Orphans Afield: A Novel of the Civil War on the Texas Frontier

by J. Arthur Eidson

The dawn of the Civil War in Unionist northeast Esker Doyle, son of Illinois farmers, and Andrew Jackson, a Kickapoo Indian and protégé to a Methodist minister, are driven from their homes by secessionist vigilantes. Their flight places them in a ranging company on the western frontier, where they must confront Comanches, deserters, and themselves. A story of loss and redemption. A story of the Civil War seldom told.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2017

About the author

James Arthur Eidson is a descendant of Texas pioneers. He learned of the closing of the frontier thru the stories of the old ones. The closing was not only an end of a way of life, but was the end of the wild. Eidson has worked as an ecologist & conservationist for almost 30 years. This is his first novel, & combines knowledge of history, the people & the land, & how each shapes the others. Father of three, he currently lives in Hamilton, Texas with his wife Anita and dog, Hank.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This adventure occurs across terrain and landmarks that are familiar to me. The history built around these places is both colorful and descriptive and historically accurate. I really enjoyed the author's strong knowledge of particularly the flora of the area. His expertise in this area is apparent.

The main characters are not only tragic and plaintive in their way but also hopeful. Against so many adverse circumstances, the reader continues to cheer for Esker and Andrew.

Their adventures are engaging and action filled. This was a page-turner for me. It has caused me to read more about some of the subjects touched on.