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Cossack: A Historical Novel of Courage and Survival
17th century Russia, where innocence collides with the harsh realities of life in the midst of a Cossack rebellion.
In this gripping tale, Fyodor, 20, blond, extremely strong and a serf on a small Russian estate is chosen for a dangerous mission that will take him far from the only home he has ever known.
As he ventures far from the safety of his estate, his innocence and naivety ultimately leave him vulnerable to criminals who relieve him of both money and documents including his transit papers, without which he is subject to arrest.
Managing to evade capture he makes his way home only to be met with a scene of utter devastation—he finds the mutilated bodies of his fellow serfs and the once-prosperous estate now reduced to rubble. With his world shattered and his future uncertain, he is left with no choice but to seek refuge in the land of the Cossacks.
Amidst the chaos and danger, Fyodor grapples with the harsh realities of life beyond the safety of his estate, confronting the brutality of a world he cannot fathom. But his strength and ability to read and write attracts the attention of the leader of the Cossacks who makes him an offer to join the Cossacks. Without identity papers he has few options so Fyodor agrees, not realizing doing so will bind him to the brotherhood for life.
Traveling with the Cossacks and witnessing unimaginable brutal atrocities Fyodor eventually realizes he cannot continue without losing himself. But can he renounce his commitment to the brotherhood without losing his life?
This is a chilling tale of violence, debauchery and cruelty pushing Fyodor to the brink as it tests his resilience and moral fiber.
In this gripping tale, Fyodor, 20, blond, extremely strong and a serf on a small Russian estate is chosen for a dangerous mission that will take him far from the only home he has ever known.
As he ventures far from the safety of his estate, his innocence and naivety ultimately leave him vulnerable to criminals who relieve him of both money and documents including his transit papers, without which he is subject to arrest.
Managing to evade capture he makes his way home only to be met with a scene of utter devastation—he finds the mutilated bodies of his fellow serfs and the once-prosperous estate now reduced to rubble. With his world shattered and his future uncertain, he is left with no choice but to seek refuge in the land of the Cossacks.
Amidst the chaos and danger, Fyodor grapples with the harsh realities of life beyond the safety of his estate, confronting the brutality of a world he cannot fathom. But his strength and ability to read and write attracts the attention of the leader of the Cossacks who makes him an offer to join the Cossacks. Without identity papers he has few options so Fyodor agrees, not realizing doing so will bind him to the brotherhood for life.
Traveling with the Cossacks and witnessing unimaginable brutal atrocities Fyodor eventually realizes he cannot continue without losing himself. But can he renounce his commitment to the brotherhood without losing his life?
This is a chilling tale of violence, debauchery and cruelty pushing Fyodor to the brink as it tests his resilience and moral fiber.
409 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2024
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3 people want to read
About the author
George Herman
47 books8 followersGeorge Adam Herman, Jr. (born April 12, 1928) was an American playwright and writer.
Herman taught playwrighting and was the artist-in-residence at numerous American universities. For 16 years he lived and worked in Hawaii on the staff of the State Superintendent of Education. He directed over 200 plays for numerous schools and theatres, served as the Artistic Director for at least one theatre (the Commedia Repertory Theatre in Hawaii), and designed sets and lighting for more than 40 productions.
While in Hawaii, Herman also worked for as a theatre columnist and drama critic. He turned to writing novels at age 65, and published seven novels and one children's book to date.
As a playwright, Herman won numerous awards since 1953. His best known play is "A Company of Wayward Saints", which has been in print continuously since it was first published in 1963. His plays for radio, TV, and the stage have been produced around the world. He has five published plays, and number of his award winning unpublished plays are also available through his website. Herman has received more than 30 awards for his writing.
Herman taught playwrighting and was the artist-in-residence at numerous American universities. For 16 years he lived and worked in Hawaii on the staff of the State Superintendent of Education. He directed over 200 plays for numerous schools and theatres, served as the Artistic Director for at least one theatre (the Commedia Repertory Theatre in Hawaii), and designed sets and lighting for more than 40 productions.
While in Hawaii, Herman also worked for as a theatre columnist and drama critic. He turned to writing novels at age 65, and published seven novels and one children's book to date.
As a playwright, Herman won numerous awards since 1953. His best known play is "A Company of Wayward Saints", which has been in print continuously since it was first published in 1963. His plays for radio, TV, and the stage have been produced around the world. He has five published plays, and number of his award winning unpublished plays are also available through his website. Herman has received more than 30 awards for his writing.
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