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Mud Men: A Novel of America at War
Author J. A. Nunn returns with a sequel to his debut novel, The Stuff What Actually Is, chronicling the new adventures of young GI Mervyn Gower as he navigates his World War II posting to the Jim Crow South.
Mervyn Gower, a naive young Army draftee from an all-white immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, believes the best way to prove he’s a “real” American is in combat. Assigned to a segregated Army base in the Jim Crow South in 1942, Gower soon finds himself in hot water after a drunken brawl. Instead of being demoted or dishonorably discharged, however, he’s given a post that not enough qualified Black GIs can fill and that few white soldiers want—leader of a squad of Black recruits.
After a false start, Gower impresses his company commander who then nominates Gower’s squad as the only Black troops to participate in field maneuvers in the desolate Louisiana bayou—an almost unheard of opportunity for Black GIs—where they’ll be filmed “in action” as part of a War Department effort to encourage more Black soldiers to volunteer and more white soldiers to accept them. But when one of his men goes AWOL, the search to find the runaway—dead or alive—brings Gower’s understanding of his men into focus and builds toward a shocking and brutal encounter he will never forget.
Inspired by real-life stories and backed by author J. A. Nunn’s thorough research, Mud Men picks up where The Stuff What Actually Is left off, continuing to weave together the threads of race, social inequity, and American identity that shaped a generation.
Mervyn Gower, a naive young Army draftee from an all-white immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, believes the best way to prove he’s a “real” American is in combat. Assigned to a segregated Army base in the Jim Crow South in 1942, Gower soon finds himself in hot water after a drunken brawl. Instead of being demoted or dishonorably discharged, however, he’s given a post that not enough qualified Black GIs can fill and that few white soldiers want—leader of a squad of Black recruits.
After a false start, Gower impresses his company commander who then nominates Gower’s squad as the only Black troops to participate in field maneuvers in the desolate Louisiana bayou—an almost unheard of opportunity for Black GIs—where they’ll be filmed “in action” as part of a War Department effort to encourage more Black soldiers to volunteer and more white soldiers to accept them. But when one of his men goes AWOL, the search to find the runaway—dead or alive—brings Gower’s understanding of his men into focus and builds toward a shocking and brutal encounter he will never forget.
Inspired by real-life stories and backed by author J. A. Nunn’s thorough research, Mud Men picks up where The Stuff What Actually Is left off, continuing to weave together the threads of race, social inequity, and American identity that shaped a generation.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 28, 2026
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Mud Men: A Novel of America at War by J. A. Nunn is the second historical fiction novel following Mervyn Gower, a white man leading an all-black squad of medical recruits. Mr. Nunn is an educator and a marketing professional.
Mervyn Gower, who immigrated to Los Angeles from Great Britain as a young boy, was drafted into the US Army after Pearl Harbor. During his training in the deep South, he was exposed to all manner of Jim Crow racism he was not used to.
After a fight on a bus, he was punished by a promotion to Corporal and given an assignment that was thought to be a career ender: leading and training an all-black squad. When his squad is picked to participate in major field maneuvers in the Louisiana bayous, which will be filmed, their performance challengers demonstrate their ability to serve, and about those who hold them.
Mr. Nunn’s previous book, the first in the series, The Stuff What Actually Is, was a nice surprise. I never heard of the series until I saw Mud Men on NetGalley, and bought the first one before reading it.
This book still follows Gower in his search for what being a “real American” really means. He still sees himself as an immigrant trying to assimilate and trying to make sense of the prejudices and discrimination he finds in his new surroundings.
White the novel follows Gower’s military journey, World War II is only a background in a continent far away. It is more concerned about capturing the story of soldiers serving a country which denies them the freedom they are fighting for a continent away.
Nevertheless, the squad performs way above expectations, sadly to the dismay of many. They saved the lives of soldiers who have previously harassed them and performed honorably.
This is when Gower is introduced to the reality of military hierarchy and the sweeping of an officer’s responsibility in a tragedy under the rug. Gower realizes that he is not just a witness of injustice, but sometimes even complicity in it.
Like many other books in a series, this book can certainly be read as a standalone. I do believe though it would be enjoyed much more if you read the first book.
Mud Men: A Novel of America at War by J. A. Nunn is the second historical fiction novel following Mervyn Gower, a white man leading an all-black squad of medical recruits. Mr. Nunn is an educator and a marketing professional.
Mervyn Gower, who immigrated to Los Angeles from Great Britain as a young boy, was drafted into the US Army after Pearl Harbor. During his training in the deep South, he was exposed to all manner of Jim Crow racism he was not used to.
After a fight on a bus, he was punished by a promotion to Corporal and given an assignment that was thought to be a career ender: leading and training an all-black squad. When his squad is picked to participate in major field maneuvers in the Louisiana bayous, which will be filmed, their performance challengers demonstrate their ability to serve, and about those who hold them.
Mr. Nunn’s previous book, the first in the series, The Stuff What Actually Is, was a nice surprise. I never heard of the series until I saw Mud Men on NetGalley, and bought the first one before reading it.
This book still follows Gower in his search for what being a “real American” really means. He still sees himself as an immigrant trying to assimilate and trying to make sense of the prejudices and discrimination he finds in his new surroundings.
White the novel follows Gower’s military journey, World War II is only a background in a continent far away. It is more concerned about capturing the story of soldiers serving a country which denies them the freedom they are fighting for a continent away.
Nevertheless, the squad performs way above expectations, sadly to the dismay of many. They saved the lives of soldiers who have previously harassed them and performed honorably.
This is when Gower is introduced to the reality of military hierarchy and the sweeping of an officer’s responsibility in a tragedy under the rug. Gower realizes that he is not just a witness of injustice, but sometimes even complicity in it.
Like many other books in a series, this book can certainly be read as a standalone. I do believe though it would be enjoyed much more if you read the first book.
June 8, 2026
I picked up Mud Men expecting a standard WWII novel, but what I got was something much deeper. This book isn't just about war, it’s about people trying to find their place in a country that doesn't always treat them fairly.
Mervyn Gower quickly became one of my favorite protagonists. He's flawed, funny, insecure, and constantly questioning himself. Watching him go from someone who knows almost nothing about the Black soldiers under his command to someone who genuinely wants to understand and help them was incredibly rewarding.
The relationship between Gower and his squad felt authentic. Characters like Washington, Eberley, Johnson, and Woolley never felt like background figures. Each had a personality, a voice, and a story. I especially loved Eberley's intelligence and Johnson's confidence. Their interactions with Gower created some of the strongest moments in the novel.
What impressed me most was how the author handled serious topics like racism and segregation without losing sight of the humanity and humor of the characters. There were scenes that made me laugh out loud and others that genuinely made me angry.
This is historical fiction done right.
Mervyn Gower quickly became one of my favorite protagonists. He's flawed, funny, insecure, and constantly questioning himself. Watching him go from someone who knows almost nothing about the Black soldiers under his command to someone who genuinely wants to understand and help them was incredibly rewarding.
The relationship between Gower and his squad felt authentic. Characters like Washington, Eberley, Johnson, and Woolley never felt like background figures. Each had a personality, a voice, and a story. I especially loved Eberley's intelligence and Johnson's confidence. Their interactions with Gower created some of the strongest moments in the novel.
What impressed me most was how the author handled serious topics like racism and segregation without losing sight of the humanity and humor of the characters. There were scenes that made me laugh out loud and others that genuinely made me angry.
This is historical fiction done right.
June 8, 2026
This novel completely surprised me.
At first, Gower and Conroy seemed like an odd comedy duo stumbling through Army life, but as the story progressed, I became deeply invested in their journey. Conroy's humor provided a lot of relief, but underneath the jokes there was real heart.
One of the most memorable parts of the book was watching Gower teach his squad. The scene where he accidentally reads that a wounded soldier "turns completely white" during a lesson had me cringing and laughing at the same time. It perfectly captured his awkwardness and inexperience.
I also appreciated how much attention was given to soldiers like Lincoln Washington, Johnson, Woolley, and Eberley. They weren't stereotypes. They felt like real people dealing with an unfair system while still trying to serve their country.
By the end, I felt like I personally knew these men.
This book deserves a much wider audience.
At first, Gower and Conroy seemed like an odd comedy duo stumbling through Army life, but as the story progressed, I became deeply invested in their journey. Conroy's humor provided a lot of relief, but underneath the jokes there was real heart.
One of the most memorable parts of the book was watching Gower teach his squad. The scene where he accidentally reads that a wounded soldier "turns completely white" during a lesson had me cringing and laughing at the same time. It perfectly captured his awkwardness and inexperience.
I also appreciated how much attention was given to soldiers like Lincoln Washington, Johnson, Woolley, and Eberley. They weren't stereotypes. They felt like real people dealing with an unfair system while still trying to serve their country.
By the end, I felt like I personally knew these men.
This book deserves a much wider audience.
June 8, 2026
The greatest strength of Mud Men is its characters.
Mervyn Gower is one of the most believable protagonists I've read in a long time. He isn't a hero in the traditional sense. He makes mistakes, says the wrong thing, and often feels completely unqualified for the responsibilities placed on him. Yet that's exactly what made me root for him.
I particularly enjoyed his growing friendship with men like Johnson and Washington. Their conversations challenged many of Gower's assumptions, and it was satisfying to see him become a better leader because of it.
The relationship with Lacey Lane added another layer to the story. I won't spoil anything, but some of the scenes involving Lacey were genuinely heartbreaking because they forced Gower to confront realities he had been avoiding.
This book balances humor, history, social commentary, and character development remarkably well.
Mervyn Gower is one of the most believable protagonists I've read in a long time. He isn't a hero in the traditional sense. He makes mistakes, says the wrong thing, and often feels completely unqualified for the responsibilities placed on him. Yet that's exactly what made me root for him.
I particularly enjoyed his growing friendship with men like Johnson and Washington. Their conversations challenged many of Gower's assumptions, and it was satisfying to see him become a better leader because of it.
The relationship with Lacey Lane added another layer to the story. I won't spoil anything, but some of the scenes involving Lacey were genuinely heartbreaking because they forced Gower to confront realities he had been avoiding.
This book balances humor, history, social commentary, and character development remarkably well.
June 8, 2026
I don't usually read military fiction, but this book hooked me almost immediately.
The setting of a segregated Army camp during World War II created a fascinating backdrop. Instead of focusing entirely on combat, the novel explores what life was like for soldiers who were fighting a different kind of battle at home.
Major Wright was one of my favorite characters. His speech about judging people by character rather than race was powerful without feeling preachy. Sergeant King was another standout. Every time he appeared, I paid attention.
I also loved the dynamic between Gower and Conroy. Their friendship felt natural, and many of their exchanges had me smiling.
The story takes its time developing the characters, but by the end, I was glad it did. These people felt real.
The setting of a segregated Army camp during World War II created a fascinating backdrop. Instead of focusing entirely on combat, the novel explores what life was like for soldiers who were fighting a different kind of battle at home.
Major Wright was one of my favorite characters. His speech about judging people by character rather than race was powerful without feeling preachy. Sergeant King was another standout. Every time he appeared, I paid attention.
I also loved the dynamic between Gower and Conroy. Their friendship felt natural, and many of their exchanges had me smiling.
The story takes its time developing the characters, but by the end, I was glad it did. These people felt real.
June 8, 2026
This is one of those rare historical novels where every character matters.
Gower's squad became the heart of the story for me. Woolley, Washington, Johnson, Eberley, Brown, Dupre each brought something different to the table. I found myself looking forward to classroom scenes because the dialogue was so entertaining and insightful.
The author does an excellent job showing how prejudice affects everyone involved. No one is completely untouched by it. Watching Gower slowly realize this was one of the most rewarding parts of the novel.
There are plenty of funny moments, but they're balanced by emotional scenes that hit surprisingly hard.
I finished the book feeling like I had spent months living alongside these soldiers.
Gower's squad became the heart of the story for me. Woolley, Washington, Johnson, Eberley, Brown, Dupre each brought something different to the table. I found myself looking forward to classroom scenes because the dialogue was so entertaining and insightful.
The author does an excellent job showing how prejudice affects everyone involved. No one is completely untouched by it. Watching Gower slowly realize this was one of the most rewarding parts of the novel.
There are plenty of funny moments, but they're balanced by emotional scenes that hit surprisingly hard.
I finished the book feeling like I had spent months living alongside these soldiers.
June 9, 2026
I loved this book.
What stood out most was how human everyone felt. Nobody was perfect. Even the people trying to do the right thing often struggled with their own biases and fears.
The friendship between Gower and Conroy was fantastic. Conroy's constant jokes and sarcastic observations kept me entertained throughout the novel. At the same time, there were moments where his loyalty to Gower really shined.
Johnson was another favorite character of mine. He was intelligent, talented, and unwilling to simply accept the limitations others placed on him. Every scene involving him felt important.
This book gave me plenty to think about long after I finished reading it.
What stood out most was how human everyone felt. Nobody was perfect. Even the people trying to do the right thing often struggled with their own biases and fears.
The friendship between Gower and Conroy was fantastic. Conroy's constant jokes and sarcastic observations kept me entertained throughout the novel. At the same time, there were moments where his loyalty to Gower really shined.
Johnson was another favorite character of mine. He was intelligent, talented, and unwilling to simply accept the limitations others placed on him. Every scene involving him felt important.
This book gave me plenty to think about long after I finished reading it.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews