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Soldier, Spy, Heroine: A Novel Based on a True Story of the Civil War
The Story of the Woman Who Fooled the Yankees and Rebels Alike.
As a child, Sarah Emma Edmonds dreamed of faraway places and adventure, often picturing herself as a man. When her abusive father traded her hand in marriage for a few head of livestock, she fled their farm and took on the identity of traveling salesman Franklin Thompson eventually settling in Flint, Michigan. There, as Thompson, she joined Company F of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry and distinguished herself as a true Civil War hero.
In between the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Yorktown, the Battle of Williamsburg, and the Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, Thompson nursed the sick and wounded, carried the mail across dangerous terrain, and became one of the Secret Service’s first spies. Using various disguises including that of a former slave and an Irish peddler woman, Thompson infiltrated enemy lines and stole vital information from the Rebels until a severe case of malaria took its toll.
Knowing that the medical attention she needed would reveal her carefully kept secret, she unwillingly deserted the Union Army in 1863. But Sarah Emma Edmonds wasn’t finished. She had a soldier’s pension to fight for and an honorable discharge to claim. Almost a decade after the war was over, she came forward and asked the astonished men she served with for their help in clearing the name of Franklin Thompson.
As a child, Sarah Emma Edmonds dreamed of faraway places and adventure, often picturing herself as a man. When her abusive father traded her hand in marriage for a few head of livestock, she fled their farm and took on the identity of traveling salesman Franklin Thompson eventually settling in Flint, Michigan. There, as Thompson, she joined Company F of the Second Michigan Volunteer Infantry and distinguished herself as a true Civil War hero.
In between the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Yorktown, the Battle of Williamsburg, and the Battle of Fair Oaks/Seven Pines, Thompson nursed the sick and wounded, carried the mail across dangerous terrain, and became one of the Secret Service’s first spies. Using various disguises including that of a former slave and an Irish peddler woman, Thompson infiltrated enemy lines and stole vital information from the Rebels until a severe case of malaria took its toll.
Knowing that the medical attention she needed would reveal her carefully kept secret, she unwillingly deserted the Union Army in 1863. But Sarah Emma Edmonds wasn’t finished. She had a soldier’s pension to fight for and an honorable discharge to claim. Almost a decade after the war was over, she came forward and asked the astonished men she served with for their help in clearing the name of Franklin Thompson.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2017
74 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Debra Ann Pawlak
9 books24 followersDebra Ann Pawlak has been a movie lover ever since she can remember and likes the fact that she shares a birthday with film great, Carole Lombard. She writes from southeastern Michigan where she lives with her husband, Michael. She has authored a book about her hometown, Farmington, for Arcadia Publishing's Making of America Series, as well as a children's book detailing the life of the legendary Bruce Lee. In addition, she completed an in-depth profile of March King John Philip Sousa, which was recorded and released on a children's CD by Allegro Music. Her work has also appeared in several publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul, The Writer, Aviation History and Michigan History Magazine. She has two grown children, Rachel, who lives in Denver with her husband, Jon, and daughter Olivia, and Jonathon, who lives in Michigan with his wife, Stacey, and daughter, Madeline.
Pawlak's latest book, 'Bringing Up Oscar, The Men and Women Who Founded the Academy' was recently declared the Winner of the 'History: Media/Entertainment' category in the USA Best Books 2011 Awards. 'Oscar' was also named Runner Up in the non-fiction category of the Hollywood Book Festival 2011 competition.
Her latest book, 'Soldier, Spy, Heroine', which she co-wrote with Cheryl Bartlam du Bois, is now available for pre-ordering on Amazon. It is based on a true story of the Civil War.
Follow her on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollywo...
Follow her on Twitter at:
@dapwriter
Pawlak's latest book, 'Bringing Up Oscar, The Men and Women Who Founded the Academy' was recently declared the Winner of the 'History: Media/Entertainment' category in the USA Best Books 2011 Awards. 'Oscar' was also named Runner Up in the non-fiction category of the Hollywood Book Festival 2011 competition.
Her latest book, 'Soldier, Spy, Heroine', which she co-wrote with Cheryl Bartlam du Bois, is now available for pre-ordering on Amazon. It is based on a true story of the Civil War.
Follow her on Facebook at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollywo...
Follow her on Twitter at:
@dapwriter
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 30, 2020
One of my high school students recommended I read this book. This is another important story about women that needs to be told. I didn’t love the writing, but this was overridden by the importance of the story.
February 2, 2020
The history aspect of Edmonds/Thompson's story is a fascinating revelation, but I found her characterization too perfect, more in line with a Young Adult novel's heroine than a real, historical person. It was as though she was being presented as being perfect at everything, from marksmanship and riding to the milliner's arts and even espionage and military interactions. That said, I'm glad to have read the book as an introduction to the individual and her unique struggles.
June 19, 2023
This was a wonderful example of historical fiction at its best. Although it is a novel, the story is based on real life events and people. It concerns the life of a young lady named Emma, raised in rural New Brunswick who is forced by events to flee from her home and head to the United States just in time for the American Civil War. Desperate to help the thousands of wounded soldiers, she disguises herself as a man and joins the Union side as a medic. She survives the war after incredible service to the wounded and dying and then in the secret service where she risks her life to obtain valuable information about Confederate troop movements and plans for attack. After the war, returning to her life as a woman, she marries and raises a family. It is an amazing story of courage, dedication to the well being of mankind and bravery.
January 20, 2021
A truly heroic woman
A fascinating story of Emma Edmonton who, dressed as a man, served faithfully and heroically in the Union Army during the Civil War. Hated by her father odor the sin of having been born a girl, Emma slaved on her family’s farm until her father sold her as wife to an old man. Refusing to let her life be taken away in such a manner, she fled from home and decided to dress like a man to serve in the army as a nurse. But she became much more than that and her story is one that needs to be read and remembered.
A fascinating story of Emma Edmonton who, dressed as a man, served faithfully and heroically in the Union Army during the Civil War. Hated by her father odor the sin of having been born a girl, Emma slaved on her family’s farm until her father sold her as wife to an old man. Refusing to let her life be taken away in such a manner, she fled from home and decided to dress like a man to serve in the army as a nurse. But she became much more than that and her story is one that needs to be read and remembered.
December 31, 2019
Captivating
While out of my normal genre choice, the book placed me alongside Frank Thompson and made me think of my days growing up wishing to be out of the clutches of an overbearing father. I am glad I chose this book as it provided me an exciting read for the ride. Stories based on true events are the best.
While out of my normal genre choice, the book placed me alongside Frank Thompson and made me think of my days growing up wishing to be out of the clutches of an overbearing father. I am glad I chose this book as it provided me an exciting read for the ride. Stories based on true events are the best.
April 3, 2021
A wonderful unknown story
Who knew that there were women who disguised themselves as men and fought in the Civil War? No I, but it was such a well told story of this amazing woman who predated feminism but proved to her male comrades what women can do if given a chance. A very uplifting story, well written
Who knew that there were women who disguised themselves as men and fought in the Civil War? No I, but it was such a well told story of this amazing woman who predated feminism but proved to her male comrades what women can do if given a chance. A very uplifting story, well written
November 14, 2016
A novel, based on the life of Sarah Emma Edmonds Seelye, alias Franklin Thompson, which shows us in intricate detail, the military life of a woman who was intent on serving her country during the Civil War.
I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Yucca Publications. Pub date 01/24/17
I read this EARC courtesy of Edelweiss and Yucca Publications. Pub date 01/24/17
July 8, 2021
Well, 3 stars for a good adventure story and interesting details about the Civil War. This woman packed at least three lifetimes into her one, and her story needed to be told, but I would have liked it better written as a biography.
July 31, 2021
Soldier, Spy, Herione.
This is a griping tale of courage by a young girl who took faith and left a dismal home life for adventure. It is a wonderful and moving account. Read it for yourself.
This is a griping tale of courage by a young girl who took faith and left a dismal home life for adventure. It is a wonderful and moving account. Read it for yourself.
February 22, 2019
I would have given it 5 stars only the ending wasnt the best. It honestly felt a bit rushed and had some grammatical errors. Otherwise it was all that I expected and I enjoyed it greatly.
August 9, 2019
Great story, very interesting read!
I loved this book. Very well written.
I have always enjoyed reading about the civil war
& especially women & their roles in it.
I loved this book. Very well written.
I have always enjoyed reading about the civil war
& especially women & their roles in it.
January 20, 2020
True Life Adventure
Intriguing and verifiable account of trials and travails of an extraordinary woman determined to carve her own path and escape servitude and abuse.
Intriguing and verifiable account of trials and travails of an extraordinary woman determined to carve her own path and escape servitude and abuse.
March 20, 2021
What an awesome story!!
I was very touched by the story of Emma. It was also great to read about the civil war! I learned a lot.
I was very touched by the story of Emma. It was also great to read about the civil war! I learned a lot.
March 30, 2021
Much of this book is written like a documentary. If you like that, you’ll like this book.
May 14, 2021
amazing and inspirational story!!
May 16, 2021
Great book for lovers of Civil War history
December 4, 2022
For the reasons highlighted by Christina & James, I have given this book 4 ⭐️. Engaged by this courageous woman’s story, but a bit put off by the writing.
February 12, 2017
This is a really entertaining and well researched novel of a woman ahead of her time. If you are interested in the Civil War and the role women played, tried this for a different take on things. Sarah/Thompson is incredibly brave, not only as a soldier but also in fighting for her rights. Recommend this also as a YA book- it's educational and inspirational. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC.
January 21, 2019
I liked this book a lot. We spoke with an author at our book club meeting.
From all accounts, the protagonist was a complete tomboy when young and
lived as a man during the Civil War, so i was surprised that the author seemed startled when i asked if she was gay.
From all accounts, the protagonist was a complete tomboy when young and
lived as a man during the Civil War, so i was surprised that the author seemed startled when i asked if she was gay.
May 10, 2019
I loved this book and was sorry when I came to the end. It was so well written I felt I was part of the action. I had the pleasure of meeting Debra Pawlak at a function at which she was the featured speaker. I actually bought another of her books which I am looking forward to reading.
Want to read
April 18, 2017Disclosure: ARC received from Edelweiss & publisher in exchange for an honest review. (They may regret this.) Any and all quotes were taken from an advanced edition subject to change in the final edition.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews