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A Corporal No More
A Pennsylvania lumberjack enlists in the Union Army to escape years of dangerous drudgery and to help preserve the Union. What looked like adventure turns out to be anything but for this new corporal.
After several skirmishes, he and his regiment are embroiled in one of the war's most savage battles. He is wounded, captured and nearly dies before a prisoner exchange rescues him.
Upon his recovery, he rejoins his outfit to fight and triumph at the war's turning point, Gettysburg.
After several skirmishes, he and his regiment are embroiled in one of the war's most savage battles. He is wounded, captured and nearly dies before a prisoner exchange rescues him.
Upon his recovery, he rejoins his outfit to fight and triumph at the war's turning point, Gettysburg.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
49 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
J. Scott Payne
9 books13 followersI grew up in Kansas City and am a product of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. After interning at the Kansas City Star, I did 1.3 hitch in the Army in Korea, Vietnam and -- worst of all -- Washington, D.C.
I returned to journalism but, tired of tropical weather, moved to Michigan where I've lived ever since, during that time doing graduate work at the University of Michigan.
Though retired now, I've been unable to stop writing. My first novel, A Corporal No More, will arrive on Kindle soon and I'm well underway on a second book.
I returned to journalism but, tired of tropical weather, moved to Michigan where I've lived ever since, during that time doing graduate work at the University of Michigan.
Though retired now, I've been unable to stop writing. My first novel, A Corporal No More, will arrive on Kindle soon and I'm well underway on a second book.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 2, 2014
J. Scott Payne's historical novel, A Corporal No More, gives a heart-wrenching account of one man's journey through the labyrinth that was this country's Civil War.
Payne's protagonist, Joe Little, unhappy with his life as a lumberjack, enlists in the Union Army with the belief that the war will bring some excitement and adventure into his life. But things don't turn out as he expected. Peril at every turn coupled with the monotony of long, endless marches through unpleasant terrain, become the nature of his existence. And, if the assaults by the rebel forces weren't enough, he is also finds himself stalked by a killer.
On the bright side, he has a sweetheart waiting for him, Abigail, the daughter of his former employer. She hopes for his return from the war so they can marry.
But before that can happen, Joe must endure much travail that leaves him bone weary and brings him close to death.
Payne, once a reporter, gives the reader a brutally frank and accurate picture of the life of a young corporal during this country's most devastating war. His meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a page-turning narrative, make this debut novel an outstanding read.
I give it 5 stars!
Payne's protagonist, Joe Little, unhappy with his life as a lumberjack, enlists in the Union Army with the belief that the war will bring some excitement and adventure into his life. But things don't turn out as he expected. Peril at every turn coupled with the monotony of long, endless marches through unpleasant terrain, become the nature of his existence. And, if the assaults by the rebel forces weren't enough, he is also finds himself stalked by a killer.
On the bright side, he has a sweetheart waiting for him, Abigail, the daughter of his former employer. She hopes for his return from the war so they can marry.
But before that can happen, Joe must endure much travail that leaves him bone weary and brings him close to death.
Payne, once a reporter, gives the reader a brutally frank and accurate picture of the life of a young corporal during this country's most devastating war. His meticulous attention to detail, coupled with a page-turning narrative, make this debut novel an outstanding read.
I give it 5 stars!
February 3, 2014
Writing fiction based on a family history is a difficult task at best, the desire to embellish the not-so-exciting parts can lead to a parody, while in some circumstances the reality of the actual situation can push the truth beyond belief. Author J. Scott Payne melds the two seamlessly into a tale that will captivate the Historian and Fiction Lover as well.
Joe Little mistakenly leaves the mundane danger of a logging life to enlist in the Union Army. Leaving behind his girl and the only life he’s known, he is not prepared for the challenges ahead. The Confederate Army may not be the only enemy he has to face in his attempt to secure a better future for himself and those he loves. The hardships he is forced to overcome may just change everything.
Anyone who is entranced with this tumultuous period of American history will be pulled in by the authenticity of the characters and settings. J. Scott wraps an engaging story with his family’s legacy and we are left with our own tale to share.
Joe Little mistakenly leaves the mundane danger of a logging life to enlist in the Union Army. Leaving behind his girl and the only life he’s known, he is not prepared for the challenges ahead. The Confederate Army may not be the only enemy he has to face in his attempt to secure a better future for himself and those he loves. The hardships he is forced to overcome may just change everything.
