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Women of the Blue and Gray: True Stories of Mothers, Medics, Soldiers, and Spies of the Civil War
Hidden amongst the photographs, uniforms, revolvers, and war medals of the Civil War are the remarkable stories of some of the most unlikely heroes--women.
North, South, black, white, Native American, immigrant--the women in these micro-drama biographies are wives, mothers, sisters, and friends whose purposes ranged from supporting husbands and sons during wartime to counseling President Lincoln on strategy, from tending to the wounded on the battlefield to spiriting away slaves through the Underground Railroad, from donning a uniform and fighting unrecognized alongside the men to working as spies for either side.
This book brings to light the incredible stories of women from the Civil War that remain relevant to our nation today. Each woman's experience helps us see a truer, fuller, richer version of what really happened in this country during this time period.
North, South, black, white, Native American, immigrant--the women in these micro-drama biographies are wives, mothers, sisters, and friends whose purposes ranged from supporting husbands and sons during wartime to counseling President Lincoln on strategy, from tending to the wounded on the battlefield to spiriting away slaves through the Underground Railroad, from donning a uniform and fighting unrecognized alongside the men to working as spies for either side.
This book brings to light the incredible stories of women from the Civil War that remain relevant to our nation today. Each woman's experience helps us see a truer, fuller, richer version of what really happened in this country during this time period.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published August 7, 2018
63 people are currently reading
1807 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Monson
12 books170 followersMarianne Monson is a women's history author known for unearthing remarkable stories of incredible women. Her 2016 book, "Frontier Grit," was nominated for an American Library Association Amelia Bloomer Award, and her 2018 "Women of the Blue and Gray" was awarded a silver medal in the military category by Foreword Reviews.
Her work has been praised by reviewers:
"the biographies zing with personality and page-turning prose" -Publishers Weekly
"the diversity of her subjects is outstanding" -Booklist
"a deftly written work of fiction" -Midwest Book Review
"Monson is an excellent storyteller whose research fills in the gaps" -Foreword Reviews
Marianne lives in Astoria, Oregon, where she writes from a 100-year-old house. When not writing or reading, you can find her exploring nearby trails. You can follow her adventures at: www.mariannemonson.com.
Her work has been praised by reviewers:
"the biographies zing with personality and page-turning prose" -Publishers Weekly
"the diversity of her subjects is outstanding" -Booklist
"a deftly written work of fiction" -Midwest Book Review
"Monson is an excellent storyteller whose research fills in the gaps" -Foreword Reviews
Marianne lives in Astoria, Oregon, where she writes from a 100-year-old house. When not writing or reading, you can find her exploring nearby trails. You can follow her adventures at: www.mariannemonson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
October 1, 2018
This book contains nonfiction stories centered around women who served a role in the Civil war. Some of these I've heard before, but others were completely new to me. It is fascinating to me how women shed the social rules of their time and did what they wanted .....or they did what they felt compelled to do. There were many different reasons they were driven to be a part of this war. Even when they were treated like a pariah. War isn't pretty, but they didn't shy away. They all tried to make a difference in their own ways.
July 12, 2018
Women of the Blue and Gray delves into the often ignored, yet vitally important, contributions made by women during the Civil War. Monson introduces us to a varied group of women, both Union and Confederate, and tells their stories. The bloody war wrought by a bitterly divided nation led many brave women—regardless of wealth or color—to rise up and do their part as nurses, spies, smugglers, and (disguised) soldiers.
In my experience, when it comes to reading about history, books tend to fall into one of two categories: (1) informative, but boring to read, or (2) informative, but written in such a way that keeps the reader fully engaged at all times. Happily, Women of the Blue and Gray falls into the second category. I was fascinated with the stories of each woman, often amazed at how courageous they were—especially given that it was in a time where women were often considered too ‘delicate’ to do most things. I was especially moved by the stories of African-American women who took dangerous risks as spies, despite knowing how grave the cost would be if ever they were caught. It was also gratifying to see that Native Americans included in this book. Their stories weren’t as easily found, but it was important to see the role some Native American played during the war, and how the Tribes were affected, as a whole, due to the conflict.
I highly recommend this book to women’s history enthusiasts. I think you’ll enjoy learning about these women as much as I did.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Shadow Mountain via Edelweiss.
In my experience, when it comes to reading about history, books tend to fall into one of two categories: (1) informative, but boring to read, or (2) informative, but written in such a way that keeps the reader fully engaged at all times. Happily, Women of the Blue and Gray falls into the second category. I was fascinated with the stories of each woman, often amazed at how courageous they were—especially given that it was in a time where women were often considered too ‘delicate’ to do most things. I was especially moved by the stories of African-American women who took dangerous risks as spies, despite knowing how grave the cost would be if ever they were caught. It was also gratifying to see that Native Americans included in this book. Their stories weren’t as easily found, but it was important to see the role some Native American played during the war, and how the Tribes were affected, as a whole, due to the conflict.
I highly recommend this book to women’s history enthusiasts. I think you’ll enjoy learning about these women as much as I did.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Shadow Mountain via Edelweiss.
June 21, 2018
This is an outstanding collection of anecdotes, stories and histories from all walks of life during the Civil War. There are stories of wives, sisters and sweethearts that follow their husbands, brothers and betrothed into the war. Learn of women who were soldiers on both sides of the conflict. Some knowingly enlisted as females, others were discovered during the war (often not until they were wounded or pregnant) and others served throughout the entire conflict and were able to keep their gender disguised. The collection includes stories from all facets of life. There are portrayals of poor, rich, slave, free, white, black, north, south, and Native American women.
Miss Monson has also included stories of courtships – the challenges, unique settings and familial conflicts faced during the war. Her final chapter provides information on ladies that continued to make a difference after the conflict.
This volume displays exceptional research. Miss Monson is able to place the reader right beside each lady. She presents each experience as though you are a first-hand witness.
I thoroughly enjoyed her first work – Frontier Grit.
I believe this volume is even better.
I highly recommend this book to those interested in the Civil War, Women’s history, African-American history, or Native American history.
Miss Monson has also included stories of courtships – the challenges, unique settings and familial conflicts faced during the war. Her final chapter provides information on ladies that continued to make a difference after the conflict.
This volume displays exceptional research. Miss Monson is able to place the reader right beside each lady. She presents each experience as though you are a first-hand witness.
I thoroughly enjoyed her first work – Frontier Grit.
I believe this volume is even better.
I highly recommend this book to those interested in the Civil War, Women’s history, African-American history, or Native American history.
December 24, 2022
So, this was a pretty informative book. I learned about more people (which led to finding more books to add to my Civil War research pile) that I'd never heard of before. And the chapter centered around some of the couples - my heartttt. I may have also been inspired for a couple of things in a WIP series I have set during the war...
There were times it felt like the author's personal commentary was showing through the pages, which is admittedly hard when it comes to writing about the Civil War bc there are people firmly on the North's side and people firmly on the South's side, and then there's me who's in the middle-ish...
That being said, why is there no movie about Nancy Morgan and the militia she and her friend formed to protect their town after the fighting-age men went off to war? Why is there no movie about Susie Baker King Taylor?? The Cormanys??? The Crafts??? MOTHER BICKERDYKE????
(Pssst DailyWire...ideas for your next movies??)
There were times it felt like the author's personal commentary was showing through the pages, which is admittedly hard when it comes to writing about the Civil War bc there are people firmly on the North's side and people firmly on the South's side, and then there's me who's in the middle-ish...
That being said, why is there no movie about Nancy Morgan and the militia she and her friend formed to protect their town after the fighting-age men went off to war? Why is there no movie about Susie Baker King Taylor?? The Cormanys??? The Crafts??? MOTHER BICKERDYKE????
(Pssst DailyWire...ideas for your next movies??)
January 4, 2019
This book is beautiful! It captures part of our history that is not well covered in other places, the Civil War through the lens of the women on both sides and from many races and cultures. Their story is told with compassion, insight, and even humor at times. The author does a wonderful job of evoking their hopes, dreams, fears, and foibles. I especially appreciate the coverage of native American peoples as well as the perspective of slaves and freed slaves. This isn’t just another book about the Civil War with lots of dried dates and battle names. This is the story of living breathing people with heartaches and joys all their own. Oh, and have a box of tissues nearby. This book is likely to make you cry in places.
September 9, 2018
In college I had a minor in history. One of the classes I took was about the Civil War. I didn't learn as much about the women of this time period as I would have liked, so I was so excited to read Women of the Blue and Gray. This book does not read like a history book, but more as a novel full of very interesting and incredible stories. Monson is a fantastic storyteller. Women were doing such amazing things during the Civil War on both sides the North and the South. Some of those things were ones I had never heard about. These women were spies, soldiers, smugglers,and rebel rousers.
Some of the chapters you will find in this book are:
The Beardless Brigade:Civil War Soldiers
Tales of Smuggling, Espionage, and General Subterfuge
Voices From Slavery
Dr. Mary Walker: Civil War Surgeon and Activist
Anna Ella Carroll:Military Strategist and Political Advisor
The wonderful thing about this book is that women of many races are represented: black, white, and Native American. It shows the courage of women from all facets of life, rich or poor, slave or free and also immigrants. The stories are so inspiring and make you realize how much women truly contributed to the success, especially the North, in keeping our nation together.
I highly recommend this book to historians, teachers, and those that love reading of brave historical people who changed lives others along the way. This book with it's true stories, speeches, actual letters and photographs will help you see the Civil War and it's women in a new light.
Some of the chapters you will find in this book are:
The Beardless Brigade:Civil War Soldiers
Tales of Smuggling, Espionage, and General Subterfuge
Voices From Slavery
Dr. Mary Walker: Civil War Surgeon and Activist
Anna Ella Carroll:Military Strategist and Political Advisor
The wonderful thing about this book is that women of many races are represented: black, white, and Native American. It shows the courage of women from all facets of life, rich or poor, slave or free and also immigrants. The stories are so inspiring and make you realize how much women truly contributed to the success, especially the North, in keeping our nation together.
I highly recommend this book to historians, teachers, and those that love reading of brave historical people who changed lives others along the way. This book with it's true stories, speeches, actual letters and photographs will help you see the Civil War and it's women in a new light.
January 21, 2020
This book is a good survey of women's contributions to the war, as well as the trials they faced living during that period. The chapters discuss those who fought, as well as those who spied, nursed, loved and lost family members, and those who used the war to bring about their own personal freedom from the constraints of that day.
The first half of the book was extremely enlightening, discussing female soldiers, spies, and rebels. The woman of these chapters played a direct part in the events of the Civil War and yet few of them are ever mentioned in history curriculums.
The second portion of the book related to woman whose lives were upturned by the war but who may not have had as large of an impact on it. This included the families of soldiers, displaced refugees, and the members of Native American tribes who were slaughtered by soldiers who were angry over being stationed in the west instead of being allowed to join the "heroic cause" back home.
At times, some of the later chapters had very little to do with the Civil War. Instead they would tell different women's life stories which happened to include the Civil War. Because of the topic of the book, I would have rathered there been more about the war efforts of some of the women mentioned in earlier chapters, however this did help paint a picture of the world all these women lived in.
The first half of the book was extremely enlightening, discussing female soldiers, spies, and rebels. The woman of these chapters played a direct part in the events of the Civil War and yet few of them are ever mentioned in history curriculums.
The second portion of the book related to woman whose lives were upturned by the war but who may not have had as large of an impact on it. This included the families of soldiers, displaced refugees, and the members of Native American tribes who were slaughtered by soldiers who were angry over being stationed in the west instead of being allowed to join the "heroic cause" back home.
At times, some of the later chapters had very little to do with the Civil War. Instead they would tell different women's life stories which happened to include the Civil War. Because of the topic of the book, I would have rathered there been more about the war efforts of some of the women mentioned in earlier chapters, however this did help paint a picture of the world all these women lived in.
March 21, 2021
I think this is my first 5-star book club book!
I loved the measured approach that Monson took to the subject of the American Civil War, which can be a very divisive topic. I did not feel that she took sides. I appreciated that she took so much effort to include people of color, including illiterate slaves and Native Americans--both groups who left very few records behind.
I loved this quote from Clara Barton:
"It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent." p 136
I especially loved the first chapters. Learning about women who dressed as men so they would be allowed to fight in the Civil War was fascinating. I loved reading about brave women who protected their property from ruin and others who were effective spies. There were stories of current and former slaves, and stories of courageous women who were so dedicated to taking care of the wounded that they risked their comfortable lives and reputations. There were many, many more stories, with notes at the end of each chapter and recommended further reading if you were interested in learning more about the women in the chapter. I think this was a great introduction to anyone who wants to learn more about women's role in the history of the American Civil War.
I loved the measured approach that Monson took to the subject of the American Civil War, which can be a very divisive topic. I did not feel that she took sides. I appreciated that she took so much effort to include people of color, including illiterate slaves and Native Americans--both groups who left very few records behind.
I loved this quote from Clara Barton:
"It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent." p 136
I especially loved the first chapters. Learning about women who dressed as men so they would be allowed to fight in the Civil War was fascinating. I loved reading about brave women who protected their property from ruin and others who were effective spies. There were stories of current and former slaves, and stories of courageous women who were so dedicated to taking care of the wounded that they risked their comfortable lives and reputations. There were many, many more stories, with notes at the end of each chapter and recommended further reading if you were interested in learning more about the women in the chapter. I think this was a great introduction to anyone who wants to learn more about women's role in the history of the American Civil War.
September 25, 2019
Another fantastic book by Marianne Monson. I loved Frontier Grit and I loved Women of the Blue and Gray. Women are amazing. They can do such good and make such a difference in their spheres of influence. I love reading about these women's lives, their love and their tenacity during incredible stress and hardship. This was definitely an inspiring read!
September 8, 2022
While I knew about several of the women whose narratives were included here, many more were new to me. All the stories are fascinating glimpses of the past from a group of people seldom listened to during the war or even to the present day. I will revisit this book from time to time and actually want an ebook copy to highlight, as some statements from these women are as important and insightful today as they were in the 1860s.
December 22, 2018
The stories of real people are often more interesting and impressive than fictional characters. I really enjoyed learning about the people on both sides of the conflict can and the difficult decisions that they had to make. Whether it was to protect their ideals or to survive themselves.
March 15, 2021
Excellent overview of many women who were intimately involved in military action as soliders or spies on both sides of the U.S. War Between the States. While author Monson is not an historian, she has conducted extensive historical research to bring these stories to our attention, studying war records, correspondence and histories. The subject of historical women in combat is a special interest of mine, and yet I found many women presented here that I didn't previously know about. Fascinating stories! I was a bit surprised to see the wildly interesting Cuban-born Lorena Janita Velazquez omitted, although an overview book like this isn't intended to be exhaustive. After all, there were reportedly over 400 women who entered combat as men during the Civil War. Velazquez's story is briefly mentioned here in a post I wrote some time ago: https://www.proquest.com/blog/2014/Wo...
Women have always tried to fight as soldiers, often successfully, as this book proves. And, as most people know, women have always been quite successful as spies. Thank you, Marianne Monson, for bringing these amazing women to our attention!
Women have always tried to fight as soldiers, often successfully, as this book proves. And, as most people know, women have always been quite successful as spies. Thank you, Marianne Monson, for bringing these amazing women to our attention!
March 12, 2019
The first chapter was really a sleeper to me filled with details I already knew and it kept putting me literally to sleep. Overall the majority of the chapters after the first were interesting. Loved learning about Dr. Mary Walker and Anna Ella Carroll. My favorite quote is found on page 82, “Turning the pages of these diaries creates a rush of air — a soft exhale of the past — as the ghosts of conflict arise, speaking across the years.”
I felt that the chapter called “First Nation in a Divided Nation” was interesting but quite a few of the stories had nothing do do with the Civil War. The Sand Creek Massacre took place in Colorado in 1864. Same situation with the Bear River Massacre which took place in Southern Idaho in 1863. The Navajo Long Walk, correct time period but it occurred when the Navajo Indians were forced to walk from Arizona to New Mexico.
I felt that the chapter called “First Nation in a Divided Nation” was interesting but quite a few of the stories had nothing do do with the Civil War. The Sand Creek Massacre took place in Colorado in 1864. Same situation with the Bear River Massacre which took place in Southern Idaho in 1863. The Navajo Long Walk, correct time period but it occurred when the Navajo Indians were forced to walk from Arizona to New Mexico.
July 1, 2019
I thought this book was a good read overall. However, there was one glaring typo: William Tecumseh Sherman led the March to the Sea, not Thomas Sherman. Other than that, it was an excellent book.
August 5, 2024
“… strength is not always visible and the repressed are not as submissive as they may appear.”
It has taken me months to finish this. I am so glad I didn’t give up on it. It has a plethora of information and bits of details. The author definitely did her research on the topic. I am glad she chose to include all sides in her book. I agree we are all human and deserve to be treated as equals. Even being a woman I must say I hold the unpopular opinion that most females should not be actively fighting in war. That said, like most I prefer there to not be a war to fight.
Reading this account of what went on is both encouraging and frightening. The quote I shared is directly from the book. I would like to word it a bit different. I believe the repressed are not “always” as submissive. Often we as a people will go with the flow because it is the easiest way. Our society is built on the repression of individuals. Through either force or manipulation. There are those that oppose the collective norms and can encourage change when there is a perceived injustice. I like to think if I am ever in a situation requiring me to stand fast for my beliefs I will not back down. I also pray that I never need to face such circumstances. Unfortunately many have and will continue to do so. I know I sit silently watching trends and “movements” that I do not agree with. Some I feel will actively harm future generations. I do my best by trying to teach my children to do better. I am not one to stand up and shout about injustice or morality. I feel it should be an individual choice because we are all given the freedom to choose. It is the consequences of our choice that we can’t always effect. What hurts the most is seeing those around me being hated and abused. The civil war was a culmination of ignorance and greed finally being stood against by those who knew something wasn’t right. I fear it can happen again and I pray the Lord has mercy on us all.
It has taken me months to finish this. I am so glad I didn’t give up on it. It has a plethora of information and bits of details. The author definitely did her research on the topic. I am glad she chose to include all sides in her book. I agree we are all human and deserve to be treated as equals. Even being a woman I must say I hold the unpopular opinion that most females should not be actively fighting in war. That said, like most I prefer there to not be a war to fight.
Reading this account of what went on is both encouraging and frightening. The quote I shared is directly from the book. I would like to word it a bit different. I believe the repressed are not “always” as submissive. Often we as a people will go with the flow because it is the easiest way. Our society is built on the repression of individuals. Through either force or manipulation. There are those that oppose the collective norms and can encourage change when there is a perceived injustice. I like to think if I am ever in a situation requiring me to stand fast for my beliefs I will not back down. I also pray that I never need to face such circumstances. Unfortunately many have and will continue to do so. I know I sit silently watching trends and “movements” that I do not agree with. Some I feel will actively harm future generations. I do my best by trying to teach my children to do better. I am not one to stand up and shout about injustice or morality. I feel it should be an individual choice because we are all given the freedom to choose. It is the consequences of our choice that we can’t always effect. What hurts the most is seeing those around me being hated and abused. The civil war was a culmination of ignorance and greed finally being stood against by those who knew something wasn’t right. I fear it can happen again and I pray the Lord has mercy on us all.
March 5, 2019
This was an exceptional book from the first page to the last. I envy the scope of research Marianne Monson did in order to write the book. She brought a long list of courageous, daring and talented women to the forefront. Monson documented the women concerning their activities and their decisions as they confronted hostile challenges. Really enjoyed the photographs that accompanied each chapter of the book. Being able to study the characters in their style of clothing, seeing their facial expressions — this added to the legitimacy of the book. Surprisingly, Monson was able to find diaries that survived the war. These contributed vivid accounts of day-today pleas and prayers.
I was fascinated by the Native American information. I did not know they utilized slave labor in some of their tribes. Nor did I know that after the Civil War, some Indians were contracted as slave labor in SE territories of the United States.
In GONE WITH THE WIND, Scarlett rises from her devastated planting field vowing, “God as my witness, I’m going to live through this...I’ll never be hungry again.” It’s incredible that anyone lived through this dark period of our country’s growth and came out with their sanity!
I was fascinated by the Native American information. I did not know they utilized slave labor in some of their tribes. Nor did I know that after the Civil War, some Indians were contracted as slave labor in SE territories of the United States.
In GONE WITH THE WIND, Scarlett rises from her devastated planting field vowing, “God as my witness, I’m going to live through this...I’ll never be hungry again.” It’s incredible that anyone lived through this dark period of our country’s growth and came out with their sanity!
January 16, 2024
Read this book as research for a paper in my class. It was an easy read, but as other reviewers have said- it doesn’t read like a history book. I think it would best serve as a resource to find more sources and get a general idea of women’s involvement during the Civil War, than a source itself. Regardless of that, it was absolutely jam packed with citations and information for further reading. Definitely worth it if you’re into women’s history or Civil War history.
September 29, 2018
Well worth the read
February 28, 2019
A nice overview of women during the Civil War. The book is organized by different roles women played and gives several brief biographies. I like the diversity of voices and perspectives.
October 21, 2018
If you have read Frontier Grit, then you already know that Marianne Monson is an author who enjoys digging into the overlooked stories of history and sharing them with readers. If this is your first encounter with Monson's work, then you will probably want to go back and find other titles by her. In Women of the Blue & Gray, she has gathered multiple female participants across class, race, and political affiliation to show how much women attempted and accomplished during the American Civil War. The book is split into sections featuring the various roles such as soldiers, spies, doctors, abolitionists, etc. Within each section there is general information and also more specific details about several of the women who fall within the category being discussed.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that there was enough general discussion to give the big picture, but then I was able to learn more about some of the remarkable individuals within each chapter. Some names may be familiar to readers - Belle Boyd, Clara Barton, or Harriet Tubman, for example. But others are brought into the spotlight after the author's research uncovered records about them in collections such as the slave narratives housed in the Library of Congress, as well as collections at various museums around the country. Whenever possible, their own words are used to bring these women to life for us; quotes are pulled from diaries, letters, autobiographies and similar sources to flesh out the thoughts and feelings of daughters, mothers, wives, and sweethearts from both sides of the conflict.
The way this book is organized makes it easy to use in a variety of ways. It can be read straight through from beginning to end (as I did), or readers can choose a section that particularly interests them. It also would be a great resource for teachers to read a passage about just one of the characters to illustrate a point being discussed during a unit on the Civil War, or for students to flip through as they try to choose an historical figure about whom to do more in-depth research. All the images and quotations are carefully documented, making it easy to see where to look for more information if it is needed.
This would make a solid addition to school and classroom libraries for grade levels that are planning to cover the time period, or for those discussing women who did not always conform to societal expectations. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that there was enough general discussion to give the big picture, but then I was able to learn more about some of the remarkable individuals within each chapter. Some names may be familiar to readers - Belle Boyd, Clara Barton, or Harriet Tubman, for example. But others are brought into the spotlight after the author's research uncovered records about them in collections such as the slave narratives housed in the Library of Congress, as well as collections at various museums around the country. Whenever possible, their own words are used to bring these women to life for us; quotes are pulled from diaries, letters, autobiographies and similar sources to flesh out the thoughts and feelings of daughters, mothers, wives, and sweethearts from both sides of the conflict.
The way this book is organized makes it easy to use in a variety of ways. It can be read straight through from beginning to end (as I did), or readers can choose a section that particularly interests them. It also would be a great resource for teachers to read a passage about just one of the characters to illustrate a point being discussed during a unit on the Civil War, or for students to flip through as they try to choose an historical figure about whom to do more in-depth research. All the images and quotations are carefully documented, making it easy to see where to look for more information if it is needed.
This would make a solid addition to school and classroom libraries for grade levels that are planning to cover the time period, or for those discussing women who did not always conform to societal expectations. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
April 23, 2019
This is a very short book with short chapters about a large number of women who served during the Civil War.
The writing is decent, but there are too many characters too briefly introduced to be of much interest.
Most of the characters and stories will be familiar to anybody who studies the Civil War.
The one name that jumped out at me was Sally Louisa Tompkins---the only woman in the Union or Confederacy to be named (as a woman) a commissioned officer. Captain Tompkins was a Confederate doctor who had the highest survival rate of any medical facility in either the north or south.
This book might be of interest to the casual history fan or somebody whose primary interest is women in history. But even then it is more of an introduction to the characters that might serve as a springboard for furhter investigation.
The writing is decent, but there are too many characters too briefly introduced to be of much interest.
Most of the characters and stories will be familiar to anybody who studies the Civil War.
The one name that jumped out at me was Sally Louisa Tompkins---the only woman in the Union or Confederacy to be named (as a woman) a commissioned officer. Captain Tompkins was a Confederate doctor who had the highest survival rate of any medical facility in either the north or south.
This book might be of interest to the casual history fan or somebody whose primary interest is women in history. But even then it is more of an introduction to the characters that might serve as a springboard for furhter investigation.
December 12, 2018
Another great book by this author, though I didn't love it quite as much as Frontier Grit... maybe because of the format? But this is really a fascinating look into the lives of women who lived through the civil war - on both sides.
August 27, 2018
I loved this book. Marianne have a beautiful tribute to women who sacrificed so much and made a great contribution to our country.
September 21, 2018
INCREDIBLE book! It is truly one of the best books I have read this year. I highly recommend it!
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July 9, 2023MWSA Review
War has always played a defining role in the evolution of man. While one side seeks an outcome, the other defends what is threatened; families are displaced, and the door is flung open to famine and disease. Body count and lost or claimed territory determine success and failure. Too often overlooked, is the emotional, psychological, and physical impact on women and children, the ones left behind while their sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, uncles head into battle, perhaps never to be seen or held again. In Women of the Blue and Gray, Marianne Monson sheds light on that sacrifice by sharing women’s journals and literary works written during the Civil War. She does not limit voices to the white and privileged. Represented in this fascinating account are the insights and reflections of women born into slavery, Native American survivors, and women on both sides who risked their all to support the cause they believed in and the men they loved.
With a personal interest in the wisdom of women’s voices as well as the historical significance of firsthand documentation, I had a vested interest in reading this book. I was not disappointed. As the author allows her characters to speak in their own words, the reader learns how some women chose to dress as men to fight on the battlefield; how others became spies using their charms, their ears, and their skirts to convey information; while other women inched their way into field hospitals saving lives that may have been lost without them.
Born outside the United States, my knowledge of the Civil War was gleaned from a few brief conversations, the occasional sighting of a Confederate flag, and a sobering afternoon spent at Vicksburg. I now understand the depth of a conflict that perhaps could not have been avoided. The author’s words inspire a reflection on how much headway we have made on racial issues and women’s rights. She also lays out a possible path for how the nation, again divided, can avoid another brutal sacrifice. The key rests in education, hope, freedom, forgiveness, understanding, and a vision of peace. Could these scribbles on whatever paper accessible at the time teach us something one hundred sixty plus years later? Sallie Watie, one of the few Native American voices whose words survived, summed up the dire impact of diversity when she wrote: “‘I would like to live a short time in peace just to see how it would be. I would like to feel free in life again and feel no dread of war.’” In bringing these long-ago voices to the fore, Marianne Monson invites the reader to ponder: Can oppression be overcome without hatred and violence? Can differences be resolved without hatred and violence? Is difference possible without oppression?
Review by Janette Stone (June 2023)
War has always played a defining role in the evolution of man. While one side seeks an outcome, the other defends what is threatened; families are displaced, and the door is flung open to famine and disease. Body count and lost or claimed territory determine success and failure. Too often overlooked, is the emotional, psychological, and physical impact on women and children, the ones left behind while their sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, uncles head into battle, perhaps never to be seen or held again. In Women of the Blue and Gray, Marianne Monson sheds light on that sacrifice by sharing women’s journals and literary works written during the Civil War. She does not limit voices to the white and privileged. Represented in this fascinating account are the insights and reflections of women born into slavery, Native American survivors, and women on both sides who risked their all to support the cause they believed in and the men they loved.
With a personal interest in the wisdom of women’s voices as well as the historical significance of firsthand documentation, I had a vested interest in reading this book. I was not disappointed. As the author allows her characters to speak in their own words, the reader learns how some women chose to dress as men to fight on the battlefield; how others became spies using their charms, their ears, and their skirts to convey information; while other women inched their way into field hospitals saving lives that may have been lost without them.
Born outside the United States, my knowledge of the Civil War was gleaned from a few brief conversations, the occasional sighting of a Confederate flag, and a sobering afternoon spent at Vicksburg. I now understand the depth of a conflict that perhaps could not have been avoided. The author’s words inspire a reflection on how much headway we have made on racial issues and women’s rights. She also lays out a possible path for how the nation, again divided, can avoid another brutal sacrifice. The key rests in education, hope, freedom, forgiveness, understanding, and a vision of peace. Could these scribbles on whatever paper accessible at the time teach us something one hundred sixty plus years later? Sallie Watie, one of the few Native American voices whose words survived, summed up the dire impact of diversity when she wrote: “‘I would like to live a short time in peace just to see how it would be. I would like to feel free in life again and feel no dread of war.’” In bringing these long-ago voices to the fore, Marianne Monson invites the reader to ponder: Can oppression be overcome without hatred and violence? Can differences be resolved without hatred and violence? Is difference possible without oppression?
Review by Janette Stone (June 2023)
August 25, 2019
Visited Gettysburg and found this book while I was there. I devoured it. So fascinating to read about the lives of female soldiers, doctors and spies. I hadn't heard of many of these people prior to reading this book. Most interesting read so far this year.
Also, this letter made me cry:
My very dear Sarah: The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movement may be one of a few days' duration and full of pleasure--and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing--perfectly willing--to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . . I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death . . . Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience will we meet to part no more. But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night--amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours--always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. Sullivan
Also, this letter made me cry:
My very dear Sarah: The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movement may be one of a few days' duration and full of pleasure--and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing--perfectly willing--to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . . I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death . . . Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience will we meet to part no more. But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night--amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours--always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. Sullivan
October 21, 2018
What a fascinating book! Not only did I learn more details about well-known heroes Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, but I loved the stories of regular people who did heroic things during Civil War days. From serving as soldiers (pretending to be men), to strenuous days in wartime hospitals, to spying, these women were amazing! Loved the sweet (and tragic) love story of Sarah Shumway and Sullivan Ballou and the story of Lula McLean’s doll (which was present at the surrender).
About the growing fervor to abolish slavery (similar to the growing pro-life sentiment today): “At some point, these ideas gradually reversed. Not all at once, and not in entirety, but eventually the majority of people changed their minds about these previously accepted ideas. The shift happened, at least in part, as thinking, compassionate people considered these issues and took risks to speak out against popular opinion in spite of social hazards and the real potential for violence.” -p. 3
Yay for twins! “Melverina Elverina Peppercorn, drawn from the wild mountainous regions of Tennessee, refused to be separated from her brother, Alexander the Great Peppercorn, who went by the slightly less ostentatious nickname, Lexy. The sixteen-year-old twins enlisted for the Confederate army and fought side by side until Lexy fell in battle. Melverina rescued her brother and escorted him to a field hospital, where she nursed him to a full recovery.” p. 21
“For survivors, the intensity of the war years threw the enjoyment of domestic life into sharp relief, and many who endured years of separation vowed they would never again take for granted everyday moments spent by the side of the people they loved most in this world.” -p. 201
A newspaper in Pennsylvania said this about Clara Barton’s life: “‘We cannot thank Miss Barton in words. Hunt the dictionaries of all the languages and you will not find the signs to express our appreciation of her and her work. Try to describe the sunshine. Try to describe the starlight. Words fail.” -p. 215
About the growing fervor to abolish slavery (similar to the growing pro-life sentiment today): “At some point, these ideas gradually reversed. Not all at once, and not in entirety, but eventually the majority of people changed their minds about these previously accepted ideas. The shift happened, at least in part, as thinking, compassionate people considered these issues and took risks to speak out against popular opinion in spite of social hazards and the real potential for violence.” -p. 3
Yay for twins! “Melverina Elverina Peppercorn, drawn from the wild mountainous regions of Tennessee, refused to be separated from her brother, Alexander the Great Peppercorn, who went by the slightly less ostentatious nickname, Lexy. The sixteen-year-old twins enlisted for the Confederate army and fought side by side until Lexy fell in battle. Melverina rescued her brother and escorted him to a field hospital, where she nursed him to a full recovery.” p. 21
“For survivors, the intensity of the war years threw the enjoyment of domestic life into sharp relief, and many who endured years of separation vowed they would never again take for granted everyday moments spent by the side of the people they loved most in this world.” -p. 201
A newspaper in Pennsylvania said this about Clara Barton’s life: “‘We cannot thank Miss Barton in words. Hunt the dictionaries of all the languages and you will not find the signs to express our appreciation of her and her work. Try to describe the sunshine. Try to describe the starlight. Words fail.” -p. 215
October 8, 2024
What a fascinating book! Not only did I learn more details about well-known heroes Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman, but I loved the stories of regular people who did heroic things during Civil War days. From serving as soldiers (pretending to be men), to strenuous days in wartime hospitals, to spying, these women were amazing! Loved the sweet (and tragic) love story of Sarah Shumway and Sullivan Ballou and the story of Lula McLean’s doll (which was present at the surrender).
About the growing fervor to abolish slavery (similar to the growing pro-life sentiment today): “At some point, these ideas gradually reversed. Not all at once, and not in entirety, but eventually the majority of people changed their minds about these previously accepted ideas. The shift happened, at least in part, as thinking, compassionate people considered these issues and took risks to speak out against popular opinion in spite of social hazards and the real potential for violence.” -p. 3
Yay for twins! “Melverina Elverina Peppercorn, drawn from the wild mountainous regions of Tennessee, refused to be separated from her brother, Alexander the Great Peppercorn, who went by the slightly less ostentatious nickname, Lexy. The sixteen-year-old twins enlisted for the Confederate army and fought side by side until Lexy fell in battle. Melverina rescued her brother and escorted him to a field hospital, where she nursed him to a full recovery.” p. 21
“For survivors, the intensity of the war years threw the enjoyment of domestic life into sharp relief, and many who endured years of separation vowed they would never again take for granted everyday moments spent by the side of the people they loved most in this world.” -p. 201
A newspaper in Pennsylvania said this about Clara Barton’s life: “‘We cannot thank Miss Barton in words. Hunt the dictionaries of all the languages and you will not find the signs to express our appreciation of her and her work. Try to describe the sunshine. Try to describe the starlight. Words fail.” -p. 215
About the growing fervor to abolish slavery (similar to the growing pro-life sentiment today): “At some point, these ideas gradually reversed. Not all at once, and not in entirety, but eventually the majority of people changed their minds about these previously accepted ideas. The shift happened, at least in part, as thinking, compassionate people considered these issues and took risks to speak out against popular opinion in spite of social hazards and the real potential for violence.” -p. 3
Yay for twins! “Melverina Elverina Peppercorn, drawn from the wild mountainous regions of Tennessee, refused to be separated from her brother, Alexander the Great Peppercorn, who went by the slightly less ostentatious nickname, Lexy. The sixteen-year-old twins enlisted for the Confederate army and fought side by side until Lexy fell in battle. Melverina rescued her brother and escorted him to a field hospital, where she nursed him to a full recovery.” p. 21
“For survivors, the intensity of the war years threw the enjoyment of domestic life into sharp relief, and many who endured years of separation vowed they would never again take for granted everyday moments spent by the side of the people they loved most in this world.” -p. 201
A newspaper in Pennsylvania said this about Clara Barton’s life: “‘We cannot thank Miss Barton in words. Hunt the dictionaries of all the languages and you will not find the signs to express our appreciation of her and her work. Try to describe the sunshine. Try to describe the starlight. Words fail.” -p. 215
August 2, 2021
This novel is a collection of accounts of the women of the American Civil War, many of whom are not well-known. We follow women of both the North and the South who made sacrifices for what they felt was for the good of their country. These are the women who enlisted themselves as disguised soldiers, escaped slavery, became diarists, were employed as doctors and nurses as well as women with holy professions, and those who hailed from Native American origins as well.
Marianne Monson has written a lot about American History in the genres of nonfiction, young adult historical fiction, and children’s historical fiction/fantasy, based on the titles of hers I have already seen at Deseret Book. Some of her other titles include Frontier Grit: The Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women (Nonfiction), Her Quiet Revolution: A Novel of Martha Hughes Cannon: Frontier Doctor and First Female State Senator (YA Historical Fiction), and The Enchanted Tunnel Series (Children’s Historical Fiction/Fantasy). From my judgments of this book, I like her style of writing; she gives her readers enough information without overwhelming the reader. I look forward to reading some of her other nonfiction.
Book Strengths:
-->No info-dumps (“show, not tell”): these were more teasers rather than full biographies
-->Well-researched: a nice compilation of sources is listed at the back
-->Inclusive: she includes women of various backgrounds, cultures, and races in her research
-->Narration: I listened to this via audiobook; and thought the interested tone, steady pacing, and charisma of the voice kept the story interesting.
Book Weaknesses:
Not many, just one suggestion: I think I would have liked if it read more like a novel instead of a narration in certain parts.
(...read full review at https://ashleyweaverauthor.com/2021/0...)
Marianne Monson has written a lot about American History in the genres of nonfiction, young adult historical fiction, and children’s historical fiction/fantasy, based on the titles of hers I have already seen at Deseret Book. Some of her other titles include Frontier Grit: The Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women (Nonfiction), Her Quiet Revolution: A Novel of Martha Hughes Cannon: Frontier Doctor and First Female State Senator (YA Historical Fiction), and The Enchanted Tunnel Series (Children’s Historical Fiction/Fantasy). From my judgments of this book, I like her style of writing; she gives her readers enough information without overwhelming the reader. I look forward to reading some of her other nonfiction.
Book Strengths:
-->No info-dumps (“show, not tell”): these were more teasers rather than full biographies
-->Well-researched: a nice compilation of sources is listed at the back
-->Inclusive: she includes women of various backgrounds, cultures, and races in her research
-->Narration: I listened to this via audiobook; and thought the interested tone, steady pacing, and charisma of the voice kept the story interesting.
Book Weaknesses:
Not many, just one suggestion: I think I would have liked if it read more like a novel instead of a narration in certain parts.
(...read full review at https://ashleyweaverauthor.com/2021/0...)
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