Sacrifice: A Novel of the War for Southern Independence

by Steve Freeman

Sacrifice, based on the true story of four South Carolina brothers who enlist in the Confederate Army in 1861. Dennis Todd, a reluctant Rebel, follows his brothers from their quiet farm life into the inferno of battle. He soon finds himself charging with the gray legions through the smoke-filled woods of Tennessee and Georgia during more than three years of relentless struggle with the Army of Tennessee. From Perryville to Franklin and Nashville and the Confederacy's last grasp at survival at Bentonville, Dennis and his brothers experience glorious triumphs and dismal defeats, the horror of battle, long marches, carefree camp life, and the tragedy of personal loss. Through it all, the war careens ever closer to its heartbreaking end as the men come to see themselves as the ultimate price of freedom - the Sacrifice. But, when the war is over, is the worst yet to come?

462 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 20, 2013

Reviews

[Ginger Poulsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting, but not very well-written. The writing style seemed amateur at times--like using cliched statements. And the grammar was pretty bad--could've used a good editor. But it forced me to realize how much is sacrificed in a war. Folks sent off their husbands, sons, brothers, and fathers, knowing there was a VERY high chance of never seeing them again. That part was heartbreaking, as were the other realities, like lack of food and clothing for the soldiers.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sacrifice…what an ambiguous word that is. It can mean anything from a small inconvenience to a world shattering loss of epic proportion. In April of 1861 after the fall of Ft Sumter that marked the beginning of hostilities in a conflict that would tear families apart and claim tens of thousands American lives, there is a prevalent misconception that men on both sides of the conflict immediately answered the call to arms. True, many did but a larger majority continued (or tried to) their lives as before. Eighty-five years earlier in 1776, citizens protected their liberties, families and lives by defending their individual colonies, creating a united front against their English oppressors. The American Civil War was very similar. Most combatants cared little about politics or slavery. They joined to protect their homes, families and state. The feeling of personal honor attributed to the vast numbers on both sides that signed up to fight in a war that could last a long time and cost an inconceivable number of lives and change the world they once knew into one they could have hardly imagined. In South Carolina the Todd family could, in almost every respect be considered average. With six sons and two daughters they worked their farm and some had other jobs in town. When the war started three of the sons, John, Lemuel and Dennis were married and had families of their own. Although their wives and children were taken into consideration, pride and the feeling that their state needed them prompted them to enlist and fight for the Confederacy. Little did they know what their act of patriotism would cost them. Families on both sides would bleed, suffer and die in this godforsaken war. Much has been written about the Civil War. Many books go into great detail explaining tactics, strategies, troop movements and final goals but this book concentrates on the little man; the private soldier. This is the man that is ordered to fight without the benefit of knowing why; his is to do and any many cases die. This is the story of war one on one, bringing the horrors, suffering and loss up close and personal. War is hell and Steve Freeman provides you with a front row seat!