
( Format : audiobook )
"As grains of sand through the the fingers ..."
A novel which sharply delineates the emotional horror and futility of war, especially a civil war which, by it's nature, separates friends and tears families apart. This is a fictional story but set in the very real period of the first half of 1860s - the American Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln.
On the day that he signed up to join the Confederate army, Jacob Thackery decides to keep a journal (the one in the title) of those important times, and the book opens with his distraught and elderly father rereading it as he had done so many times before. Through shifts in time and place, Jacob's tale unfolds, from the earliest beliefs in the righteousness of the cause to the final dramatic finale. Side by side with Jacob's account is also that of his lifelong best friend, Miles, who takes a different path, enlisting on the Union side, believing that the South can never win. Their stories are well interwoven. The sense of actually being there is good and both of the two main protagonists are well drawn.
The book is simply written and easy to read. The short sentences give a feel of immediacy and conversation feels natural. The book's reading is ably executed by John J Irwin, whose slow and careful narration adds additional gravitas, his voicings of the characters distinct but not performed. Overall, a good presentation, if slightly too slow for this reader (who increased the playback speed slightly to 1.25).
As well as being a good listen, this book has a feeling of profound truths. War is terrible, and rarely is it noble, or a just cause. Instead, it leaves "shattered dreams and shattered lives." Although a fictional account, too, it had the resonance of an historical account, detailed and with dates included. But more than that, it is an emotionally charged and gently powerful read. My thanks to the author, John Holt, who gifted me a complimentary copy of his book. This review is given voluntarily and briefly expresses my true feelings about The Thackery Journal. Recommended.
"As grains of sand through the the fingers ..."
A novel which sharply delineates the emotional horror and futility of war, especially a civil war which, by it's nature, separates friends and tears families apart. This is a fictional story but set in the very real period of the first half of 1860s - the American Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln.
On the day that he signed up to join the Confederate army, Jacob Thackery decides to keep a journal (the one in the title) of those important times, and the book opens with his distraught and elderly father rereading it as he had done so many times before. Through shifts in time and place, Jacob's tale unfolds, from the earliest beliefs in the righteousness of the cause to the final dramatic finale. Side by side with Jacob's account is also that of his lifelong best friend, Miles, who takes a different path, enlisting on the Union side, believing that the South can never win. Their stories are well interwoven. The sense of actually being there is good and both of the two main protagonists are well drawn.
The book is simply written and easy to read. The short sentences give a feel of immediacy and conversation feels natural. The book's reading is ably executed by John J Irwin, whose slow and careful narration adds additional gravitas, his voicings of the characters distinct but not performed. Overall, a good presentation, if slightly too slow for this reader (who increased the playback speed slightly to 1.25).
As well as being a good listen, this book has a feeling of profound truths. War is terrible, and rarely is it noble, or a just cause. Instead, it leaves "shattered dreams and shattered lives." Although a fictional account, too, it had the resonance of an historical account, detailed and with dates included. But more than that, it is an emotionally charged and gently powerful read. My thanks to the author, John Holt, who gifted me a complimentary copy of his book. This review is given voluntarily and briefly expresses my true feelings about The Thackery Journal. Recommended.
October 25, 2018
I wasn't really sure about this book to begin with, I have to admit that the subject is not one that I find particularly interesting. I was worried that no matter how well it was written it wouldn't be able to draw me in.
It was definitely a challenge to get through the beginning of the book but it didn't take long before the pace picked up. It was a little bit long for me overall I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were shorter.
I did enjoy the book, I thought it was well written, the characters are well developed and interesting and there's enough action and storytelling mixed in with true events to make it both educational and entertaining. I did struggle to finish and I was relieved when it ended, that wasn't the fault of the book, that was my dis-interest with the American Civil War.
The narrator to do a great job with the tone and pace of the delivery and the character voices were clear and easy to tell apart.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
It was definitely a challenge to get through the beginning of the book but it didn't take long before the pace picked up. It was a little bit long for me overall I think I would have enjoyed it more if it were shorter.
I did enjoy the book, I thought it was well written, the characters are well developed and interesting and there's enough action and storytelling mixed in with true events to make it both educational and entertaining. I did struggle to finish and I was relieved when it ended, that wasn't the fault of the book, that was my dis-interest with the American Civil War.
The narrator to do a great job with the tone and pace of the delivery and the character voices were clear and easy to tell apart.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.
July 3, 2018
Disclaimer.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This book reads like a political espionage thriller, set in America's early days. And it is an excellent read. I always love reading about American history and president assassinations are always fascinating topics. Wrap that with conspiracy theories and you've got yourself a blockbuster. This book walks the fine line between a plausible theory and nuts conspiracy theory very well. I loved listening to it from start to end. And it stayed with me long after I was done with it.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by John J. Irwin was absolutely perfect as well. The narration style matched the time period and lent to the "authenticity" feel of the book.
I had requested and received audible version of this book for free from the author, in exchange for an unbiased review.
What I liked about the book -
This book reads like a political espionage thriller, set in America's early days. And it is an excellent read. I always love reading about American history and president assassinations are always fascinating topics. Wrap that with conspiracy theories and you've got yourself a blockbuster. This book walks the fine line between a plausible theory and nuts conspiracy theory very well. I loved listening to it from start to end. And it stayed with me long after I was done with it.
What I disliked about the book -
Nothing specific that I can think of.
Narration -
Narration by John J. Irwin was absolutely perfect as well. The narration style matched the time period and lent to the "authenticity" feel of the book.
February 1, 2019
John Holt have taught me so much, truly he can take any subject and make out of it an excellent story.
History was the worst subject for me at school, if I got C- or even D I was happy.
Today I know that it’s all about the teacher, if John Holt was my history teacher I would have brought home an A easily, he makes everything so interesting it’s amazing.
Just from this one book I’ve learned so much about the American Civil War and enjoyed every moment of it.
They say that every generation have a great story teller, well John Holt is this generation story teller easily !
John J. Irwin was an excellent choice for narrating this audiobook.
Full heartedly recommend this audiobook for all.
In exchange for an honest review I’ve received this audiobook.
History was the worst subject for me at school, if I got C- or even D I was happy.
Today I know that it’s all about the teacher, if John Holt was my history teacher I would have brought home an A easily, he makes everything so interesting it’s amazing.
Just from this one book I’ve learned so much about the American Civil War and enjoyed every moment of it.
They say that every generation have a great story teller, well John Holt is this generation story teller easily !
John J. Irwin was an excellent choice for narrating this audiobook.
Full heartedly recommend this audiobook for all.
In exchange for an honest review I’ve received this audiobook.
April 28, 2020
This is an interesting historical novel that takes place just before, during, and after the American Civil War. It lends the perspective of several different characters fighting on both sides of the war and creates some interesting circumstances that I enjoyed reading about. There is a lot more to it than the assassination of President Lincoln, which comes near the end of the book.
I listened to the audio version, and it was okay, but I had some trouble distinguishing some of the characters when they were talking. All in all, I enjoyed the book, as I am a big fan of history, particularly the Civil War era.
I listened to the audio version, and it was okay, but I had some trouble distinguishing some of the characters when they were talking. All in all, I enjoyed the book, as I am a big fan of history, particularly the Civil War era.
December 11, 2018
Assassination
We are all aware of the drama of Booth's assassination of Lincoln following the Civil War, but unless one is a serious student thereof, a lot of the details are no more than outline points. This book is fiction and posits that one of the plotters kept a journal of his wartime activities. An engaging and rapidy-moving tale, extremely well-narrated by John J. Irwin.
We are all aware of the drama of Booth's assassination of Lincoln following the Civil War, but unless one is a serious student thereof, a lot of the details are no more than outline points. This book is fiction and posits that one of the plotters kept a journal of his wartime activities. An engaging and rapidy-moving tale, extremely well-narrated by John J. Irwin.
January 23, 2019
This is not my normal kind of book. I’m not a big history buff or really like war books either but have to say I enjoyed this one. This has a nice journey through the civil war as well as a conspiracy theory for Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Definitely worth the listen for most people.
February 5, 2022
audible:This was a very interesting read.I enjoy historical fiction,especially about Mr. Lincoln.The narration made it a real chore to listen to. Mr Irwin read it so dry and without any feeling. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
May 13, 2023
Really enjoyed this completely different from the other books I have read by this author but it really worked you can tell it had been well researched. It was very well narrated.
January 12, 2014
This was an interesting look at a possible scenario for the events leading up to the Lincoln assassination at the end of the Civil War. Though the event was based in history, the story itself is fiction.
There were several photos and drawings included in the story, but if you read the notes at the beginning of the book, the individuals that the people to whom the photos are attributed are not actually the individuals that are actually in the photos, nor is the photo of the Journal actually of Jacob Thackery’s journal. I liked the addition of the photos and drawings in the novel as they lent an air of authenticity to the story.
The story starts with Jacob’s father reading the journal of his son Jacob who enlisted as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. The war is over and all Aaron Thackery has left is the journal that Jacob kept during the four years of the war. He reads this journal over and over and remembers.
As I do not know much about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, other than that he was supposedly shot by John Wilkes Booth at a theatre, I am unable to comment on how this story and how it happened differs or supports what is known about the actual event in history. Nor am I aware of the emotional and political feelings of the times. However, I am aware that this was a brutal and bloody war, and I do believe that that the events in this novel are plausible, and intriguing.
Also unique in the Kindle version of this book were the links provided in the book to a number of different items that took the reader to additional information on that particular topic. The links took you to pictures or locations on the internet with more information. This was a useful feature when coming across items where one might want additional information. I love that feature!
I found this story had somewhat of an ebb and flow to it where in some parts it was quite engaging and other parts dragged somewhat. Overall, I thought the story was plausible and I found the situation between Jacob Thackery and his friend Miles Drew to be somewhat sad and ironic. The novel does reflect the sad situations that we are sometimes left in after tragic circumstances such as war.
John Holt has written this book with clear language and intent. The characters were fairly well developed and the drama surrounding the last few lines written in Jacob Thackery’s journal could be felt. I gave this novel four stars out of five.
Thank you to the publisher and John Holt for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
There were several photos and drawings included in the story, but if you read the notes at the beginning of the book, the individuals that the people to whom the photos are attributed are not actually the individuals that are actually in the photos, nor is the photo of the Journal actually of Jacob Thackery’s journal. I liked the addition of the photos and drawings in the novel as they lent an air of authenticity to the story.
The story starts with Jacob’s father reading the journal of his son Jacob who enlisted as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. The war is over and all Aaron Thackery has left is the journal that Jacob kept during the four years of the war. He reads this journal over and over and remembers.
As I do not know much about the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, other than that he was supposedly shot by John Wilkes Booth at a theatre, I am unable to comment on how this story and how it happened differs or supports what is known about the actual event in history. Nor am I aware of the emotional and political feelings of the times. However, I am aware that this was a brutal and bloody war, and I do believe that that the events in this novel are plausible, and intriguing.
Also unique in the Kindle version of this book were the links provided in the book to a number of different items that took the reader to additional information on that particular topic. The links took you to pictures or locations on the internet with more information. This was a useful feature when coming across items where one might want additional information. I love that feature!
I found this story had somewhat of an ebb and flow to it where in some parts it was quite engaging and other parts dragged somewhat. Overall, I thought the story was plausible and I found the situation between Jacob Thackery and his friend Miles Drew to be somewhat sad and ironic. The novel does reflect the sad situations that we are sometimes left in after tragic circumstances such as war.
John Holt has written this book with clear language and intent. The characters were fairly well developed and the drama surrounding the last few lines written in Jacob Thackery’s journal could be felt. I gave this novel four stars out of five.
Thank you to the publisher and John Holt for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.
January 12, 2020
I recommend this audible it is about a period in our country that spilt the country, friends, brothers and families. It is the journal of Captain Zachary a Confederate soldier and Captain Miles a southern who fought on the Unionside both friends from birth , both dislike slavery neither owned slaves but when the war came they fought for different sides and both saw betrayed, hatred, death of friends and love ones. Both lost everything that was at one time important they lost the love of each other because in heart and spirt they were brothers. Zachary lost his mother, his country and knew he never see home again due to would die, Miles lost also his friends and real brother killed in the war and most likely he was there as the Union commander but he was considered a traitor by his family and he also knew he could never go home because he had no home or family to go to.
I have read both fictional and nonfiction on the Civil War and I have listen to all thev the talked today about the civil war both pro and con in a search today I found there was 18,000,000 soldiers who fought and died for what they thought was right. In listening to this audiobook you learn, feel what it was like to see your friends and love ones die in the war and after the war. For Miles he is there when Zachary committed suicide and that brotherhood could never be again. Yes the Union won but how many people who were southerners who fought for the Union and had no home to go back to or who watched as friends and family die.
We may not like we see and alots want to destroy what remains of the Southern culture, memorials and history but I believe we need to honor both the Union and Confederate Soldiers equally they both fought and die for what they believed in as in our modern military does today.
I have read both fictional and nonfiction on the Civil War and I have listen to all thev the talked today about the civil war both pro and con in a search today I found there was 18,000,000 soldiers who fought and died for what they thought was right. In listening to this audiobook you learn, feel what it was like to see your friends and love ones die in the war and after the war. For Miles he is there when Zachary committed suicide and that brotherhood could never be again. Yes the Union won but how many people who were southerners who fought for the Union and had no home to go back to or who watched as friends and family die.
We may not like we see and alots want to destroy what remains of the Southern culture, memorials and history but I believe we need to honor both the Union and Confederate Soldiers equally they both fought and die for what they believed in as in our modern military does today.
February 22, 2014
When Jacob Thackery enlists to serve in the Confederate army, he decides to keep a journal of his experiences. His role in the Civil War is part of a shocking conspiracy. Does Jacob realize the part he is about to play? Or, is he an innocent victim of power-hungry leaders intent on bringing down the President of the United States.
Before I began reading The Thackery Journal, I wasn't sure if I'd like the book. Though I've enjoyed some Civil War fiction in the past, I'm not usually a fan of conspiracy theories. This story gripped me early on, probably because of the author's skill in crafting sympathetic, likable characters. I enjoyed the human element in this story and the author's ability to show the toll the war took on the country. As the country begins to take sides in the war, states battle neighboring states, brothers war against brothers, and families are ripped apart. The story focuses on certain characters (Aaron Thackery, Jacob Thackery, Miles, and others), but also explores the war as a whole and is interspersed with historical facts that bring the time period to life.
This story is very well-written. It was a captivating read that kept me turning the pages late into the evening and past my bedtime. The author definitely had me wondering, "What if?" as I read this book. I'd recommend The Thackery Journal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or alternate history.
Before I began reading The Thackery Journal, I wasn't sure if I'd like the book. Though I've enjoyed some Civil War fiction in the past, I'm not usually a fan of conspiracy theories. This story gripped me early on, probably because of the author's skill in crafting sympathetic, likable characters. I enjoyed the human element in this story and the author's ability to show the toll the war took on the country. As the country begins to take sides in the war, states battle neighboring states, brothers war against brothers, and families are ripped apart. The story focuses on certain characters (Aaron Thackery, Jacob Thackery, Miles, and others), but also explores the war as a whole and is interspersed with historical facts that bring the time period to life.
This story is very well-written. It was a captivating read that kept me turning the pages late into the evening and past my bedtime. The author definitely had me wondering, "What if?" as I read this book. I'd recommend The Thackery Journal to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or alternate history.
October 8, 2013
One of the first things that I noticed about this book was the immense amount of research that Mr. Holt must have done to write it. But unlike many novels of historical fiction in which the author merely lists of adds a few colorful scenes to the window dressing, history is impregnated in this book- acting both as a living breathing character and the background. The American Civil War isn’t just a side note in The Thackery Journal. The effects of it– and war in general is etched into every relationship, action, and motivation that is seen. The reader is left with an impression of the visceral nature of war long after the book is closed.
Of course, this book at the heart of it has a conspiracy. And like all good conspiracies it is exceedingly complex. However, unlike the idea little gray aliens controlling us through subliminal messages, this conspiracy is plausible. All is needed is to look at the facts in a new light. Why was General Grant absent from the theater that night? Did he really have a cold? And was every general truly in lockstep behind the President? And exactly how did the Mexican-American War just a few decades removed factor into that battle that now raged?
For my readers who have been keeping track of my reviews, this is only the second one that has earned a perfect rating. I invite you to find out exactly why.
Of course, this book at the heart of it has a conspiracy. And like all good conspiracies it is exceedingly complex. However, unlike the idea little gray aliens controlling us through subliminal messages, this conspiracy is plausible. All is needed is to look at the facts in a new light. Why was General Grant absent from the theater that night? Did he really have a cold? And was every general truly in lockstep behind the President? And exactly how did the Mexican-American War just a few decades removed factor into that battle that now raged?
For my readers who have been keeping track of my reviews, this is only the second one that has earned a perfect rating. I invite you to find out exactly why.
November 19, 2013
Review of John Holt’s
The Thackery Journal
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
Bones and blood humans are the ones that fight wars. The journal is written by one who is convinced that his reasons for fighting a war pitting families, friends and relatives against each other are noble. His future is set because of those convictions; and you read his journey through Mr. Holt’s straight forward account.
This account leads to a show down between two childhood friends whose parting words prior to the American Civil War were not amicable. Through Thackery’s journal, we feel the pain of a young man following orders of his superiors.
These orders put him in a predicament that is in conflict with his core belief system and a face to face deadly situation with his friend who is fighting for the opposition, the Union Army. You’ll be surprised with the way that adventure is concluded.
Mr. Holt writes a genuine tale of human conflict. Through his prose you feel the historical dilemma that this war produced, which carried on many years after the guns and uniforms were put away for good. That being, where do you draw the line when deciding what is worth fighting for to the death.
The Thackery Journal
Reviewed by Author Roy Murry
Bones and blood humans are the ones that fight wars. The journal is written by one who is convinced that his reasons for fighting a war pitting families, friends and relatives against each other are noble. His future is set because of those convictions; and you read his journey through Mr. Holt’s straight forward account.
This account leads to a show down between two childhood friends whose parting words prior to the American Civil War were not amicable. Through Thackery’s journal, we feel the pain of a young man following orders of his superiors.
These orders put him in a predicament that is in conflict with his core belief system and a face to face deadly situation with his friend who is fighting for the opposition, the Union Army. You’ll be surprised with the way that adventure is concluded.
Mr. Holt writes a genuine tale of human conflict. Through his prose you feel the historical dilemma that this war produced, which carried on many years after the guns and uniforms were put away for good. That being, where do you draw the line when deciding what is worth fighting for to the death.
January 27, 2014
As a history lover I have really enjoyed The Thackery Journal by John Holt. It was fascinating to see the way events might have unfolded to lead to the assassination of President Lincoln. Ever since that event, the big question has always been if John Wilkes Booth acted alone or whether he was part of a wider conspiracy - despite the common belief that he acted alone. After reading this novel it's much easier to imagine how one event led to the next.
The novel is very well written, the characters are so well formed that we can feel their struggles and pain as they fight for survival during the Civil War that turned their lives upside down. John Holt's writing style is 'picturesque' and through his descriptions we feel as if we were part of history. He describes both the characters and the scenery, including buildings or towns, so well that we can easily visualise it. The photos used in the book gave additional help to the description.
I can definitely recommend this book to everyone who is interested in history and/or wants to know more about the American Civil War.
The novel is very well written, the characters are so well formed that we can feel their struggles and pain as they fight for survival during the Civil War that turned their lives upside down. John Holt's writing style is 'picturesque' and through his descriptions we feel as if we were part of history. He describes both the characters and the scenery, including buildings or towns, so well that we can easily visualise it. The photos used in the book gave additional help to the description.
I can definitely recommend this book to everyone who is interested in history and/or wants to know more about the American Civil War.
July 8, 2014
This indie book has all the elements for great fiction about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It sets up a potentially heart-rending clash between two protagonists, both Southerners and boyhood friends. One fights for the Confederacy and the other for the Union. Then it stumbles by being overwritten and poorly edited. It’s missing proper punctuation and proper spelling in too many places, and jumps back and forth between the past and present tense, often in the same paragraph. It also suffers from confusing leaps between past and present, and from inside a character’s head to narrative text. I love historical fiction, and would have loved to have had this book live up to the full potential of a great genre.
September 13, 2014
I must say that I was disappointed in the first 30% of the novel. I felt it was cliché ridden and the dialogue was repetitious. The story gains momentum after that but the conspiracy and plot does not emerge until literally the 50% point. I know of no historical basis for the alleged plots amongst Union Generals, but I am not a Civil War buff. The author does say that the characters and plot are pure fiction but stranger things have happened. I did think the writing captured the period and the theme of brother against brother and friend against friend did develop into an interesting story. of loyalty to one's childhood and friend versus one's loyalty and oath to one's country.
It is certainly an entertaining tale and worthwhile reading
It is certainly an entertaining tale and worthwhile reading
August 24, 2013
A great read, I do love 'what if' tales if well thought out and this was. A nice touch having live links in the Kindle version but a pity some of them didn't work. It's something I've not come across in fiction before, however, I do think that proof reading is more important than new ideas, something that far too many self-published novels suffer from. It was great seeing some pictures in the text as well although I do wonder how legitimate the use of photos of real people used as fictional characters is. I do hope Mr Holt doesn't get chased by living descendants of those used :-) I'll look forward to more to come.
September 14, 2013
I've read a number of John Holt's novels and enjoyed them all but in my opinion this has to be his most accomplished work so far. I knew very little about the American Civil War before, but this story brought it to life in great detail as we follow the extraordinary story of two very ordinary young men who enlist on opposing sides and become embroiled in the assassination of Lincoln. Very well written, exceptionally well plotted and paced, with believable characters who illustrate the futility of war in a poignant way.
A definite recommended read.
A definite recommended read.
not-going-to-finish
September 9, 2014I really wanted to read this one and like it -- and the writing craft earns that much, so I don't want to discourage anyone else from really enjoying it. But the truth is, I just can't get into proper 'suspension of disbelief' to follow the story. I suspect it would help if all characters were fictional so what I learned in school wouldn't keep interfering. Or if I belonged to the conspiracy minded group I might love this different take on this event in my country's history. Like I said, I don't want to discourage anyone else, I just can't manage it myself.
May 30, 2014
This book offers us another "conspiracy theory" of Lincoln's death. The story is told by a southern Father who has been given a journal that was kept by his now deceased son. The son has been accused of being part of the conspiracy to assassinate Lincoln. Take a trip down memory lane as the father tries to understand. Face the dilemma of choosing sides, fighting your relatives or friends, and finally loss of hope.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews