Sing for Us

by Steven Wise

During the dying days of the Civil War, Letha Bartlett lovingly tends to the wounded in a Confederate hospital in Richmond, Virginia. A widow herself, her gentle touch and fiercely protective personality bring comfort and courage to the soldiers in her care. When Granville Pollard, a Northerner who spurned his Union father to fight for the Confederacy, enters the ward, Letha is captivated by his cultured bearing and singing voice. Granville has lost both his fiancée and his feet to the war, leaving him emotionally and physically crippled. Together with a gruff patient named Sergeant Crump, Letha mends Granville, restoring his hope for a future. But the war is not over and death hovers, striking a blow that will plunge Letha and Granville into an abyss from which only the most faithful love can save them.

Based on a true story, Sing for Us is a riveting tale of love and hope in the last days of the Civil War.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2015

Reviews

[Martha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Second half was a disappointment

I am predisposed to like historical fiction, and I did like the beginning of this story. The author gathered an interesting collection of characters to follow in a Confederate army hospital in the last months of the Civil War. However, dramatic events unfolded in the middle and I felt I was reading a script for a soap opera. The plot itself was fine but the dialogue, particularly that of the heroine, was so stiff and unnatural and overly formal. Obviously people did not speak in 1865 as they do now, but it sounded overdone and artificial to my ears. The book also seemed in a hurry to end--I think there should have been more storytelling to get the reader to the conclusion.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It is set during the Civil War and most of it takes place at a field hospital in Virginia. The main characters are Letha Bartlett, a young widow who has joined the war to serve as nurse, and patients in the hospital including Granville, a musician from the North who had fought for the South but ended up losing both legs, and Sergeant Crump, a farmer from Alabama who lost one leg. The author masterfully described the people and the situation so skillfully that it made it really come to life for me. It really tore at my emotions to read about the suffering they experienced, not only physically but emotionally. Although the novel also includes a beautiful love story, it much, much deeper than most romance novels.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story telling

Make sure you have tissues handy as you read this book. You will come to care deeply for these characters as the story unfolds. Letha a young widow is the matron for a ward at Chimborazo hospital in Richmond, Virginia in the closing months of the Civil War. The patients are fleshed out in remarkable fashion and you grow to love them almost as much as Letha does. A truly excellent book.

[Cheryal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It immediately went on my favorites list.
There was a love story in it, but it did not consume the book.
It was about the end of the civil war. The bulk of the story took place in a rebel hospital ward.
The hardships were many.
The characters were strong.
It was eloquently written.
I sent a copy to Mandy who will be mad at me when she sobs during parts of the book.
I would read it again in a minute.
Good book for book club.

[Dianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story, Steven Wise has told this unforgettable tale that takes place in a Confederate hospital outside Richmond, VA. The widow, Letha is the Matron of the ward and has a compassionate heart for these colorful characters.
I highly recommend!

[Judy Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, to say the least

I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning. Started out about the difficult things in a war, but as it proceeded, I started liking the characters. In the end, this book is well worth reading!

[Paula Hess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good civil war read.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was an engaging piece of historical fiction that provided an interesting perspective on the tragedies of the Civil War. A lot of characters come and go throughout the story, which makes sense given that it's a wartime novel but also meant that the character development was uneven. At times it felt more like a montage of the horrors of war versus one cohesive narrative, but I cared enough about some of the main characters to forge ahead. The way that the central relationship resolves felt rushed and the epilogue really threw me for a loop. If I wasn't such a sucker for tragic historical fiction with a splash of romance I probably would have given this 3 stars. If you enjoyed the movie Cold Mountain, I think you'll enjoy this book. (I know Cold Mountain was based on a book but I haven't read it.) Sorry for such a scattered review - maybe it will help prepare you for the experience of reading this book. :)

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice substitute for PBS series "Mercy Street"

If you're sad the PBS didn't renew the Civil War hospital drama, Mercy Street, you'll enjoy this novel set just outside Richmond, VA. All the gory, dreadful tragedy that was our national sorrow told with memorable characters and a simple love story. The love story portion could have been a bit expanded...it felt a little unsubstantial, but otherwise a good book

[Mary Macksey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellently-written book - and there are so few of those. The characters are realistic to the period. Nevertheless, while often in stories of the Civil War, people are portrayed as depraved, rather here they are normal men with good points and bad, but are mostly honorable. Have a hanky handy for some sections are hard to experience which the main characters reflect in their responses. Well done, Mr. Wise.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting tale with memorable characters.

I did not expect such a realistic view of the Civil War, though I should have expected sadness with the setting in a hospital of the time. The characters were well drawn and I found myself feeling friendship with many, risking devastation at their possible loss. This book put faces on a different part of the war, and brought serious thought to the many reasons behind it. Well done.

[Claire Kopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly beautiful and moving book about the healing power of music, amidst the trauma and tragedies of war. Based on a true story, this is Letha Bartlett who lovingly tends to the wounded in a Confederate hospital in Richmond, VA in the last days of the US Civil War. This one will stay with you a long time, excellent writing.

[Jim Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lost cause nonsense

While there is much to like about this book, there is also much to not like. Especially the "lost cause" claim that the war was not about slavery. Wise even has one of his characters repeat the myth that Lee freed his slaves while Grant did not. Neither of these is true, but this never seems to go away.

[LeighAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very moving, funny at times and interesting

This was a very interesting book on the Civil War taken from many different perspectives. I appreciate the eloquent style of writing and the characters are strong and likeable.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fairly straight forward American Civil War romance. Easy reading.

[Tasmina · Rating 2 out of 5]

It tells the story of a ward in a Confederate hospital during the Civil Wars. The gentle caring matron, multiple patients with terrible injurious and their inner battle of wills form the backbone of the story. I have to say I liked the first part. Everyone finding happiness in small incidents.

However, the second half was disappointing. Everything ended too fast.
Read it for the strong characters and the gruesome realities of wars.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free from the publisher through NetGalley. I thank them for their generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]

"Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith let us to the end dare to do our duty as we understand it"- Abraham Lincoln

The widow Letha Bartlett is the matron of the army hospital near Richmond where she has worked through most of the Civil War. As history reports, the South was barely surviving at the end, and this hospital reflected that: short on help, food, and healing. The men in better shape helped the ones in worse, only to be sent up the lines when they were deemed "well".

Granville Pollard is in some ways "a man without a country". His father, a Pittsburgh tycoon, sent him South to have him learn more about singing, where he fell for a Southern girl, and was caught up in the Cause, enlisting in the Rebel Army, where he was badly wounded and brought to Letha's ward. His body begins to heal, but his spirit, much like Letha's is in bad shape.

Throughout the end of the war, they struggle with how they feel about each other. Letha is badly shaken by foyr years of death, and she is emotionally crumbling. Pollard is healing physically even though his feet are gone, but rejection first from his fiancée and the standing exile from his father leave him bereft. Only his tenor voice brings solace to his compatriots and to Letha, herself a singer.

Seen through the eyes of amazing characters, Steven Wise crafts a very powerful tale that shakes you to your core and remains long after the last page is turned.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, ultimately, was a bit lackluster for me. While I kept reading it, despite feeling only ambivalent throughout, it never went from okay to great for me.

I had a few issues with it. Firstly, having the protagonists be Confederates is problematic. It isn't that these stories shouldn't be told, but the book did a poor job dealing with the issue of slavery. It basically came down to "We fought because they came down to us" and "Obviously slavery is bad, but this isn't what the war was about" which is just blatantly untrue. Yes, many men like the character Crump existed - poor farmers who weren't slaveholders - but the economy of the South was so tightly tied to slavery that it can't be separated out. Secondly, if Pollard abhorred slavery so much, why would you fight for the Confederacy? Sure, he loved his lady, but his motives are never properly explained. He could of just NOT FOUGHT.

Additionally, basically EVERY SYMPATHETIC CHARACTER DIES. Crump's death in particular seems COMPLETELY unnecessary. I'm sure people were murdered by highwaymen, but for crying out loud, throw Letha and Pollard and the READER a bone here!

Lastly, the book claims to be based on a true story, but there is no afterward explaining what exactly that story was. Chimborazo was a real hospital, of course, but Granville Pollard didn't exist.

To its credit, the writing is decent. The characters could have a bit more dimension, but they were reasonably well-drawn. This by far isn't the worst book I've read, but I really was hoping it would turn into something more.

[Maureen Melle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moving Tale of A Terrible Time in Our History and the Good That Can Live in the Hearts of Individuals

This is the story of a matron at a large Confederate hospital on the outskirts of Richmond and some of her charges there. It is toward the end of the Civil War and things are not going well for the South. There are shortages of just about everything. Ammunition on the battle field is running out, horses and men are starving and for many of the wounded, transportation to places where they can get medical care can take days. Once they arrive at hospitals, many are met by dispirited "Sawbones" who amputate as many limbs as they heal. Supplies at the hospital are almost nil, The ward matron Letha, has to make do with what she is able to save in the hope that a supply train will soon come with badly needed supplies. Bandages are saved after each use to be washed and used again until they can no longer be cleaned. Meals are tiny with almost no meat and "the boys" are often too hungry to build themselves up again.
There is, however a virtual wealth of friendship, caring, and even forgiveness in this ward. Out of the ashes of the Confederacy, love is born.
I loved this book and look forward to reading more from this author.

[Merla Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction is based on a true story of a civil war military hospital, the confederate soldiers who are hospitalized there, and the matron who stoically nurses them. I seldom give five stars; however, when a story changes my way of thinking, I must. Sergeant Crump, a colorful character in this book, changed it all with three words. He was explaining he had no taste for slavery, would take a whip to anyone whoever abused another human no matter what color, and can't abide those fighting to keep their slaves. He is asked by Pollard, the "hero" of the story, "so why do you fight the Union soldiers?" Crump's answer: "Because they came". Many of these southerners were simply trying to protect their homes, family, and property. They were not caught up in all the convoluted politics involved in the most violent of wars. Because they came. Those 3 words will stay with me always when thinking of the confederate's side of the story. Well written, one gets caught up in the lives, losses, loves, and deaths of these characters. A must read particularly if you hold a derogatory opinion of the confederacy.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Sing for Us’ is one of those books that I did not want to end, and if I were able, would have given more than 5 stars. Totally hooked, I could well imagine myself amongst the wounded men at the Confederate Hospital. As a former carer, there were times when I could have easily slipped into Letha Bartlett shoes.

I never like writing a synopsis of a story, as I don’t like spoiling for others. Based on a true story and without giving too much away... Letha Bartlett and her gentle touch brings comfort and courage to the soldiers in her care. When Granville Pollard enters the ward, Letha is captivated not only by his cultured bearing, but by his singing voice. A man who was emotionally and physically crippled, having lost his fiancée and both of his feet.

This is the first book that I have read by Steven Wise and it will not be the last. I received this ebook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is as grim as one would expect a story that takes place in a war hospital in Richmond, VA, in 1864/65 to be. Although not as evisceratingly tragic as "Cold Mountain" (I will quite probably never fully recover), it is based on a true story, and facts are facts. It's written in a kind of stark, utilitarian style (that would occasionally give way to an unnecessary "If she had known X would happen, she would have done Y," which was distracting). The characters were a little too one-dimensional, and the point of view changed sometimes abruptly, but I wanted happy endings for them. I wanted things to work out. I really did, but if that had happened, it would have felt forced. This is war, and the strange, senseless violence is sometimes grotesque and always awful. Despite the heartache, maybe in part because of it, the novel is infused with a fragile, tender hope: love can make a difference, even in the darkest of days.

