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That Deadly Space: A Civil War Novel
The Civil War has begun in earnest. Conor Rafferty joins the Confederate army as a young infantry officer against the wishes of his father who, in his Irish anger, is adamantly opposed to a war with the North. Conor soon finds himself in many of the war’s most consequential battles, leading from the front and risking all inside that deadly space. He serves with distinction in General Robert E. Lee’s celebrated Army of Northern Virginia as it seeks the crowning victory that will end the war and stop the carnage. Along the way, Conor becomes a protégé of fellow Georgian John B. Gordon who eventually rises to command a Confederate army corps. At the conclusion of each chapter, the narrative transitions to the now aged Conor who answers the probing questions of his grandson Aaron, himself a captain in the U.S. Army and scheduled for duty in Europe during World War I. The grandfather and grandson thus spend a week together—a week of sharing, learning, and bonding. That Deadly Space is a compelling tale that portrays the drama, heroism, romance, and tragedy of the Civil War.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2017
94 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Gerald Gillis
8 books50 followersGerald Gillis is a native Georgian who grew up in the Atlanta suburb of Decatur. He received his BBA from the University of Georgia and his MBA from the University of Tampa.
Immediately upon completing undergraduate school, Gerald spent three years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After military service, he spent the majority of his business career in the medical-devices industry where he held executive-level positions in a variety of roles. Gerald was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions over the span of his business career, and gained significant international experience.
Gerald became a full-time novelist in 2009. He has authored five novels: Finding His Own Way (Mills Street Publishing, 2025), That Deadly Space (Mills Street Publishing, 2017), Dare Not Blink (Navigator Books, 2012), Shall Never See So Much (Booklocker, 2010), and Bent, But Not Broken (Sandlapper, 1986). He has also authored an eBook entitled Paige’s Laws of Business (Navigator Books, 2013). His books have been recognized with multiple awards.
In addition to his writing, Gerald speaks on a range of topics, to include leadership, service, and business ethics. His blogs have been well-received and highly viewed. Gerald has been interviewed on numerous radio and television shows and has spoken to business and civic organizations, schools, churches, and military associations. His engaging keynote presentations are filled with intelligence, humor, and passion.
Gerald is married and the father of three grown children. He and his wife continue to reside in the Atlanta area.
Immediately upon completing undergraduate school, Gerald spent three years as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. After military service, he spent the majority of his business career in the medical-devices industry where he held executive-level positions in a variety of roles. Gerald was involved in numerous mergers and acquisitions over the span of his business career, and gained significant international experience.
Gerald became a full-time novelist in 2009. He has authored five novels: Finding His Own Way (Mills Street Publishing, 2025), That Deadly Space (Mills Street Publishing, 2017), Dare Not Blink (Navigator Books, 2012), Shall Never See So Much (Booklocker, 2010), and Bent, But Not Broken (Sandlapper, 1986). He has also authored an eBook entitled Paige’s Laws of Business (Navigator Books, 2013). His books have been recognized with multiple awards.
In addition to his writing, Gerald speaks on a range of topics, to include leadership, service, and business ethics. His blogs have been well-received and highly viewed. Gerald has been interviewed on numerous radio and television shows and has spoken to business and civic organizations, schools, churches, and military associations. His engaging keynote presentations are filled with intelligence, humor, and passion.
Gerald is married and the father of three grown children. He and his wife continue to reside in the Atlanta area.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 20, 2024
That Deadly Space is an interesting Civil War novel. The two main characters were a former Confederate soldier and his great grandson. Each chapter has two parts. The larger part is the great grandfather's reminiscences of his participation in the Civil war and the smaller part is his grandson's questions about the Civil War. Some of the great grandfather's descriptions are a bit bloody and truthful to what happened during the war. The last part of the novel showed how the great great grandfather lost the love of his life and how he transitioned to civilian life.
July 19, 2018
A Wonderful Tale
I was captivated from the very start . Went through the great battles of the Civil War and fell Like I was there.
I was captivated from the very start . Went through the great battles of the Civil War and fell Like I was there.
April 13, 2019
A different story line which made the read of a well worn subject, refreshed and alive.
A different fresh approach to the events and battles of The War Between The States. The bedside visits between the grandfather and grandson, their reflections and opinions of the war and the times adds color to history. Opening the chapters with the songs of the soldiers was an original way to set the mood of the times and the feelings of the soldiers. This was a most enjoyable book and a delightful use of my time.
A different fresh approach to the events and battles of The War Between The States. The bedside visits between the grandfather and grandson, their reflections and opinions of the war and the times adds color to history. Opening the chapters with the songs of the soldiers was an original way to set the mood of the times and the feelings of the soldiers. This was a most enjoyable book and a delightful use of my time.
February 27, 2019
Civil War novel from Confederate soldier perspective
Very good novel about civil war. Interesting format where every other chapter the main character discusses his war experience with his grandson who is preparing to serve in WWI.
Very good novel about civil war. Interesting format where every other chapter the main character discusses his war experience with his grandson who is preparing to serve in WWI.
September 3, 2019
No words are adequate
The title says all I can about the honesty, integrety, and reality Mr. Gills bring to his characters and story. To say more imposed my story on his and takes away his magnificent work.
The title says all I can about the honesty, integrety, and reality Mr. Gills bring to his characters and story. To say more imposed my story on his and takes away his magnificent work.
December 29, 2020
Really good read
What a incredible story. What a incredible book! I enjoyed it more than I can say and almost feel sad that it is over. I highly recommend and hope to encourage the author to write more in this vain. Perhaps on the Spanish American war? It is a very overlooked period in time.
What a incredible story. What a incredible book! I enjoyed it more than I can say and almost feel sad that it is over. I highly recommend and hope to encourage the author to write more in this vain. Perhaps on the Spanish American war? It is a very overlooked period in time.
January 20, 2023
An okay read
This is more like a brief history lesson from sixth or seventh grade. Had potential early. I finished the novel, learned one or two things but that's about it. No disrespect intended.
This is more like a brief history lesson from sixth or seventh grade. Had potential early. I finished the novel, learned one or two things but that's about it. No disrespect intended.
August 18, 2025
Definitely average
The novel is decisively C- the characters could have been flashed out, but they were not. The action scenes were pitiful. It was difficult to determine the direction the author wanted to take us.
The novel is decisively C- the characters could have been flashed out, but they were not. The action scenes were pitiful. It was difficult to determine the direction the author wanted to take us.
October 12, 2017
Great story
The story was very personal and interesting. I've always wanted to hear the memories from a civil war soldier and this story did just that. Highly recommend it.
The story was very personal and interesting. I've always wanted to hear the memories from a civil war soldier and this story did just that. Highly recommend it.
July 26, 2018
Very Moving
This was one of the best books I have read on civil war fiction. The author captured the feelings and emotion of the conflict. A must read for civil war buffs.
This was one of the best books I have read on civil war fiction. The author captured the feelings and emotion of the conflict. A must read for civil war buffs.
January 14, 2019
Fantastic
A great, historically accurate war novel and a quick read! Connor is a tremendous example of the dashing, young officer of the South!
A great, historically accurate war novel and a quick read! Connor is a tremendous example of the dashing, young officer of the South!
April 11, 2022
Great Book, Historical Fiction About The Civil War!
A very interesting book told from a participant’s view, along with a great story! Would recommend it to any civil war follower.
A very interesting book told from a participant’s view, along with a great story! Would recommend it to any civil war follower.
August 26, 2024
Beautiful book
Could not stop reading. Loved this book. The battles were exciting, and the story of Conor was amazing. It was great
Could not stop reading. Loved this book. The battles were exciting, and the story of Conor was amazing. It was great
October 18, 2018
Truly different perspective
A Civil War story is written in a favorable opinion from the southern viewpoint. Entertaining reading, but having been in the service doubt there was that much cordially between opposing forces and civilian personnel.
A Civil War story is written in a favorable opinion from the southern viewpoint. Entertaining reading, but having been in the service doubt there was that much cordially between opposing forces and civilian personnel.
May 2, 2017
Great book
This book is done really well. Gives you a lifetime of war and heartache friendship and great loss. Characters are well developed and very real. It's different and unexpected and tearful and gripping. Edited well.
This book is done really well. Gives you a lifetime of war and heartache friendship and great loss. Characters are well developed and very real. It's different and unexpected and tearful and gripping. Edited well.
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March 24, 2018MWSA Review
In That Deadly Space author Gerald Gillis spins an interesting yarn about a young man, Conor Rafferty, going off to fight for the confederacy in the Civil War. He does so against his father's wishes and carried with him his father's admonishments that he will be no good in combat. He also does so despite his personal opposition to slavery. These conflicts affect him throughout the war, but he is determined to be a good officer and soldier.
The author is adept in portraying his protagonist's experiences as well as giving the reader insight to a soldier's life in that war. Conor's story is a tragic one, but without doubt resembled the story of many real soldiers who fought in that war. As with most wars, the young men and women who fight and die in it had no role in initiating it. I recommend That Deadly Space to everyone who enjoys historical fiction and especially to those who enjoy reading about the US Civil War.
Review by Bob Doerr, MWSA Reviewer
In That Deadly Space author Gerald Gillis spins an interesting yarn about a young man, Conor Rafferty, going off to fight for the confederacy in the Civil War. He does so against his father's wishes and carried with him his father's admonishments that he will be no good in combat. He also does so despite his personal opposition to slavery. These conflicts affect him throughout the war, but he is determined to be a good officer and soldier.
The author is adept in portraying his protagonist's experiences as well as giving the reader insight to a soldier's life in that war. Conor's story is a tragic one, but without doubt resembled the story of many real soldiers who fought in that war. As with most wars, the young men and women who fight and die in it had no role in initiating it. I recommend That Deadly Space to everyone who enjoys historical fiction and especially to those who enjoy reading about the US Civil War.
Review by Bob Doerr, MWSA Reviewer
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews