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Annie, Between the States
Annie Sinclair's Virginia home is in the battle path of the Civil War. Her brothers, Laurence and Jamie, fight to defend the South, while Annie and her mother tend to wounded soldiers. When she develops a romantic connection with a Union Army lieutenant, Annie's view of the war broadens. Then an accusation calls her loyalty into question. A nation and a heart divided force Annie to choose her own course.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2004
67 people are currently reading
2303 people want to read
About the author
L.M. Elliott
16 books357 followersL. M. Elliott was an award-winning magazine journalist for 20 years before becoming a New York Times bestselling author of historical and biographical novels. Three-time finalist for the National Magazine Award and winner of multiple Dateline Awards, Elliott focused primarily on women's issues. Her groundbreaking profile of a domestic violence survivor, wife of a high-level federal government appointee, was one of the first to discuss "white-collar" violence against women and the psychological/emotional control intrinsic to the abuse. Elliott’s extensive reporting experience on such topics informed and enriched the themes and characters of TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN. It is her third docudrama-novel exploring a fraught political era and the dangers of disinformation, unchecked power, hate-rhetoric, and censorship.
Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.
She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Her 14 novels cover a variety of era--–the Cold War, WWII, the Great Depression, American Revolution, and the Italian Renaissance–--and are for a variety of readerships, ages middle grade to adult. Her works have been honored with the Scott O'Dell, VLA Cardinal Cup, and Grateful American prizes for historical fiction; been named NCSS/CBC Notables, Bank Street College of Education Bests, Kirkus Bests, Capitol Choices, and to the TXLA Tayshas HS Reading Lists; as well as named finalists for state awards in VA, MD, PA, UT, ME, VT, KS, IA, and SC.
She holds a BA from Wake Forest University and a MA in journalism from UNC-Chapel Hill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
September 8, 2024
"Would she just waste away, unloved, a mere pawn that men would push across the chessboard of war?"
✏️ Review ✏️
Annie, Between the States contains an engaging story that is saturated with Civil War history. From the very beginning, the action creeps into the plot bringing with it many suspenseful and dramatic moments. The plot accurately portrays the many aspects of the Civil War: the death-filled battles and skirmishes; the many soldiers wounded in battle; the hostile divisions between the North and South; the unjust pillaging the Union Army forced upon families of the South; and the racist ideologies of the institution of slavery. It's all part of the history displayed in this book.
While it does feel incomplete at times, the writing does do its job at setting the pace. Some word choices could have been better but overall the writing's okay.
The characters are a well chosen representation of the many individuals affected by the war. As the daughter of a well-to-do Virginia family, Annie, the protagonist, offers a different view on the events of the war. Her struggles with feeling bitterness towards her Northern neighbors; her love for a Union Army officer (romance! 🤭); her anger at herself for acting like a coward; and her shifting thoughts about slavery — all of these character facets make Annie a prime pick to tell this story.Oh! And Jamie. What a troubled soul! I felt so bad for him.
Annie, Between the States will be sure to deliver an engaging Civil War story that is full of rich history, providing an understanding of both sides of the conflict.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
•The cast of characters — they are a well chosen representative of those affected by the Civil War.
•The plot — it was engaging and accurately portrayed the many aspects of the war.
•The Civil War history that the story is saturated in; many events of the Civil War are presented in this book.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
•A few parts of the writing — felt incomplete at times but this was more in the minority.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 2.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
•Several uses of God's name in vain.
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
•Aspects of mild war violence, including some brief descriptions of wounds.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
•(None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
•"Poetry, plays, novels, music, they are the cry of the human spirit trying to understand itself and make sense of our world. Without understanding, without expression, we are merely animals, eating, breathing, dying. We're the only species God gave the gift of speech and thought. Think of it. We're the only creatures who can paint, who can write down our thoughts, who can make music." (p. 149)
•One either loves or doesn't. It shouldn't be played at. (p. 173)
✏️ Review ✏️
Annie, Between the States contains an engaging story that is saturated with Civil War history. From the very beginning, the action creeps into the plot bringing with it many suspenseful and dramatic moments. The plot accurately portrays the many aspects of the Civil War: the death-filled battles and skirmishes; the many soldiers wounded in battle; the hostile divisions between the North and South; the unjust pillaging the Union Army forced upon families of the South; and the racist ideologies of the institution of slavery. It's all part of the history displayed in this book.
While it does feel incomplete at times, the writing does do its job at setting the pace. Some word choices could have been better but overall the writing's okay.
The characters are a well chosen representation of the many individuals affected by the war. As the daughter of a well-to-do Virginia family, Annie, the protagonist, offers a different view on the events of the war. Her struggles with feeling bitterness towards her Northern neighbors; her love for a Union Army officer (romance! 🤭); her anger at herself for acting like a coward; and her shifting thoughts about slavery — all of these character facets make Annie a prime pick to tell this story.
Annie, Between the States will be sure to deliver an engaging Civil War story that is full of rich history, providing an understanding of both sides of the conflict.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📊 A Quick Overview 📊
👍🏼 What I Liked:
•The cast of characters — they are a well chosen representative of those affected by the Civil War.
•The plot — it was engaging and accurately portrayed the many aspects of the war.
•The Civil War history that the story is saturated in; many events of the Civil War are presented in this book.
👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
•A few parts of the writing — felt incomplete at times but this was more in the minority.
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 4/5
— 📝 Writing: 2.5/5
— 👥 Characters: 3.5/5
~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)
— 🤬 Language: 1/5
•Several uses of God's name in vain.
— ⚔️ Violence: 1/5
•Aspects of mild war violence, including some brief descriptions of wounds.
— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
📣 Random Comments 📣
•(None)
📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚📚
💬 Favorite Quotes 💬
•"Poetry, plays, novels, music, they are the cry of the human spirit trying to understand itself and make sense of our world. Without understanding, without expression, we are merely animals, eating, breathing, dying. We're the only species God gave the gift of speech and thought. Think of it. We're the only creatures who can paint, who can write down our thoughts, who can make music." (p. 149)
•One either loves or doesn't. It shouldn't be played at. (p. 173)
November 26, 2018
This is one of the finest, most well-written, least-objectionable YA books I have ever read. My enjoyment level was only three stars, since the book was rather depressing, but it was good literature and told the story with careful attention to historical detail. This really brought the Civil War period to life for me, and even though I have read nonfiction books about the war, this story made the characters and circumstances far more memorable than mere facts. This book avoids most of the Civil War stereotypes that most youth fiction would fall into, and instead of being a hyped-up adventure story, this tells the heartbreakingly realistic story of a teenage girl coming into womanhood while the war's chaos was disrupting her life, threatening her family, creating tension with relatives, isolating her, and requiring great courage for her just to plug ahead in daily life.
One of the things I admired most about the book was its nuanced approach to the causes and rationale of the war. Instead of presenting the Confederacy as only Evil White Slave-Owners, it showed the reality that many of these people were fighting not because of slavery, but for state's rights: they had a greater state identity than national tie, felt that it was unconstitutional for them to be required to stay in the union, and wanted to be free from what they saw as federal tyranny. The North fought to preserve the union, not because they were opposed to slavery; many Union generals and soldiers were racist and/or owned slaves. I admired this author's willingness to delve into hard topics and present a historically accurate vision of what life was like for people affected by this messy, heartbreaking, morally mixed conflagration.
This book was very well-written and intelligent, giving pathos to an often unfairly stigmatized part of history: through this good story, we are reminded how unjust it is to remember the South exclusively as evil and slave-holding. The moral gray areas, nuances, and complex motivations of the Civil War are portrayed here with finesse, and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It has made me a more compassionate and informed student of history, and I learned more from this book than I have from traditional methods of learning history. Even though this is often a hard novel to read, I highly recommend it.
One of the things I admired most about the book was its nuanced approach to the causes and rationale of the war. Instead of presenting the Confederacy as only Evil White Slave-Owners, it showed the reality that many of these people were fighting not because of slavery, but for state's rights: they had a greater state identity than national tie, felt that it was unconstitutional for them to be required to stay in the union, and wanted to be free from what they saw as federal tyranny. The North fought to preserve the union, not because they were opposed to slavery; many Union generals and soldiers were racist and/or owned slaves. I admired this author's willingness to delve into hard topics and present a historically accurate vision of what life was like for people affected by this messy, heartbreaking, morally mixed conflagration.
This book was very well-written and intelligent, giving pathos to an often unfairly stigmatized part of history: through this good story, we are reminded how unjust it is to remember the South exclusively as evil and slave-holding. The moral gray areas, nuances, and complex motivations of the Civil War are portrayed here with finesse, and I am very glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It has made me a more compassionate and informed student of history, and I learned more from this book than I have from traditional methods of learning history. Even though this is often a hard novel to read, I highly recommend it.
January 5, 2012
I liked this book, but I kept wishing for more. The history lover in me wanted more details of battles, and the romantic in me wanted more focus on the love story. I feel like this could have been done best if the books had had a narrower time frame. As is, the book covers almost the whole Civil War, 4 years, in 450 pages. I felt that kept jumping, leaving bigger gaps in time than I wanted it to have.
What I did love the book was it's focus on aspects of Civil War that show the humanity on both sides, how neither side was wholly good or bad, right or wrong, and the civility that existed side by side with the brutality of the war.
What I did love the book was it's focus on aspects of Civil War that show the humanity on both sides, how neither side was wholly good or bad, right or wrong, and the civility that existed side by side with the brutality of the war.
June 4, 2023
Really enjoyed this book! First book I’ve read of historical fiction set during the Civil War and it reminded me how much I don’t know about that war or time period 😅 love being able to learn some facts through novels and to be encouraged to research more on my own through reading books like these!
November 17, 2023
The Civil was has broken out. Annie Sinclair 's older brother Laurence enlists in the confederate
Cavalry under Jeb Stuart and the youngest brother Jamie, joins John Mosby and the notorious "Gray Ghosts".
The Family home in Virginia's Hickory Heights is right in the battle area.
Between 1861 and 1865 the war continues and Annie questions Virginia's involvement in the war.
After a tragedy on their property of Hickory Heights, Annie is accused of spying and jailed.
I liked what the Author brought out in the book of how the ordinary people were affected by the war.
Their homes were often occupied by soldiers. Livestock was stolen, making life hard with little food left for themselves.
Cavalry under Jeb Stuart and the youngest brother Jamie, joins John Mosby and the notorious "Gray Ghosts".
The Family home in Virginia's Hickory Heights is right in the battle area.
Between 1861 and 1865 the war continues and Annie questions Virginia's involvement in the war.
After a tragedy on their property of Hickory Heights, Annie is accused of spying and jailed.
I liked what the Author brought out in the book of how the ordinary people were affected by the war.
Their homes were often occupied by soldiers. Livestock was stolen, making life hard with little food left for themselves.
October 16, 2009
With war come many casualties. Whether they are actual deaths, or just an end in some way, the casualties are unavoidable. This is proven to Annie Sinclair, a half-Irish Virginian girl during the Civil War. The theme of this book, along with the characters and setting make for a fascinating read. L.M. Elliot’s Annie between States draws the reader into a Civil War world unknown to many.
First of all, the theme of this book really gives the reader something to think about. With the war comes confusion and disarray. Annie was a loyal Virginian at the start of the war. But progressively through the war, Annie finds herself questioning the idea of slavery and the practices that some southerners believe heartily in. With witnessing bloody battles, men dying, and the change in her younger brother, all of which was caused from the war, Annie learns that loyalty to ones state may not necessarily mean agreeing with their beliefs and actions.
Annie was a great heroine in this book. She entertained me and touched me at times. Her stubbornness and independence reached out to me and reminded me of what I could be. Also, Laurence, Annie’s older brother reminded me of my older brother, David. It is really easy to relate to Annie in this book. She practically grows up over the course of the book, so I can see how she has changed throughout time. Her bravery and extreme courage inspire me to be a better person, to stand up for what I believe, and to live life, no matter what may come my way.
Lastly, the setting of this book helped to bring understanding of the Civil War and what it was like. Virginia was a good place to set the book in. Virginia was a big war spot during this time, so the points of view of the families in Virginia show how the war really affected the people during that time. Hickory Heights, Annie’s Home, also gave way for hideouts and raids. This made the book very interesting.
With many conflicts, internal and external, this book was intriguing. The thought that some events similar to those in the book actually occurred during the Civil War is down right appalling. If people can be so malicious during war, I fear another Civil War or a war on our homefront. Elliot brought about a very entertaining story full of conflict, death, and even love.
First of all, the theme of this book really gives the reader something to think about. With the war comes confusion and disarray. Annie was a loyal Virginian at the start of the war. But progressively through the war, Annie finds herself questioning the idea of slavery and the practices that some southerners believe heartily in. With witnessing bloody battles, men dying, and the change in her younger brother, all of which was caused from the war, Annie learns that loyalty to ones state may not necessarily mean agreeing with their beliefs and actions.
Annie was a great heroine in this book. She entertained me and touched me at times. Her stubbornness and independence reached out to me and reminded me of what I could be. Also, Laurence, Annie’s older brother reminded me of my older brother, David. It is really easy to relate to Annie in this book. She practically grows up over the course of the book, so I can see how she has changed throughout time. Her bravery and extreme courage inspire me to be a better person, to stand up for what I believe, and to live life, no matter what may come my way.
Lastly, the setting of this book helped to bring understanding of the Civil War and what it was like. Virginia was a good place to set the book in. Virginia was a big war spot during this time, so the points of view of the families in Virginia show how the war really affected the people during that time. Hickory Heights, Annie’s Home, also gave way for hideouts and raids. This made the book very interesting.
With many conflicts, internal and external, this book was intriguing. The thought that some events similar to those in the book actually occurred during the Civil War is down right appalling. If people can be so malicious during war, I fear another Civil War or a war on our homefront. Elliot brought about a very entertaining story full of conflict, death, and even love.
January 16, 2018
I did not even finish this book. My conscience would not allow it. While the story was intriguing, God’s name was misused several times. I just don’t understand how reverent prayer being mentioned and then God’s name being misused can be in the same paragraph. This book was a disappointment. :/ I do not recommend it.
July 26, 2015
Very good! Wish there was more books like this!!
April 27, 2024
This book has the perfect ending
February 1, 2008
I love history, but often get intimidated by it because I have a hard time remembering dates etc. I guess that is why I enjoy books where I can tell the author did their research and I know the information I am getting is accurate. Annie, Between the States is one of those books. I really felt like I was back in the Civil War. The great thing about this book is that it explains both viewpoints of the war - - North and South. I really feel like I learned more from this book than I did in most history classes I have taken. If you like historical fiction, particularly American history, I think you will like this book. L.M. Elliott seems to be a great author and I look forward to reading more books by her.
September 21, 2012
Annie, Between the States is a well-written, enjoyable historical novel...but it's really nothing special. The characters, story, and details all feel a bit lackluster, and it runs slightly long. Lovers of "young adult" literature, or Civil War buffs, will find plenty to love about this book, but others may do better to read something else.
October 17, 2014
Annie, Between the States is an excellent book, and one that I would recommend to anyone from history buffs to even younger readers! Although it is Scholastic, I would be cautious allowing younger children to read this book, as L. M. Elliot does not hold back on any gruesome details. It is very historically correct, and an overall great read.
November 10, 2020
why the frick was dis so cyute
July 29, 2011
Oooh! I really liked this one. Annie is a caring and believable heroine and you genuinely feel for her. Having witnessed her first battle at Manassas at only 15, Annie is childish and overwhelmed... Throughout the book (and throughout her blunders) and the following war experiences, I could see Annie grow up.
I am a romantic at heart, so... my favorite was just the romaticism of the time period. Big petticoats, woman with ivory and lace fans, young gentleman officers in their dashing uniforms with shiny buttons... Thats what I relish. :D
The amazing research that went into this book is staggering. It is a work of fiction, but it is rooted in history. I think I will be reading more books by L.M. Elliot.
I am a romantic at heart, so... my favorite was just the romaticism of the time period. Big petticoats, woman with ivory and lace fans, young gentleman officers in their dashing uniforms with shiny buttons... Thats what I relish. :D
The amazing research that went into this book is staggering. It is a work of fiction, but it is rooted in history. I think I will be reading more books by L.M. Elliot.
February 23, 2016
This book is full of shocking twists and turns from beginning to end, character development leaves nothing to ask for, and the imagery is absolutely superb. The story even takes place in my hometown, which was a nice little addition to me. The story was joyful and heartbreaking, and as wild a ride as the civil war Calvary had experienced.
April 3, 2008
There is so much information about the Civil War that we just don't ever learn unless we make it a point to study the war. This book is full of intriguing tidbits of history, skillfully woven into a story. Historical figures are intertwined with fictional ones, making the history come alive.
December 31, 2008
This book is one of my favorites! It is in the Civil War time period and what happens to her and her family (along with her love story) :) She as to decide where her loyalties lie and what she is going to do.
July 27, 2008
This book was sooo amazing!!! I loved every minute of it, and I couldn't put it down!
June 2, 2017
Trois étoiles et demie! Bon, je pense que si je mets un peu moins d'étoiles, c'est surtout parce qu'il m'avait été décrit (dans un blogue quelconque) comme un YA avec histoire d'amour... alors que c'était honnêtement beaucoup plus un roman historique. L'histoire d'amour est TRÈS secondaire (il n'y a même pas de premier baiser ou rien, direct un mariage qui semble arriver quand même un peu de nulle part). Le problème c'est que la période couverte était ÉNORME pour 400 pages... (4 ans)... alors parfois les histoires tombaient un peu à plat. Comme s'il n'y avait pas eu assez de build-up. Il fallait se l'imaginer. Donc j'aurais peut-être personnellement opté pour moins de descriptions d'avancées de troupe et de batailles et de guérillas et plus d'histoires personnelles. Mettons que je n'ai pas été touchée vraiment par la mort/les blessures de certains personnages. Mais excellent roman pour bien comprendre le point de vue du Sud de la guerre de Sécession!
March 26, 2017
For some reason it took me a while to read this, but I did enjoy it quite a bit. A little over halfway through I got much more into it.
I probably learned more about the Civil War from reading this than any book I've ever read. Many books are set around one battle or part of the war, but this one does an excellent job really giving the scope of nearly the whole war (although it does focus on the conflicts in or near Virginia). The writing style is simple and accessible while still managing to excellently convey the many nuances of the conflict.
I probably learned more about the Civil War from reading this than any book I've ever read. Many books are set around one battle or part of the war, but this one does an excellent job really giving the scope of nearly the whole war (although it does focus on the conflicts in or near Virginia). The writing style is simple and accessible while still managing to excellently convey the many nuances of the conflict.
March 2, 2020
Page Turner
This book will have you turn the pages the events in the story are true and factual as the author will tell you in the end but it is definitely a fictional story about sacrifice and the ugliness and heartbreak of a war it is written in the Viewpoint of a young girl who quickly matures as the War battles on definitely worth the read
This book will have you turn the pages the events in the story are true and factual as the author will tell you in the end but it is definitely a fictional story about sacrifice and the ugliness and heartbreak of a war it is written in the Viewpoint of a young girl who quickly matures as the War battles on definitely worth the read
July 25, 2023
Definitely written for a young girl but halfway through the book even an adult will be sucked in and love it!
November 15, 2010
Annie, Between the States Review
My book for English was Annie, Between the States. It is written by L. M. Elliott. The genre of this book is historical fiction. This book takes place during the Civil War and the story starts on July 21, 1861. Inside the book, you won’t just find a love story, but also loss, betrayal, and drama. Ann Sinclair and her family were a Confederate family. They lived in Virginia. Annie’s life was filled with adventure and tension. Annie has a mother, Miriam, and two brothers who are alive, Laurence and Jamie. Her father and three older brothers had already died fighting in the Civil War when Annie was still little. Her two brothers defend the South while Annie and her mother, Miriam, are left to tend to wounded solders.
Annie, Between the States always will be one of my most favorite books. I love that I can connect with most of the characters. I found out so much about the Civil War that I never knew before.
In this book, the world is very different than it is now. To travel between areas, it takes weeks rather than hours now. People still depended on horses for transportation. However, people still visit their friends in different states as if there wasn’t war.
The author uses very descriptive words and makes you feel like you are there, beside Annie, living the situations with her. Also, L. Elliott uses a very steady pace in the book that isn’t too fast or slow.
Annie was never a regular teenager. She knew how to ride a horse and isn’t afraid to do daring things that at that time ladies weren’t expected to do. Annie is brave, caring, responsible, and thoughtful. She is also the main character in the story. Even in the most difficult situations, she always finds a way to solve it. Also, you can easily sympathize with Annie. She goes through a lot that even today some people go through, like losing her father and three older brothers and later on her mother. My most beloved character is Annie because I love that Annie isn‘t afraid to do daring adventures. I would like to be more like Annie.
Another very important character in this book is Lieutenant Thomas Walker. Thomas and Annie meet on July 21, 1861 at Manassas, Virginia. There was a battle going on and Thomas Walker was one of the many wounded that the Union Army left behind, untreated of his wounds. Miriam and Annie helped to treat him. Though she might not know at that time, Annie and Thomas Walker fall in love and begin their hard journey of prejudice and misunderstanding.
Laurence is Annie’s older brother and he has been in the war for some time already. He is the oldest man in Annie’s family and Laurence feels that it is his job to take care of Jamie. Laurence is very brave and responsible. He falls in love with Charlotte, who feels the same way.
Annie’s younger brother is Jamie. He is 13 years old when the story starts. Jamie is very stubborn and daring. Unfortunately, Annie sees how the Civil War changes Jamie. He was very sweet and nice, but as time goes on, Jamie begins to hate the people from the North and he becomes very self-absorbed. Jamie joins the army when he’s 15 years old. When Annie comes home from prison, engaged to Thomas Walker, Jamie doesn’t even show any concern about how Annie was treated. Instead, Jamie calls Annie a traitor for marrying someone form the Union side. I feel very depressed for what happened to Jamie because he used to be such a nice, sweet boy who turned into a terrible, hateful man. You feel the loss and the pain what Annie feels when she realizes what is happening to her little brother. This is my least favorite character, because Jamie doesn’t think about others. Jamie is an excellent example how war can change people.
Annie, Between the States will always be a favorite book of mine. L. Elliott uses such vivid words and phrases that makes you feel like you are in the story. Annie went though so much that it is hard to write it all down. You understand more about what really happened during the war and the ones’ in the war diverse beliefs. Annie may seem at first a regular teenage girl, but she is far from that. This story will be told for many more years to come.
My book for English was Annie, Between the States. It is written by L. M. Elliott. The genre of this book is historical fiction. This book takes place during the Civil War and the story starts on July 21, 1861. Inside the book, you won’t just find a love story, but also loss, betrayal, and drama. Ann Sinclair and her family were a Confederate family. They lived in Virginia. Annie’s life was filled with adventure and tension. Annie has a mother, Miriam, and two brothers who are alive, Laurence and Jamie. Her father and three older brothers had already died fighting in the Civil War when Annie was still little. Her two brothers defend the South while Annie and her mother, Miriam, are left to tend to wounded solders.
Annie, Between the States always will be one of my most favorite books. I love that I can connect with most of the characters. I found out so much about the Civil War that I never knew before.
In this book, the world is very different than it is now. To travel between areas, it takes weeks rather than hours now. People still depended on horses for transportation. However, people still visit their friends in different states as if there wasn’t war.
The author uses very descriptive words and makes you feel like you are there, beside Annie, living the situations with her. Also, L. Elliott uses a very steady pace in the book that isn’t too fast or slow.
Annie was never a regular teenager. She knew how to ride a horse and isn’t afraid to do daring things that at that time ladies weren’t expected to do. Annie is brave, caring, responsible, and thoughtful. She is also the main character in the story. Even in the most difficult situations, she always finds a way to solve it. Also, you can easily sympathize with Annie. She goes through a lot that even today some people go through, like losing her father and three older brothers and later on her mother. My most beloved character is Annie because I love that Annie isn‘t afraid to do daring adventures. I would like to be more like Annie.
Another very important character in this book is Lieutenant Thomas Walker. Thomas and Annie meet on July 21, 1861 at Manassas, Virginia. There was a battle going on and Thomas Walker was one of the many wounded that the Union Army left behind, untreated of his wounds. Miriam and Annie helped to treat him. Though she might not know at that time, Annie and Thomas Walker fall in love and begin their hard journey of prejudice and misunderstanding.
Laurence is Annie’s older brother and he has been in the war for some time already. He is the oldest man in Annie’s family and Laurence feels that it is his job to take care of Jamie. Laurence is very brave and responsible. He falls in love with Charlotte, who feels the same way.
Annie’s younger brother is Jamie. He is 13 years old when the story starts. Jamie is very stubborn and daring. Unfortunately, Annie sees how the Civil War changes Jamie. He was very sweet and nice, but as time goes on, Jamie begins to hate the people from the North and he becomes very self-absorbed. Jamie joins the army when he’s 15 years old. When Annie comes home from prison, engaged to Thomas Walker, Jamie doesn’t even show any concern about how Annie was treated. Instead, Jamie calls Annie a traitor for marrying someone form the Union side. I feel very depressed for what happened to Jamie because he used to be such a nice, sweet boy who turned into a terrible, hateful man. You feel the loss and the pain what Annie feels when she realizes what is happening to her little brother. This is my least favorite character, because Jamie doesn’t think about others. Jamie is an excellent example how war can change people.
Annie, Between the States will always be a favorite book of mine. L. Elliott uses such vivid words and phrases that makes you feel like you are in the story. Annie went though so much that it is hard to write it all down. You understand more about what really happened during the war and the ones’ in the war diverse beliefs. Annie may seem at first a regular teenage girl, but she is far from that. This story will be told for many more years to come.
June 4, 2023
If you like historical fiction don't let the fact that this is technically a young adult book full you. Well written, well researched.
April 22, 2020
This was quite good!!
Annie lives in southern US during the civil war. She helps her mother with the wounded soldiers - no matter what side they are on.
I thought the overall story was good. It was long and kind of drawn out. I do wish we could have seen more of the courting between Thomas and Annie though! The ending wasn't my favorite. The author could have written another two chapters and it would be perfect. The "divided heart" wasn't really because of the civil war, like it says on the blurb, but because of how she thinks she should feel but how she really does about Thomas.
The characters were quite fun to get to know, though a little flat. Annie was my favorite, closely followed by Thomas. All the characters really helped the plot drive home.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was cool to read about someone's perspective who was just trying to survive and maybe help people during the US civil war.
Annie lives in southern US during the civil war. She helps her mother with the wounded soldiers - no matter what side they are on.
I thought the overall story was good. It was long and kind of drawn out. I do wish we could have seen more of the courting between Thomas and Annie though! The ending wasn't my favorite. The author could have written another two chapters and it would be perfect. The "divided heart" wasn't really because of the civil war, like it says on the blurb, but because of how she thinks she should feel but how she really does about Thomas.
The characters were quite fun to get to know, though a little flat. Annie was my favorite, closely followed by Thomas. All the characters really helped the plot drive home.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was cool to read about someone's perspective who was just trying to survive and maybe help people during the US civil war.
December 16, 2013
Annie, Between the States is actually a great name for this book. Annie, who is a Virginian, lives between the war-torn country. But, like what the author suggest, the title has more than one meaning. Each person will see a different meaning. What I just said a few sentence ago is one of the many ways I see the title.
Anyway, the book itself is quite long. I recommend that you clear up your schedule if you are a slow reader. I manage to finish this four hundred page book in a night and a few periods of school. Not exactly a bright idea for me, because I was reading during lectures.
Annie, Between the States is a wonderfully written book. It does not make your stomach flip, but it does give you a good lesson on the Civil War. Any student studying the Civil War should read this. It will help because there's several real life events along with some ogling moments. I mean, read over and over and over again moments. Ogling (thank you, Dragonswood for putting that word in my vocabulary).
The perfect blend of war and romance is totally my cup of tea. I don't always enjoy historical fiction, because authors always mess it up in some ways. Like that marriage never happen. Or that assassination attempt failed. Or maybe a poisoning never happen and the King live much longer than the years on his grave. But this book is mostly true. Just edit out the characters the author made up (thank you, author, for putting which characters are fake and real in the Author's note. I hate it when authors don't do that. Then I have to research everything).
The plot maybe a little bit confusing to some readers. The time moves by quickly, spanning over a couple years of the Civil War. Timelines and notes are usually helpful, but if you have a great memory (like me) then you'll be fine.
Annie is a brave girl, living in the right time. In the right moment. She first meets Thomas Walker, (the future ______). Then Jeb Stuart. Now, the history freaks of the Civil War would know who this man is. Just look him up in wikipedia if you don't know. Anyway, I fell in love with Annie (does that sound wrong to you guys? Because I'm a girl...) and Thomas (hottie right there; warning: he loves Keats). But I won't tell you anymore, or else this book will sound like...
The Civil War is portrayed as a war between brothers. Instead of having the issue of slavery being the major part of the book, the author makes family the star of the book. A war between family. A war between brothers. A war between sisters. A war between the states. It's nice to see a different issue take the front page.
Rating: Four out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
Anyway, the book itself is quite long. I recommend that you clear up your schedule if you are a slow reader. I manage to finish this four hundred page book in a night and a few periods of school. Not exactly a bright idea for me, because I was reading during lectures.
Annie, Between the States is a wonderfully written book. It does not make your stomach flip, but it does give you a good lesson on the Civil War. Any student studying the Civil War should read this. It will help because there's several real life events along with some ogling moments. I mean, read over and over and over again moments. Ogling (thank you, Dragonswood for putting that word in my vocabulary).
The perfect blend of war and romance is totally my cup of tea. I don't always enjoy historical fiction, because authors always mess it up in some ways. Like that marriage never happen. Or that assassination attempt failed. Or maybe a poisoning never happen and the King live much longer than the years on his grave. But this book is mostly true. Just edit out the characters the author made up (thank you, author, for putting which characters are fake and real in the Author's note. I hate it when authors don't do that. Then I have to research everything).
The plot maybe a little bit confusing to some readers. The time moves by quickly, spanning over a couple years of the Civil War. Timelines and notes are usually helpful, but if you have a great memory (like me) then you'll be fine.
Annie is a brave girl, living in the right time. In the right moment. She first meets Thomas Walker, (the future ______). Then Jeb Stuart. Now, the history freaks of the Civil War would know who this man is. Just look him up in wikipedia if you don't know. Anyway, I fell in love with Annie (does that sound wrong to you guys? Because I'm a girl...) and Thomas (hottie right there; warning: he loves Keats). But I won't tell you anymore, or else this book will sound like...
The Civil War is portrayed as a war between brothers. Instead of having the issue of slavery being the major part of the book, the author makes family the star of the book. A war between family. A war between brothers. A war between sisters. A war between the states. It's nice to see a different issue take the front page.
Rating: Four out of Five
-ofpaperandwords.blogspot.com
February 12, 2012
For my full review, please visit my blog: decemberjoy.wordpress.com
Annie, Between the States is about a young Virginian girl whose world is interrupted and turned upside down by the war raging between the states. All the normality of her life vanishes when fighting soldiers invade her family’s home. Due to the brutality of the injuries, she finds herself aiding the wounded. At first she is appalled at what she sees, but as she tends to the injured she begins to see the human faces of those she opposed before. As the war drags on, and as Annie becomes more involved she begins to question Virginia’s reasoning. This is made more confusing by her older brother, Lawrence, who is fighting valiantly on the Confederate side. And her younger brother, Jamie, not knowing the true face of war, wants to be part of it as a Confederate soldier. Annie finds she is conflicted; she is seeing things differently than before, and while this conflict rages within her, it is through certain events that she finally discovers who she is and what she believes in.
I was drawn into the story quickly; the first paragraph being Annie’s first encounter with an injured, bleeding soldier. Reading about her awkwardness to this new experience captured my imagination and as I continued to read, I felt a part of Annie’s world. The storyline was constantly changing as Annie moved around Virginia; from her home to her Aunt’s to a friend’s, etc. Each new place brought new characters and incidents pertaining to the war.
I was also surprised to see that there was a softer since to this story. Since the book is about a young teenage girl, there were a few tangents that involve men and the romantic side of knowing them. I think there were about two or three suitors that vied for Annie’s affection. These were very PG, of course, since the storyline is in the early 1860’s. Just enough romance to balance the war aspect and to keep the teenage reader’s hormones appeased!
Annie, Between the States is about a young Virginian girl whose world is interrupted and turned upside down by the war raging between the states. All the normality of her life vanishes when fighting soldiers invade her family’s home. Due to the brutality of the injuries, she finds herself aiding the wounded. At first she is appalled at what she sees, but as she tends to the injured she begins to see the human faces of those she opposed before. As the war drags on, and as Annie becomes more involved she begins to question Virginia’s reasoning. This is made more confusing by her older brother, Lawrence, who is fighting valiantly on the Confederate side. And her younger brother, Jamie, not knowing the true face of war, wants to be part of it as a Confederate soldier. Annie finds she is conflicted; she is seeing things differently than before, and while this conflict rages within her, it is through certain events that she finally discovers who she is and what she believes in.
I was drawn into the story quickly; the first paragraph being Annie’s first encounter with an injured, bleeding soldier. Reading about her awkwardness to this new experience captured my imagination and as I continued to read, I felt a part of Annie’s world. The storyline was constantly changing as Annie moved around Virginia; from her home to her Aunt’s to a friend’s, etc. Each new place brought new characters and incidents pertaining to the war.
I was also surprised to see that there was a softer since to this story. Since the book is about a young teenage girl, there were a few tangents that involve men and the romantic side of knowing them. I think there were about two or three suitors that vied for Annie’s affection. These were very PG, of course, since the storyline is in the early 1860’s. Just enough romance to balance the war aspect and to keep the teenage reader’s hormones appeased!
January 7, 2014
For my christmas break i was assigned to read a book for my english class and i decided to read Annie, Between the States by Laura Malone Elliott. I choose to read this book because it was recommended to me and i gave it a glance and saw that it was about the Civil War which i really enjoy reading about so therefore i decided to read it.
I believe that the main reason why i think i enjoyed this book was because the other decided to right the book not only from the point of view of a soldier but also from the point of view of a child who is living it and therefore you can get more than one point of view. And we can capture a better picture of how hard it was to live during this period in American History.
I think that the author did a great job with describing the emotions and thoughts of the characters in the book. I think that se did a great job when it came to talking about the main character Annie, and describing what she was going through. But i didn´t really enjoy some characters just because of the way they acted specially Jamie. I thought that Jamie believed he was superior to everyone and believed he could take down anyone. For example when he say´s that he is going to kill the first union soldier that goes by. This shows how he thinks that he is powerful and will take anyone down.
Although i really enjoyed this book for many reasons and i strongly recommend it. I also enjoyed it becauase it was placed near by were my mom was born and were my grandmother lives. The Battle of Upperville and Middleburg which are the towns were i spend most of my christmas. Although i do have to admit that it is a little bit har to understand or follow due to that fact that its giving you so much information throught the book. But the story is extremely realistic and the author did a great amount of reaserch before writting it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is 15 and older and enjoys historical books.
I believe that the main reason why i think i enjoyed this book was because the other decided to right the book not only from the point of view of a soldier but also from the point of view of a child who is living it and therefore you can get more than one point of view. And we can capture a better picture of how hard it was to live during this period in American History.
I think that the author did a great job with describing the emotions and thoughts of the characters in the book. I think that se did a great job when it came to talking about the main character Annie, and describing what she was going through. But i didn´t really enjoy some characters just because of the way they acted specially Jamie. I thought that Jamie believed he was superior to everyone and believed he could take down anyone. For example when he say´s that he is going to kill the first union soldier that goes by. This shows how he thinks that he is powerful and will take anyone down.
Although i really enjoyed this book for many reasons and i strongly recommend it. I also enjoyed it becauase it was placed near by were my mom was born and were my grandmother lives. The Battle of Upperville and Middleburg which are the towns were i spend most of my christmas. Although i do have to admit that it is a little bit har to understand or follow due to that fact that its giving you so much information throught the book. But the story is extremely realistic and the author did a great amount of reaserch before writting it. I would recommend this book to anyone who is 15 and older and enjoys historical books.
January 11, 2023
This review comes after a reread of this novel, so please take that as a hint as to how much I enjoyed this novel the first time around.
Many of the fictional books that have been written about the Civil War period tend to portray the war from a modern perspective, by falsely framing the war as a war over slavery. This may be uncomfortable for people today, but it's a fact.
Another aspect that I appreciated about this book was how Annie and Thomas were able to come to an understanding to respect one another's beliefs. They acknowledged that they had their differences, but also understood where the other was coming from. Too many novels end with one character giving up his or her beliefs, in favour of the other character's beliefs, in order to form a harmonious union. To me, that shows a lack of disrespect.
On a different note, the other characters had purposes other than progressing the plot. They added to the setting of the story by bringing forth the various perspectives of different groups of people at the time. Whether it is Rachel's family, who showcased what life was like for slaves who gained freedom, or Laurence, who fought for his country, the other characters allowed us to understand the motivation behind all sides in the war.
Lastly, the poems that General Stuart dedicated to Annie were incredibly sweet and charming. Lady Liberty indeed.
Many of the fictional books that have been written about the Civil War period tend to portray the war from a modern perspective, by falsely framing the war as a war over slavery. This may be uncomfortable for people today, but it's a fact.
Slavery was not what her brother fought for. He fought to protect his family and his farm and because Virginia was his country. And yet, his valiant courage would always be tainted by the assumption.The author of this novel clearly researched the war and the society at the time extensively, as the the thoughts and behaviors of the characters are fairly believable. The book also featured real people from the period, such as General Stuart, which added to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Another aspect that I appreciated about this book was how Annie and Thomas were able to come to an understanding to respect one another's beliefs. They acknowledged that they had their differences, but also understood where the other was coming from. Too many novels end with one character giving up his or her beliefs, in favour of the other character's beliefs, in order to form a harmonious union. To me, that shows a lack of disrespect.
On a different note, the other characters had purposes other than progressing the plot. They added to the setting of the story by bringing forth the various perspectives of different groups of people at the time. Whether it is Rachel's family, who showcased what life was like for slaves who gained freedom, or Laurence, who fought for his country, the other characters allowed us to understand the motivation behind all sides in the war.
Lastly, the poems that General Stuart dedicated to Annie were incredibly sweet and charming. Lady Liberty indeed.
November 6, 2019
In Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, Annie Sinclair's life changes as the Civil War overtakes her home. Loyal to her beloved state, Annie never doubts her Confederate loyalties until she begins to fall in love with a young Union lieutenant.
I don't make any effort to hide the fact that I absolutely loathe the Civil War. Maybe it's because I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Richmond, Virginia, where discussion of the Civil War was akin to starting a heated political discussion in which you may or may not declare yourself a Muslim Communist. There were frequent, impassioned discussions about it in the papers. Confederate flags fluttered from the beams of front porches. At a history class in university, students raged on and on about the secession. But even before all that, I never found the time period all that interesting. I like my history old - the Middle Ages is generally my cutoff point.
Anyways, I am far from a Civil War enthusiast. However, of all the books on the setting that I have read, this one is without doubt the best. I absolutely loved this book, so much so that it earned a couple of re-reads from me, another rare exception.
Elliott has written a strong and powerful story, with the perfect blend of accurate history and well written fiction. I love the main character Annie Sinclair, who was feisty without simply being a modern girl dressed in Antebellum-era clothes, as is all too common in historical fiction. Seeing her grow up and develop as a character was part of what made this book so very good.
L.M. Elliot is an amazing author, and I look forward to reading all of her books.
I don't make any effort to hide the fact that I absolutely loathe the Civil War. Maybe it's because I spent most of my childhood and teenage years in Richmond, Virginia, where discussion of the Civil War was akin to starting a heated political discussion in which you may or may not declare yourself a Muslim Communist. There were frequent, impassioned discussions about it in the papers. Confederate flags fluttered from the beams of front porches. At a history class in university, students raged on and on about the secession. But even before all that, I never found the time period all that interesting. I like my history old - the Middle Ages is generally my cutoff point.
Anyways, I am far from a Civil War enthusiast. However, of all the books on the setting that I have read, this one is without doubt the best. I absolutely loved this book, so much so that it earned a couple of re-reads from me, another rare exception.
Elliott has written a strong and powerful story, with the perfect blend of accurate history and well written fiction. I love the main character Annie Sinclair, who was feisty without simply being a modern girl dressed in Antebellum-era clothes, as is all too common in historical fiction. Seeing her grow up and develop as a character was part of what made this book so very good.
L.M. Elliot is an amazing author, and I look forward to reading all of her books.
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