[Cindy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I recently read the Red Badge of Courage. There was a part of the story where the wounded were marching and asking about each others wounds. This book takes place where those wounded were probably going, a field hospital. The North had cut off the supply routes, so conditions were terrible as far as rations and supplies. The wounded helped each other and the matron of the wards, Letha was very passionate. I was disappointed in this book. I like to learn something from a historical fiction book. This book could have been set in any war. It read more like a love story. There could have been more references to the Civil War. The book got a little long, just talking about wounds and death in a hospital. There could have been more drama and excitement the night Richmond was evacuating and about ready to fall into the control of the Union. I found it odd, people just sat on the hill and watched the fires. Not the best Civil War book I have read.

[Richda Mcnutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

With no description of battle scenes, Steven Wise sets forth the destruction and individual losses engendered by the Civil War. Most of the book takes places in the Richmond hospital that was called Chimborazo, believed to be the largest military hospital in the world in the 1860's. The main character Letha Bartlett is modeled after Phoebe Yates Pember, who was the matron of Chimborazo during the War between the States. Wise writes with the cadences of the language at that time to melodious effect - and presents the maimed, crippled, and damaged soldiers with a stunning impact on the reader. I can't say quite why this book affected me so (the Civil War is not a theme that I care to read about, for the most part), but it has - I think it will haunt me for quite some time. Steven Wise has a literary gift, and he has done well in making these men and women come alive for us 150 years after their lives became part of our tragic history.

[F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from the goodreads-first-reads free giveaway. This book was well written and as you are reading it, you're hoping that there is a happy ending to each of the characters. Letha is such a compassionate, caring person that the scene with one of her patients, is truly heartbreaking. You get absorbed into all the horrors of war and feel such sadness for Granville. It was interesting to see how music transported the wounded and in some ways healed their emotional scars. It is based on a true story and gives the reader a good look into all the horrors of war-both physical and emotional. I recommend this book.

[Candy]

Bittersweet novel of love found amid pain and suffering

The story of Letha, matron of a Civil War hospital ward and the soldiers who come through with so many wounds. Truly a metaphor I think for the Civil War itself. Good people on all sides, evil in some, pain in most and the unfailing humanity of a woman who at times cares too much but finds love. The music plays an important part in healing and in connections between the two main characters. The writing is so good. The author really brings forth the feel of the south. I don't think there was a contemporary thought anywhere.

[Polly Krize · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Compelling and overwhelming, with lives so damaged and seemingly beyond rescue, the voice of Granville Pollard offers something beautiful to the wounded of Chimborazo, a hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Dealing with the horrendous injuries caused by the American Civil War, Letha Bartlett nurses her patients efficiently and empathetically, connecting with them in her compassionate way.

Creating memorable characters is Steven Wise's forte and his writing is impeccable. Highly recommended reading.

[Nonie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway
Very well written book about the horrific physical and mental pain and suffering all involved went through, as a result of the American Civil War. The characters are so well
developed that I felt as though I could see them and feel what they were going through. In the midst of tragedy the humanity and spirit still shone through. Most of the characters are written with strength and hope.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written tale of heartache, sorrow, loss, love and music.. As you read this book you find yourself drawn to the characters. Their personalities all very unique. You hurt when they hurt, you rejoice when they rejoice. A tale showcasing how strongly love and music can mend a persons soul. I have always been drawn to stories of the Civil War, this is one of the best. Based on a true story.

[Sharon Shearer · Rating 5 out of 5]

War exposes many kinds of wounds - and loves

The author captures the horrendous cost of war in this book that seemed only nominally a man/woman love story. The love of soldier brothers, as well as the mutual tenderness of Letha and the men she cared for, displayed even more of poignant human tenderness to me. Mr. Wise also uses an interesting juxtaposition of music and its ability to soothe, heal, and elevate the spirit.