Anyone who is entranced with this tumultuous period of American history will be pulled in by the authenticity of the characters and settings. J. Scott wraps an engaging story with his family’s legacy and we are left with our own tale to share.
February 28, 2014
J. Scott Payne’s historical novel, A Corporal No More, is a deeply moving story of the American Civil War as seen through the eyes of a soldier in the Union Army’s 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry. Inspired by the experiences of Payne’s great-grandfather, who served with the 83rd, and the history of that regiment recorded by the 83rd’s last adjutant, Captain Amos Judson, it concerns the experiences of Joe Little as he travels the road from lumberjack, to soldier, to prisoner of war and beyond.
This well researched tale takes readers along the dusty roads, through rain soaked bottom land and into the heat of major battles. It rings true in every detail from the language of the era to Joe’s relationship with the young woman he left at home.
This is J. Scott Payne’s first novel but he is by no means a novice writer. His experience as a journalist shines through in the intricate details of his story, but he goes beyond reporting to create a moving personal account of one man’s struggle with the mind bending experience of war.
A must read for Civil War buffs.
This well researched tale takes readers along the dusty roads, through rain soaked bottom land and into the heat of major battles. It rings true in every detail from the language of the era to Joe’s relationship with the young woman he left at home.
This is J. Scott Payne’s first novel but he is by no means a novice writer. His experience as a journalist shines through in the intricate details of his story, but he goes beyond reporting to create a moving personal account of one man’s struggle with the mind bending experience of war.
A must read for Civil War buffs.
February 4, 2014
What a fascinating glimpse into Civil War times!
Joe Little, a noble, hard-working, god-fearing foreman in a lumber mill is drawn into enlisting in the Union Army. The loyalty of his men cause many of them to leave their lumbering jobs and join him on the front lines.
The author gives us an intimate view of their lives and values. You feel like you’re there, watching over their shoulders as they struggle through deaths and injuries during massive battles, to say nothing of hospitalizations and extended treatment for those lucky enough to survive.
Joe is like that big naïve honest friend we all have - not a suspicious bone in his body. I wanted to yell at him to be more suspicious – to listen to Course and Black about Mieks and his dangerous behavior, even more so, knowing this book was based on real events. I was a relieved the loyal Course and Black were determined to watch his back.
We watch Joe as he matures and develops his own view of what is really important in his life. And, even though Joe makes hard decisions, I couldn’t help feeling proud of the decisions he made.
The novel was written by a reporter who went out of his way to get his facts exactly right and used them like seasoning to add a delicious level of detail to the story. I strongly encourage anyone who has a love of historical fiction to join Joe on his journey through some of the most momentous events of our country’s history.
You will love it!
Joe Little, a noble, hard-working, god-fearing foreman in a lumber mill is drawn into enlisting in the Union Army. The loyalty of his men cause many of them to leave their lumbering jobs and join him on the front lines.
The author gives us an intimate view of their lives and values. You feel like you’re there, watching over their shoulders as they struggle through deaths and injuries during massive battles, to say nothing of hospitalizations and extended treatment for those lucky enough to survive.
Joe is like that big naïve honest friend we all have - not a suspicious bone in his body. I wanted to yell at him to be more suspicious – to listen to Course and Black about Mieks and his dangerous behavior, even more so, knowing this book was based on real events. I was a relieved the loyal Course and Black were determined to watch his back.
We watch Joe as he matures and develops his own view of what is really important in his life. And, even though Joe makes hard decisions, I couldn’t help feeling proud of the decisions he made.
The novel was written by a reporter who went out of his way to get his facts exactly right and used them like seasoning to add a delicious level of detail to the story. I strongly encourage anyone who has a love of historical fiction to join Joe on his journey through some of the most momentous events of our country’s history.
You will love it!
April 6, 2017
Caught up in the patriotic fever of the times, Pennsylvania lumberman Joe Little enlists in the Union Army in the early days of the Civil War and is soon thrust into the horrific reality of battle.
In a fierce battle just outside Richmond, Virginia, the newly promoted corporal is wounded, moved to a hospital station and captured by Confederate troops after an inglorious retreat by Union forces. Joe nearly succumbs to disease in the notorious Libby Prison before a prisoner exchange sends him home to his sweetheart and family.
