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The Sentinels of Andersonville
2015 Christy Award winner!
ECPA 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist!
Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.
Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war―little knowing what that promise will cost him.
As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?
ECPA 2015 Christian Book Award Finalist!
Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.
Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war―little knowing what that promise will cost him.
As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 17, 2014
131 people are currently reading
1688 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Groot
13 books180 followersTracy Groot is the critically acclaimed and Christy Award–winning author of several works of historical fiction. Her books have received starred Booklist and Publishers Weekly reviews and have been called "beautifully written" and "page-turning" by Publishers Weekly, and "gripping" with "exquisitely drawn" characters by Library Journal.
Tracy and her husband have three grown sons and a daughter-in-law and enjoy board games, warm vacations, any kind of travel, Detroit Lions football, foodie experiences, and most anything that gives them time together.
Tracy and her husband have three grown sons and a daughter-in-law and enjoy board games, warm vacations, any kind of travel, Detroit Lions football, foodie experiences, and most anything that gives them time together.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
February 7, 2019
Incredibly moving. I did not know anything about Andersonville and in some ways it sickens me to know what occurred there, but in its own way this shines a spotlight on ordinary heroism. I really liked the three main characters, but also many of the secondary characters who fought against impossible odds to make a difference against overwhelming evil. The message of giving a lemon if that’s all you can do is sobering yet in its own way inspiring.
May 15, 2025
I absolutely love the characters, dialogue, and narrative style in this book. It’s the sort of book I have to force myself to slow down and savor. From cynical Dance to philosophical Emery to naive, passionate Violet—such an unlikely set of allies, but so much fun to read about! The supporting cast is as engaging as the main characters (Posey Stiles, a.k.a. Traitor Christian, is an excellent case in point). I especially enjoy Emery’s ability to philosophize and sound like a hick at the same time. And how many of us have ever wanted to say, “Do not try me today, for I am in a foul temper’ment”?
For me, the characters and their interplay balance the horrific prison conditions that form the central focus of the story. It’s not for sensitive readers, and the characters themselves struggle in ways that seem achingly real. Denial, anger, Dance’s “experiment” in trying to forget. There are some ugly, ugly things here. But I felt the details did not become overly gratuitous, and the story holds to hope and humor in the midst of the darkness.
I often mention this book as an example of my favorite type of historical fiction: the kind that takes you to a real time and place and teaches you something about it through engaging characters and plot, rather than dropping a generic storyline against a generic historical backdrop. I’m not a fan of Civil War fiction, but this story is about a lot more than North versus South. It’s also about a lot more than social activism as such, although the author’s notes make it clear that that’s part of the focus. The best fiction makes me think. We all hope we’d be the people who would speak out and take stands, but would we really? Would I?
Without Christ, this kind of theme can turn into the social gospel. But at its essence, this story is about saying we believe the Bible and not living it. It’s about doing the right thing even if you’re the only one, even if you can’t do much. It’s about taking responsibility for our own failures instead of blaming the situation on others. It’s about friendship and sacrifice.
Which brings me to the Christian content of The Sentinels of Andersonville. Other than being published by a nominally Christian publisher and written by a Christy Award winner, this book is not necessarily touted as explicitly Christian. There is a smattering of coarse language and multiple uses of the word hell, mostly in reference to the conditions at the prison. We’re left to assume the characters’ standing with God, and a lot of the Christianity is somewhat cultural in nature. It doesn’t feel like a book that was meant to be specifically Christian fiction, so I’m not going to judge it by a standard it wasn’t meant to reach.
However. One of the most climactic points of the story involves one man’s deliberate, substitutionary sacrifice to save another. If that isn’t the gospel in a nutshell, I don’t know what is. You might say The Sentinels of Andersonville is Christian by allegory if not by message. Some readers will disagree; if you have strong feelings against such things, do everyone a favor and don’t read this book.
This isn’t to say there was nothing I disliked. I’ve already mentioned the language. A few plotlines were wrapped up too abruptly for me. I would have liked to see Violet more respectful of her father’s wishes and concerns, even when he was in the wrong. And no, I would not have objected to a more overtly Christian message of hope and redemption.
All that to say, I highly recommend The Sentinels of Andersonville to historical fiction lovers who aren’t bothered by the above caveats. It’s the kind of book that may very well stick with you in perpetuity. (There, I used the word perpetuity. Emery Jones would be proud.) And I leave you with this quote, which sums up the challenge for us all:
“He wanted to tear down the world, and that would be the easy part. But he had to tear down himself.”
Join my email subscribers here for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
For me, the characters and their interplay balance the horrific prison conditions that form the central focus of the story. It’s not for sensitive readers, and the characters themselves struggle in ways that seem achingly real. Denial, anger, Dance’s “experiment” in trying to forget. There are some ugly, ugly things here. But I felt the details did not become overly gratuitous, and the story holds to hope and humor in the midst of the darkness.
I often mention this book as an example of my favorite type of historical fiction: the kind that takes you to a real time and place and teaches you something about it through engaging characters and plot, rather than dropping a generic storyline against a generic historical backdrop. I’m not a fan of Civil War fiction, but this story is about a lot more than North versus South. It’s also about a lot more than social activism as such, although the author’s notes make it clear that that’s part of the focus. The best fiction makes me think. We all hope we’d be the people who would speak out and take stands, but would we really? Would I?
Without Christ, this kind of theme can turn into the social gospel. But at its essence, this story is about saying we believe the Bible and not living it. It’s about doing the right thing even if you’re the only one, even if you can’t do much. It’s about taking responsibility for our own failures instead of blaming the situation on others. It’s about friendship and sacrifice.
Which brings me to the Christian content of The Sentinels of Andersonville. Other than being published by a nominally Christian publisher and written by a Christy Award winner, this book is not necessarily touted as explicitly Christian. There is a smattering of coarse language and multiple uses of the word hell, mostly in reference to the conditions at the prison. We’re left to assume the characters’ standing with God, and a lot of the Christianity is somewhat cultural in nature. It doesn’t feel like a book that was meant to be specifically Christian fiction, so I’m not going to judge it by a standard it wasn’t meant to reach.
However. One of the most climactic points of the story involves one man’s deliberate, substitutionary sacrifice to save another. If that isn’t the gospel in a nutshell, I don’t know what is. You might say The Sentinels of Andersonville is Christian by allegory if not by message. Some readers will disagree; if you have strong feelings against such things, do everyone a favor and don’t read this book.
This isn’t to say there was nothing I disliked. I’ve already mentioned the language. A few plotlines were wrapped up too abruptly for me. I would have liked to see Violet more respectful of her father’s wishes and concerns, even when he was in the wrong. And no, I would not have objected to a more overtly Christian message of hope and redemption.
All that to say, I highly recommend The Sentinels of Andersonville to historical fiction lovers who aren’t bothered by the above caveats. It’s the kind of book that may very well stick with you in perpetuity. (There, I used the word perpetuity. Emery Jones would be proud.) And I leave you with this quote, which sums up the challenge for us all:
“He wanted to tear down the world, and that would be the easy part. But he had to tear down himself.”
Join my email subscribers here for monthly book recommendations, plus a free short story, author updates, and more.
April 20, 2014
I received a copy of this book via a Goodreads first reads giveaway in exchange for an honest review of the book. Based on the fact that Civil War history isn't completely my thing, I didn't start the book with a very high expectation, but found it to be a very well written, draw you in historical fiction. The problem I often have with this genre is that the "historical" parts of the books can often be little more than back setting, but in this one there is a great balance of storyline with a heavy dose of historical perspectives. Entertaining while educational.
The basis of the book is centered around the conditions facing thousands of Union soldiers at The Andersonville Prison in Sumter County, Georgia. This little shameful piece of history evokes a "humanity couldn't have ever been this bad to one another" kind of response in a way I never knew existed on American soil (google the photos and you will see instantly what I mean by that). While Groot points out that terrible conditions existed elsewhere on both Union and Confederate sides of the line, this one had to be up there as one of those "close to Hell on Earth" scenes. Those atrocities were fueled by hatred, lack of supply, lack of concern, and stupidity.........one of those moments where all was NOT fair in love and war.
While ultimately the Union victory would end the prison's existence, this story follows the path of several dyed in the wool Southerners who came to their senses and try to stand in the gap. The story folds in the human condition in a way that transcends the "north verses south" side of the Civil War. Really great story, although the details of the truths here will be stomach turning to most; push through that and you will find a great lesson you likely didn't know you needed told through a great set of characters and life crossings.
The basis of the book is centered around the conditions facing thousands of Union soldiers at The Andersonville Prison in Sumter County, Georgia. This little shameful piece of history evokes a "humanity couldn't have ever been this bad to one another" kind of response in a way I never knew existed on American soil (google the photos and you will see instantly what I mean by that). While Groot points out that terrible conditions existed elsewhere on both Union and Confederate sides of the line, this one had to be up there as one of those "close to Hell on Earth" scenes. Those atrocities were fueled by hatred, lack of supply, lack of concern, and stupidity.........one of those moments where all was NOT fair in love and war.
While ultimately the Union victory would end the prison's existence, this story follows the path of several dyed in the wool Southerners who came to their senses and try to stand in the gap. The story folds in the human condition in a way that transcends the "north verses south" side of the Civil War. Really great story, although the details of the truths here will be stomach turning to most; push through that and you will find a great lesson you likely didn't know you needed told through a great set of characters and life crossings.
January 1, 2016
SUMMARY: Near the end of the Civil War, inhumane conditions at Andersonville Prison caused the deaths of 13,000 Union soldiers in only one year. In this gripping and affecting novel, three young Confederates and an entire town come face-to-face with the prison’s atrocities and will learn the cost of compassion, when withheld and when given.
Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war―little knowing what that promise will cost him.
As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?
REVIEW: This plaintive tale of the atrocities at Andersonville Confederate Prison Camp during the Civil War contains a wonderful storyline and gripping characters. Groot has done excellent historical research; and although filled with honest, detailed, and horrifying descriptions of the conditions in the camp, this story will hold your interest from start to finish. Focusing on the question of who's my neighbor as told in the story of the Good Samaritan, the citizens of Americus must each decide whether to hate these Union troops who have killed their loved ones or friends or to be the neighbor God intends them to be. The main characters, the Stiles family, especially Violet and Dr. Stiles, Emery and Dance, all make a decision that puts God's love above patriotism. I liked how Groot incorporated snippets from real diaries throughout the chapters to include perspective from Union soldiers who were really imprisoned at the camp. One of the best reads of 2015 for me.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I am not here to impugn another man's character. I am here to learn what is in ours. This war won't last forever, but what we do here today might."
"Intentions and actualities seldom meet on the same plane."
"The law is for lawbreakers--he is no lawbreaker, not by the spirit of the law, of which we do not seem to be custodians any longer. There is only the letter of the law, and it kills."
"It is precisely when a body does not know what to do that the answer is easy--do anything. Preferably small and kind. When we attend small things, the other part of us works on ways to get back to big things."
"In our most trying times, God has the temerity to ask us to walk a little farther."
Sentry Dance Pickett has watched, helpless, for months as conditions in the camp worsen by the day. He knows any mercy will be seen as treason. Southern belle Violet Stiles cannot believe the good folk of Americus would knowingly condone such barbarism, despite the losses they’ve suffered. When her goodwill campaign stirs up accusations of Union sympathies and endangers her family, however, she realizes she must tread carefully. Confederate corporal Emery Jones didn’t expect to find camaraderie with the Union prisoner he escorted to Andersonville. But the soldier’s wit and integrity strike a chord in Emery. How could this man be an enemy? Emery vows that their unlikely friendship will survive the war―little knowing what that promise will cost him.
As these three young Rebels cross paths, Emery leads Dance and Violet to a daring act that could hang them for treason. Wrestling with God’s harsh truth, they must decide, once and for all, Who is my neighbor?
REVIEW: This plaintive tale of the atrocities at Andersonville Confederate Prison Camp during the Civil War contains a wonderful storyline and gripping characters. Groot has done excellent historical research; and although filled with honest, detailed, and horrifying descriptions of the conditions in the camp, this story will hold your interest from start to finish. Focusing on the question of who's my neighbor as told in the story of the Good Samaritan, the citizens of Americus must each decide whether to hate these Union troops who have killed their loved ones or friends or to be the neighbor God intends them to be. The main characters, the Stiles family, especially Violet and Dr. Stiles, Emery and Dance, all make a decision that puts God's love above patriotism. I liked how Groot incorporated snippets from real diaries throughout the chapters to include perspective from Union soldiers who were really imprisoned at the camp. One of the best reads of 2015 for me.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "I am not here to impugn another man's character. I am here to learn what is in ours. This war won't last forever, but what we do here today might."
"Intentions and actualities seldom meet on the same plane."
"The law is for lawbreakers--he is no lawbreaker, not by the spirit of the law, of which we do not seem to be custodians any longer. There is only the letter of the law, and it kills."
"It is precisely when a body does not know what to do that the answer is easy--do anything. Preferably small and kind. When we attend small things, the other part of us works on ways to get back to big things."
"In our most trying times, God has the temerity to ask us to walk a little farther."
April 29, 2025
I expected a powerful book about the Andersonville POW camp with its inhumane conditions, a place where 13,000 Union prisoners died in fourteen months. I found this book ( published in 2014 ) to be very well-written and focused on some very engaging characters. There's the Georgia militia sentry Dance Pickett, who watches helplessly as conditions worsen day by day. There's the young Southern belle Violet Stiles, who wants to do something to help the suffering humanity that exists near her town of Americus, Georgia. And there's the Confederate corporal Emery Jones, who escorts his prisoner to Andersonville. The young man cannot believe the horrific site he sees when he arrives. Having become friends with his Yankee prisoner, Jones determines to help "the bluebelly" escape from the manmade hellhole. The paths of these three Rebels all cross and the suspense builds as they take action. Groot definitely did her research and I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Civil War!
September 28, 2016
This book has great characters, and it outlines the story of Andersonville very well.
There are some gruesome parts to the story that were very difficult to read. The many Point of Views I didn't like at first, but it really served to portray the many different viewpoints of the South, North, as well as those inside and outside the prison.
There are a few words in this book that I would consider minor expletives, such as a*s*e.
I loved the story, but I was a little disappointed in the ending. We left Dance and Violet in a critical part and it was just summed up in a few narrative words at the end.
This is a book I would read again, and one I would recommend to others.
There are some gruesome parts to the story that were very difficult to read. The many Point of Views I didn't like at first, but it really served to portray the many different viewpoints of the South, North, as well as those inside and outside the prison.
There are a few words in this book that I would consider minor expletives, such as a*s*e.
I loved the story, but I was a little disappointed in the ending. We left Dance and Violet in a critical part and it was just summed up in a few narrative words at the end.
This is a book I would read again, and one I would recommend to others.
February 5, 2017
Very well done novel about Andersonville and the citizens of nearby Americus.
The main female character, Violet, demonstrates what it is like to be fervent for a cause with blinders on. It's something easy to do. Watching her blinders be removed was one of the many bright spots. Violet didn't become any less a Southern supporter, but did become more human.
There was quite a bit of dry humor throughout which very much appealed to me. I also enjoyed the way characters spoke to each other in literary ways. Meanings had to be discerned rather than given freely. This is definitely a novel that could be a second time and much more picked up from a second reading.
The entire novel was thought provoking. What amount of care and concern should be shown to prisoners? There is a whole lot of gray between none and Four Seasons treatment. Finding ones own answer to that may be more difficult than you'd first think.
This is my second Tracy Groot novel and I look forward to reading others. I recommend The Sentinels of Andersonville for those that enjoy historical fiction.
The main female character, Violet, demonstrates what it is like to be fervent for a cause with blinders on. It's something easy to do. Watching her blinders be removed was one of the many bright spots. Violet didn't become any less a Southern supporter, but did become more human.
There was quite a bit of dry humor throughout which very much appealed to me. I also enjoyed the way characters spoke to each other in literary ways. Meanings had to be discerned rather than given freely. This is definitely a novel that could be a second time and much more picked up from a second reading.
The entire novel was thought provoking. What amount of care and concern should be shown to prisoners? There is a whole lot of gray between none and Four Seasons treatment. Finding ones own answer to that may be more difficult than you'd first think.
This is my second Tracy Groot novel and I look forward to reading others. I recommend The Sentinels of Andersonville for those that enjoy historical fiction.
January 28, 2014
Wow, the girl can write!
I know I am biased, she's my wife. But, honestly the only 2 fiction writers that keep me engaged, allow me to "see" the story, and can turn a phrase are Tracy Groot and Louis L'amour (I've read more LL, but that's only cause he wrote more books).
I told Tracy many, many years ago that, "someday I'll have 4 words for you" - I. Told. You. So. - and reviews from Booklist, PW, Christy Awards and more all affirm what I saw many, many years ago.
Way to go Tracy!!
I know I am biased, she's my wife. But, honestly the only 2 fiction writers that keep me engaged, allow me to "see" the story, and can turn a phrase are Tracy Groot and Louis L'amour (I've read more LL, but that's only cause he wrote more books).
I told Tracy many, many years ago that, "someday I'll have 4 words for you" - I. Told. You. So. - and reviews from Booklist, PW, Christy Awards and more all affirm what I saw many, many years ago.
Way to go Tracy!!
January 20, 2014
Tracy Groot has crafted an incredible journey into history that is sure to change the way you perceive the Civil War. I grew up in Pennsylvania. Civil War history was all around me. I even dated a Civil War re-enactor for a while. So it was with no small amount of history and knowledge that I approached this read. And still I was shocked with everything I didn’t know about Andersonville and its history. I had known enough to know that it wasn’t exactly walk in the park, but I hadn’t realized how horrifying it was.
With carefully researched history, Groot plots the lives of these characters (some who are actual historical figures and others who are pure fiction) to give us an incredible glimpse into what life must have been like not only IN Andersonville, but in the surrounding areas as well. Overcrowding, no sanitation, and starvation haunt every moment of a prisoner’s existence within the walls of this prison. These are stories we may have heard or read about previously, but it takes a writer’s skill and experience to bring these things to vivid, full color life for the reader.
Another aspect that I appreciated was the perspective of those outside the prison. Where most people would concentrate wholly on the prisoner’s perspective, Groot demonstrates in this book what the dichotomy would have been for people living nearby. How do you show love to someone that might have murdered your child? What should we, as Christians, do about something like this when the people inside are your sworn enemy? None of these are simple or easy answers, but Groot handles them all with a deft hand and a touch that isn’t light but doesn’t overwhelm with heaviness. She allows the reader to step back and ask the hard questions not only of the characters she’s created, but of themselves as well.
I enjoyed the Sentinels of Andersonville more than I had expected. In fact, I’m considering adding this to the reading list for my eldest in school this year as we begin to tackle the difficult topic of the Civil War.
With carefully researched history, Groot plots the lives of these characters (some who are actual historical figures and others who are pure fiction) to give us an incredible glimpse into what life must have been like not only IN Andersonville, but in the surrounding areas as well. Overcrowding, no sanitation, and starvation haunt every moment of a prisoner’s existence within the walls of this prison. These are stories we may have heard or read about previously, but it takes a writer’s skill and experience to bring these things to vivid, full color life for the reader.
Another aspect that I appreciated was the perspective of those outside the prison. Where most people would concentrate wholly on the prisoner’s perspective, Groot demonstrates in this book what the dichotomy would have been for people living nearby. How do you show love to someone that might have murdered your child? What should we, as Christians, do about something like this when the people inside are your sworn enemy? None of these are simple or easy answers, but Groot handles them all with a deft hand and a touch that isn’t light but doesn’t overwhelm with heaviness. She allows the reader to step back and ask the hard questions not only of the characters she’s created, but of themselves as well.
I enjoyed the Sentinels of Andersonville more than I had expected. In fact, I’m considering adding this to the reading list for my eldest in school this year as we begin to tackle the difficult topic of the Civil War.
August 21, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
If it weren't for the profanity and expletives in this book, The Sentinels of Andersonville would have been a truly dynamic keeper of a book for me. Why is it that the books that use the Lord's name in vain and use words inappropriate for anyone's ears are the ones honored by Christian awards? That is why I tend to be wary of award-winning books these days; they often have to cross the line in order to secure the win, which is such a shame. Sentinels had incredible potential to make me weep for the sake of the suffering human beings shove onto each other, but because of the off-putting word selections, I was not drawn in deep enough to release more than three tears. The lighthearted banter that helped balance the weighty theme and setting actually had me laughing out loud exponentially more than I cried during the reading of this book. While I was disappointed in the aforementioned issues, I appreciated the very realistic picture of one of the darkest times in my nation's history. I was previously unaware of Andersonville prison and the atrocities committed upon fellow Americans there. I am grateful to know about it, and as a Texan, I am sorry my fellow Southerners so badly mistreated the Yankees in their care. However, I am happy to know there were some who fought hard to do right by those men. May the Lord bless their descendants for their faithfulness.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
If it weren't for the profanity and expletives in this book, The Sentinels of Andersonville would have been a truly dynamic keeper of a book for me. Why is it that the books that use the Lord's name in vain and use words inappropriate for anyone's ears are the ones honored by Christian awards? That is why I tend to be wary of award-winning books these days; they often have to cross the line in order to secure the win, which is such a shame. Sentinels had incredible potential to make me weep for the sake of the suffering human beings shove onto each other, but because of the off-putting word selections, I was not drawn in deep enough to release more than three tears. The lighthearted banter that helped balance the weighty theme and setting actually had me laughing out loud exponentially more than I cried during the reading of this book. While I was disappointed in the aforementioned issues, I appreciated the very realistic picture of one of the darkest times in my nation's history. I was previously unaware of Andersonville prison and the atrocities committed upon fellow Americans there. I am grateful to know about it, and as a Texan, I am sorry my fellow Southerners so badly mistreated the Yankees in their care. However, I am happy to know there were some who fought hard to do right by those men. May the Lord bless their descendants for their faithfulness.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
September 21, 2018
Loved the characters, their dialogue, and that the point of the entire book is not a prison camp, but the idea that we should be individual agents for good even if there is not an organized social activism group to join for a particular cause. Having done some research on Andersonville myself, I would say that Groot did an admirable job portraying it without being sensational. I know parts of the text were hard to read, but it's really not as graphic as it could have been when considering what all the primary sources had to say. As she notes in the beginning of the book, this is always a challenge for historical novelists, striking the balance between sharing enough and leaving enough to the reader's imagination. For my personal taste, The Sentinels of Andersonville was just right. I love that it was inspired by real Southerners who recognized unfathomable needs and tried to do what they could to alleviate them, even if all they could do was bring a lemon.
August 25, 2016
Good historical fiction. Tracy Groot did a wonderful job. This was a part of history I did not know much about. The author was poignant in her story and did not sugar coat the living conditions of the prisoner's I was surprised that the surrounding areas that lived around prison seemed oblivious the harsh realities of how men lived and died in the prison
January 23, 2020
Took me just a little while to get into this story but ended up really enjoying it. As ever, I loved the historical element and learning more about a slice of history I knew very little about. And what an eye-opening and tragic slice of it this book featured. Definitely recommend to those who love reading historical fiction.
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August 9, 2019
Wonderful storyline. Captivating characters. Wonderful message that can be applied to our lives that even all you can give is a lemon, we each have to do what we can.
The novel is well researched and I especially loved the quotes from Civil War diaries that were included. What happened at most of the Civil War prisons esp. Camp Douglas and Andersonville are two of the great atrocities in American history.
The characters are all well done. I love all the main characters but minor characters like Hettie, Posey, Burr, etc. are all equally well developed.
The only thing that kept me from giving the novel a 5 was the ending. Everything moved a long at a great pace throughout, but we got to the last 2 or 3 chapters and it just seemed like someone put it all on fast forward and key parts seemed to be summed up in a few paragraphs. That really disappointed me.
Overall well done and a book I would highly recommend.
The novel is well researched and I especially loved the quotes from Civil War diaries that were included. What happened at most of the Civil War prisons esp. Camp Douglas and Andersonville are two of the great atrocities in American history.
The characters are all well done. I love all the main characters but minor characters like Hettie, Posey, Burr, etc. are all equally well developed.
The only thing that kept me from giving the novel a 5 was the ending. Everything moved a long at a great pace throughout, but we got to the last 2 or 3 chapters and it just seemed like someone put it all on fast forward and key parts seemed to be summed up in a few paragraphs. That really disappointed me.
Overall well done and a book I would highly recommend.
February 28, 2014
Riveting, uplifting story about the triumph of good over evil. I am not a history buff, and I was greatly drawn in to every researched detail of SENTINELS. Looking forward to reading more from Tracy Groot!
January 10, 2014
I have heard about the hard times both soldiers and civilians faced during the Civil War. In school, the teachers covered how supplies were scarce and people often went with little food and clothing. How there was a hatred on both sides just based on not much more than the fact that they were enemies. But, even though I knew prisoners were taken, that fact was not mentioned very often, and how they were treated didn't come up much at all.
Tracy Groot gives a voice to how things were for the Union captives of one prison in The Sentinels of Andersonville. Alternating mainly between one Union prisoner, a few Confederate soldiers, and a Southern family, the tortuous conditions of Andersonville Prison, and how they were often overlooked, the story relates what happened. The struggles of both sides become evident.
Though they were oblivious at first, the central Southern characters come to realize that the other side is still made up of people, who don't deserve the inhuman treatment they get in prison. The Union prisoner also realizes that Confederates are humans, too. Throughout the book, compassion and mercy, and doing the right thing even when it isn't popular are stressed. People go against their own family and friends to do what is right and what needs to be done to help others.
In the end, though disgrace and harm come to the characters, they come together as an extended family. The Christian principle of loving everyone, even your enemy is prevalent in the story. It provides an illustration of how we should live that out.
With enough details to make the story come alive in my imagination, but not enough that I became disgusted with it, it was hard for me to stop reading.
I received a free copy of The Sentinels of Andersonville from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for and honest review.
Tracy Groot gives a voice to how things were for the Union captives of one prison in The Sentinels of Andersonville. Alternating mainly between one Union prisoner, a few Confederate soldiers, and a Southern family, the tortuous conditions of Andersonville Prison, and how they were often overlooked, the story relates what happened. The struggles of both sides become evident.
Though they were oblivious at first, the central Southern characters come to realize that the other side is still made up of people, who don't deserve the inhuman treatment they get in prison. The Union prisoner also realizes that Confederates are humans, too. Throughout the book, compassion and mercy, and doing the right thing even when it isn't popular are stressed. People go against their own family and friends to do what is right and what needs to be done to help others.
In the end, though disgrace and harm come to the characters, they come together as an extended family. The Christian principle of loving everyone, even your enemy is prevalent in the story. It provides an illustration of how we should live that out.
With enough details to make the story come alive in my imagination, but not enough that I became disgusted with it, it was hard for me to stop reading.
I received a free copy of The Sentinels of Andersonville from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for and honest review.
December 6, 2018
The crimes committed by the Confederacy at Andersonville Prison during its “short” fourteen month existence are “legendary”. Two men were charged with running the POW Camp- General John Winder who died from a heart attack before he could be held accountable and Captain Henry Wirz was was executed for his crimes- but so many others were complicit or ignored the atrocities that occurred there including local civilians living near the prison. There are many disagreements and explanations as to the reasons that Andersonville was allowed to become such a blight on American history and there can be no argument that other Civil War prisons, North and South, were not paragons of hospitality, but this was not a story of horror and depravation, but rather a story of individual compassion and conscience among individuals who chose to make a difference at the expense of their own safety and reputations. The author chose and developed her characters well as her storyline consisted of relationships between town and military installation; community, religious and Army leaders; and individuals both North and South. Her message that mankind’s propensity towards positive humanitarian conduct even in the most dire of circumstances can be advanced by just one’s person’s initiatives. This is a lesson that has application today.
June 22, 2016
Wow! This book is such a powerful read.
When I picked up this book, I had never heard of Andersonville before. When I started reading and realized all the atrocities the prisoners of Andersonville endured, I was stunned.
Of course, this book is a work of fiction, but it is centered around real events. I could feel how the characters felt and really hurt for all the prisoners that actually died there. I can't imagine how the actual sentinels of Andersonville and residents of Americus felt when they wanted to help. It was a very bad situation as they could do little and feared the consequences of their actions.
The book is beautifully written. Throughout the whole novel, it is clear that the author research the topic thoroughly. She really made a point of being as accurate as possible. She retold the horrible events that took place at that time in history in a way that is really heart-wrenching, but also eye opening.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about the Civil War and Andersonville. But be aware that it is not an easy read, as you have to keep in mind that it was based on historical facts.
When I picked up this book, I had never heard of Andersonville before. When I started reading and realized all the atrocities the prisoners of Andersonville endured, I was stunned.
Of course, this book is a work of fiction, but it is centered around real events. I could feel how the characters felt and really hurt for all the prisoners that actually died there. I can't imagine how the actual sentinels of Andersonville and residents of Americus felt when they wanted to help. It was a very bad situation as they could do little and feared the consequences of their actions.
The book is beautifully written. Throughout the whole novel, it is clear that the author research the topic thoroughly. She really made a point of being as accurate as possible. She retold the horrible events that took place at that time in history in a way that is really heart-wrenching, but also eye opening.
I recommend this book to anyone that wants to know more about the Civil War and Andersonville. But be aware that it is not an easy read, as you have to keep in mind that it was based on historical facts.
January 26, 2015
Masterful storytelling, full of priceless witty dialogue between well-developed characters, makes this a must read for historical fiction fans! Despite the horrible background of inhumane conditions--think concentration camp--the beauty of friendship, love and personal sacrifice shine through.
I put off reading this book after finding out that a relative was among the thousands that died in Andersonville prison, but am so glad I eventually braved it. What a book! Just enough description to relay the awful things there, but not too graphic for sensitive readers. The story revolves around people inside the prison and in the nearby town. Kind of like Auschwitz, only set in America. Reminded me of why we need to study history, so people will hopefully not repeat it.
Anyone who likes Christian historical fiction will want to push this to the top of their reading stack. Tracy Groot raised the bar for what historical fiction should be like: educational, entertaining, and enlightening. I will aim to have a copy on hand "in perpetuity". 5+ stars
I put off reading this book after finding out that a relative was among the thousands that died in Andersonville prison, but am so glad I eventually braved it. What a book! Just enough description to relay the awful things there, but not too graphic for sensitive readers. The story revolves around people inside the prison and in the nearby town. Kind of like Auschwitz, only set in America. Reminded me of why we need to study history, so people will hopefully not repeat it.
Anyone who likes Christian historical fiction will want to push this to the top of their reading stack. Tracy Groot raised the bar for what historical fiction should be like: educational, entertaining, and enlightening. I will aim to have a copy on hand "in perpetuity". 5+ stars
May 14, 2024
I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
"The Sentinels of Andersonville" by Tracy Groot is set in Georgia during the Civil War and follows a group of characters who learn of the atrocities happening at Andersonville prison where Union soldiers are kept. Together they fight to save the prisoners, despite the fact that they are enemies, and risk being condemned as traitors.
I originally found this book at Wal-Mart for a few dollars and thought it sounded pretty good. I wasn't really aware that it was Christian fiction, which is not my thing unfortunately. I'm also not really huge into the Civil War, so that was a downside for me, too. My interests tend to align with European history. So just because a couple things about this book didn't totally work for me, I'm not going to sit here and say it's a horrible book. If you are a reader of Christian fiction you will most certainly find more in this book to appreciate and relate to. I did find Tracy Groot's writing to be very easy to follow and it had a nice pace to it. There were a few places a bit too boring for me, but that's probably just a "me" problem.
The crux of this narrative is about enemies. You have the North and the South. You have this prison where Union soldiers are being held right in the heart of the South. It's about a group of characters who learn of the atrocities happening at Andersonville prison and they are disgusted by what they see and hear. The level of inhumane conditions is comparable to what we see almost a century later with Russian and Nazi prison camps. This group of highly devout Christian characters see it as their Christian duty to help the prisononers, despite the fact that they are enemies and can be deemed traitors. I will say that this book was actually pretty eye-opening to me. As I said, I'm not into Civil War history, so I had never heard of this prison. Tracy Groot did her research and she describes the horrors of this place in horrific detail. Lack of food. Lack of shelter. Lack of sanitation. Union soldiers crammed into a very tiny place, barely any room to move, and they are dying in the hundreds, if not thousands. Our main group of characters can't tolerate this. Isn't it our human right to help others? The book tackles the difficult question of what would you do in this situation. War is not pretty. All sides see their side as the correct side and the correct cause. There are characters who think they should do the right thing because everyone deserves to at least be fed, housed, and given sanitary conditions. But then there are other characters who refuse to help because they had a loved one who died, so why should they help the enemy. It's a complex issue and I think Tracy Groot did her best to showcase all points of view, never really villainizing anybody.
The characters in this book were fine for the most part. I didn't really gravitate towards anyone in particular. They all felt a bit like caricatures at times rather than interesting fully fleshed out characters. I think my favorite duo was Lew (a Union soldier) and Emery (a Confederate soldier). These two guys should hate each other, but they form one of the closest relationships and bonds, finding common ground and understanding their differences.
Overall, the book was fine. Not really my type of book. I'm still glad I checked it out and broadened my horizons a bit. I do love historical fiction, so it was nice to dive into this part of the Civil War that I was not familiar with. Again, if you are a reader of Christian fiction, this book will totally be up your alley and you'll certainly find more to appreciate than me.
"The Sentinels of Andersonville" by Tracy Groot is set in Georgia during the Civil War and follows a group of characters who learn of the atrocities happening at Andersonville prison where Union soldiers are kept. Together they fight to save the prisoners, despite the fact that they are enemies, and risk being condemned as traitors.
I originally found this book at Wal-Mart for a few dollars and thought it sounded pretty good. I wasn't really aware that it was Christian fiction, which is not my thing unfortunately. I'm also not really huge into the Civil War, so that was a downside for me, too. My interests tend to align with European history. So just because a couple things about this book didn't totally work for me, I'm not going to sit here and say it's a horrible book. If you are a reader of Christian fiction you will most certainly find more in this book to appreciate and relate to. I did find Tracy Groot's writing to be very easy to follow and it had a nice pace to it. There were a few places a bit too boring for me, but that's probably just a "me" problem.
The crux of this narrative is about enemies. You have the North and the South. You have this prison where Union soldiers are being held right in the heart of the South. It's about a group of characters who learn of the atrocities happening at Andersonville prison and they are disgusted by what they see and hear. The level of inhumane conditions is comparable to what we see almost a century later with Russian and Nazi prison camps. This group of highly devout Christian characters see it as their Christian duty to help the prisononers, despite the fact that they are enemies and can be deemed traitors. I will say that this book was actually pretty eye-opening to me. As I said, I'm not into Civil War history, so I had never heard of this prison. Tracy Groot did her research and she describes the horrors of this place in horrific detail. Lack of food. Lack of shelter. Lack of sanitation. Union soldiers crammed into a very tiny place, barely any room to move, and they are dying in the hundreds, if not thousands. Our main group of characters can't tolerate this. Isn't it our human right to help others? The book tackles the difficult question of what would you do in this situation. War is not pretty. All sides see their side as the correct side and the correct cause. There are characters who think they should do the right thing because everyone deserves to at least be fed, housed, and given sanitary conditions. But then there are other characters who refuse to help because they had a loved one who died, so why should they help the enemy. It's a complex issue and I think Tracy Groot did her best to showcase all points of view, never really villainizing anybody.
The characters in this book were fine for the most part. I didn't really gravitate towards anyone in particular. They all felt a bit like caricatures at times rather than interesting fully fleshed out characters. I think my favorite duo was Lew (a Union soldier) and Emery (a Confederate soldier). These two guys should hate each other, but they form one of the closest relationships and bonds, finding common ground and understanding their differences.
Overall, the book was fine. Not really my type of book. I'm still glad I checked it out and broadened my horizons a bit. I do love historical fiction, so it was nice to dive into this part of the Civil War that I was not familiar with. Again, if you are a reader of Christian fiction, this book will totally be up your alley and you'll certainly find more to appreciate than me.
September 17, 2023
I feel like this was better than how I feel about it, just because I was speeding through it so fast 😅
September 6, 2016
I have heard some amazing things about Tracy Groot's books. After reading The Sentinels of Andersonville, I found out that everything I have heard is true!
Tracy Groot can capture your full attention with her story telling. Instead of describing what is happening, she is able to bring you into the scene with your senses. She is able to show you, let you smell, and taste what is going on with her words. The Sentinels of Andersonville was a part of history and Tracy brought this time back to life.
I love learning about all things from the Civil War. This was brutal time in our history and there is much to learn from it. There are still much I have yet to learn about. I had heard about Andersonville and the prison that was there, however, I never really looked into the history. This story shows how when you have one or two corrupt men in power, the devastation they can bring to the people they are in charge of and to the surrounding areas. When one or two people stand up against this brutality, it may not seem like a lot is happening, but hope starts and spreads to others who have the same desire to help, however, there will be people who turn a blind-eye because it is easier to stomach, or they have the idea that the brutality is deserved. It was a wonderful illustration of the Good Samaritan
This story is based on actual people and events. I will say that this story may not be for everyone, especially a young reader. There is the description of death and what happens to a body after a person has died, and treatment of the bodies in a prison camp. There is discussion of starvation and what it does to the body. There is also a couple of words (damn, arse, and hell) used in the story, not in a perverse way, but it it was there. It made what these people dealt with real. I had no problems with any of that in the story, however, I will mention that the topic discussed is one that I have studied, so the morbidness of it all doesn't affect me so much.
This was a very truthful story. It was a story that captured me into it. I will say, I had hoped for the ending to happen another way, but sadly real life doesn't happen the way it does in books, but the ending wrapped everything up well. It gave me a lot to think on and made me want to go find out more about the prison camps of the Civil War, not just in the south, but the north as well.
Thank you to Tyndale House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Tracy Groot can capture your full attention with her story telling. Instead of describing what is happening, she is able to bring you into the scene with your senses. She is able to show you, let you smell, and taste what is going on with her words. The Sentinels of Andersonville was a part of history and Tracy brought this time back to life.
I love learning about all things from the Civil War. This was brutal time in our history and there is much to learn from it. There are still much I have yet to learn about. I had heard about Andersonville and the prison that was there, however, I never really looked into the history. This story shows how when you have one or two corrupt men in power, the devastation they can bring to the people they are in charge of and to the surrounding areas. When one or two people stand up against this brutality, it may not seem like a lot is happening, but hope starts and spreads to others who have the same desire to help, however, there will be people who turn a blind-eye because it is easier to stomach, or they have the idea that the brutality is deserved. It was a wonderful illustration of the Good Samaritan
This story is based on actual people and events. I will say that this story may not be for everyone, especially a young reader. There is the description of death and what happens to a body after a person has died, and treatment of the bodies in a prison camp. There is discussion of starvation and what it does to the body. There is also a couple of words (damn, arse, and hell) used in the story, not in a perverse way, but it it was there. It made what these people dealt with real. I had no problems with any of that in the story, however, I will mention that the topic discussed is one that I have studied, so the morbidness of it all doesn't affect me so much.
This was a very truthful story. It was a story that captured me into it. I will say, I had hoped for the ending to happen another way, but sadly real life doesn't happen the way it does in books, but the ending wrapped everything up well. It gave me a lot to think on and made me want to go find out more about the prison camps of the Civil War, not just in the south, but the north as well.
Thank you to Tyndale House, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2016
This was not in my typical reading genre', and was also a new author to me, but I do enjoy reading about the Civil War, so I decided to review it, and am glad I did. It was even better than it sounded.
The book is fictional, but is centered around a real prison in the South for Northerners that had been captured in battle. The conditions described in the book were real, and there are also some real historical figures in the book, but the events are fictional, along with some of the people.
This was a very well written story. I don't know what the author's other books are like. but if this book is any indication, she is an excellent author. She did a great job of describing the conditions of the prison, the likely mentality of the prisoners and of the people of the town. She painted a great picture of the struggle between the North and South, and of the sadness of a country so divided.
At the heart of the story is an unlikely friendship between two men. One is a Northerner, and the other is a Southerner. After delivering his Northern prisoner to the prison and seeing the conditions, the Southern boy vows to get his new friend out of the prison. With a daring plan and a couple of partners in crime, he sets out to just that. There are many bumps in the road, surprises, and a price to be paid to do so, but in the end the reader is left with a great story that is moving and leaves you with that satisfied feeling of reading a good story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and found it hard to put down.
I highly recommend the book to men and women alike. You will not be disappointed.
The book is fictional, but is centered around a real prison in the South for Northerners that had been captured in battle. The conditions described in the book were real, and there are also some real historical figures in the book, but the events are fictional, along with some of the people.
This was a very well written story. I don't know what the author's other books are like. but if this book is any indication, she is an excellent author. She did a great job of describing the conditions of the prison, the likely mentality of the prisoners and of the people of the town. She painted a great picture of the struggle between the North and South, and of the sadness of a country so divided.
At the heart of the story is an unlikely friendship between two men. One is a Northerner, and the other is a Southerner. After delivering his Northern prisoner to the prison and seeing the conditions, the Southern boy vows to get his new friend out of the prison. With a daring plan and a couple of partners in crime, he sets out to just that. There are many bumps in the road, surprises, and a price to be paid to do so, but in the end the reader is left with a great story that is moving and leaves you with that satisfied feeling of reading a good story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and found it hard to put down.
I highly recommend the book to men and women alike. You will not be disappointed.
September 2, 2014
Let me begin by saying this is one of my favorite reads all year. If you enjoy historical fiction set in the South during the Civil War, you will love this book. I adore the characters and felt a strong attachment to them after each were introduced. Dance Pickens is a Sentry stationed at Andersonville prison. He hates watching the Union soldiers imprisoned there dying of starvation and exposure yet he feels helpless to do anything about it. Emory Jones is a Confederate soldier who is appalled by the conditions of Andersonville after delivering a Union Soldier he has captured and even befriended, to the facility and he is determined to do something about it. Violet Stiles, is the Southern Belle daughter of a doctor and resides in Americus, a town about 10 miles from Andersonville. Violet accidentally stumbles upon the conditions of the neglected and mistreated Union soldiers in the prison and is shocked into action and caring. The three become friends and their story is wonderfully told. I am giving the book 5 stars because I loved the story and the characters. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in a day. LOVED it!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
August 11, 2016
You think of war atrocities as being something new. And then you read this book, where Union soldiers, well POWs, are marched to Andersonville Prison in Georgia in 1864. I liked that Tracy Groot told the story through the eyes of various people. The doctor and family who try to make a difference, one of the watch guards Dance, and then through an unlikely friendship of Lew and Emery. There are some secondary characters who I liked - Burr, Sargeant Keppel, Andy. And the story is tastefully done and does not seek to vilify anyone but to understand how anger and hurt can impact future decsions. In the end I felt sad for both parties and I can understand the ray of hope that Groot provides.
This is not an easy read but I definitely recommend this book.
This is not an easy read but I definitely recommend this book.
July 7, 2014
There were times while I was reading this that I thought, my God, I don't want to know this, but I knew I had to keep reading. another thought: the Germans treated the Jews better than the South treated the POWS at Andersonville. I know, the North did not treat their POWS well either, but at least they had shelter and food.
Excellent research and well written.
I will read more of this author.
Good 4th of July reading.
Excellent research and well written.
I will read more of this author.
Good 4th of July reading.
February 11, 2016
I somewhat liked to read books that involves human suffering that happens in history. Mostly I liked to read historical novels and biographies during World War II, and the flight of the Jews during the Nazi time. But this book got me hooked when the author started to described human suffering in prison during the Civil War in America. The way the author waved her story captured my imagination of how difficult life was during those times. The drama grips my heart. A compelling read!
April 14, 2014
One of the best historical fictions I've read! Groot writes a delicately balanced account of the horrible conditions on Andersonville Prison. Her characters draw the reader into the story. It was definitley a page turner that had me rooting for the good in the local residents to overcome the evil.
April 18, 2014
Wasn't what I thought it would be. I felt the main characters were flat. I remember seeing a miniseries show years ago about Andersonville, and have always wanted to learn more about it. It doesn't seem to be much talk about....
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