But his trials aren't over. After breaking up with his fiancee, Little returns to battle with his unit the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry at Gettysburg, fighting side by side with the 20th Maine at Little Round Top.
Told from the perspective of an enlisted man and based on the actual experiences of his great-grandfather, Payne has crafted a realistic and impressive novel that at times convinces the reader he's smelling gun smoke and hearing the thud of bullets.
Some who haven't served may doubt the plausibility of scenes like that of Little's fortuitous meeting with Stonewall Jackson or his decision to seek battle once more after what he'd experienced earlier. Those who have served know such things do occur.
In a fierce battle just outside Richmond, Virginia, the newly promoted corporal is wounded, moved to a hospital station and captured by Confederate troops after an inglorious retreat by Union forces. Joe nearly succumbs to disease in the notorious Libby Prison before a prisoner exchange sends him home to his sweetheart and family.
But his trials aren't over. After breaking up with his fiancee, Little returns to battle with his unit the 83rd Pennsylvania Infantry at Gettysburg, fighting side by side with the 20th Maine at Little Round Top.
Told from the perspective of an enlisted man and based on the actual experiences of his great-grandfather, Payne has crafted a realistic and impressive novel that at times convinces the reader he's smelling gun smoke and hearing the thud of bullets.
Some who haven't served may doubt the plausibility of scenes like that of Little's fortuitous meeting with Stonewall Jackson or his decision to seek battle once more after what he'd experienced earlier. Those who have served know such things do occur.
April 5, 2014
Wow.I admit i wasnt sure where this book would go, but it didnt take long to suck me in.I was growing weary of book after book about Generals, Lincoln and battles.I wanted to get down in the trenches and see how the soldiers ate,lived,breathed,fought and sadly...died.This book has brought me a whole new perspective and appreciation for the working men of the civil war...from both sides.I seriously cant get enough.I find myself wishing the chapters would never stop.Please Mr. Payne, do this again...and again.Frederick Christie, new found fan.I'll be reading it twice.
October 22, 2018
A Corporal
A GREAT mix of fiction and history and hopingyou can write some more in the same style soon. The most FUN I've had reading in years, having to reach for a full size dictionary five or six times in one book!
A GREAT mix of fiction and history and hopingyou can write some more in the same style soon. The most FUN I've had reading in years, having to reach for a full size dictionary five or six times in one book!
December 25, 2018
Great read about the Cival War
This book takes you into the daily lives of the Union Soldiers. It give gave me a perspective of the horrors of this war. It should be used by history teachers in today's schools
This book takes you into the daily lives of the Union Soldiers. It give gave me a perspective of the horrors of this war. It should be used by history teachers in today's schools
August 26, 2014
I love stories and historical accounts of the Civil War. I am a Gone with the Wind, North and South, Gettysburg movie junkie. I have seen each movie several times. I have been to Gettysburg and with all of the books I have read over the years, I could easily imagine the scenes that played out there.
I've always enjoyed reading books by authors who take the time to do their research about the subject they are writing about. Even if it's fiction. If you are talking about a certain area of our country, then go and visit there. Get to know the people, the culture, then write about it.
In "A Corporal No More", the author not only does that but as a connection to the main character, Joseph H. Little, as he is the author's great grandfather, who was the first Corporal of Company B of the 83rd.
This was a very nicely written book that contained historical fiction. The author wrote it in a manner that makes it easy to find and you will want to continue to read it until the end.
If you enjoy reading books regarding the Civil War, you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for our review.
I've always enjoyed reading books by authors who take the time to do their research about the subject they are writing about. Even if it's fiction. If you are talking about a certain area of our country, then go and visit there. Get to know the people, the culture, then write about it.
In "A Corporal No More", the author not only does that but as a connection to the main character, Joseph H. Little, as he is the author's great grandfather, who was the first Corporal of Company B of the 83rd.
This was a very nicely written book that contained historical fiction. The author wrote it in a manner that makes it easy to find and you will want to continue to read it until the end.
If you enjoy reading books regarding the Civil War, you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of the book for our review.
October 20, 2016
A fantastic civil war narrative
Truly a in depth story of the mud and guts of the infantry. Shows a very human side of personal relationships.
Truly a in depth story of the mud and guts of the infantry. Shows a very human side of personal relationships.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews