Manse: One Man's War

by Wilton Earle

The true story of Manson Sherrill Jolly, this book is a combination of extensive research and literary extrapolation to bring to life a complex man and those years of turmoil called Reconstruction, when the Confederate States were a defeated nation occupied by the United States Army. The story of struggle and intrigue, corruption and brutality, love and honor, and one man's inexplorable path from battlefield horrors to trauma-induced madness.

Audio CD

First published May 1, 1996

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read and kept me on the edge of my seat. It was not the best writing I've ever seen, but it was an interesting story dealing with post-Civil War history in the Anderson District of SC. Since I grew up in this area, these stories always fascinate me! The author does a good job of creating complex characters that you love and hate at the same time. While I sympathize with the southern characters, I also abhor their methods. It's an interesting pull in two directions at the same time, as if the author is playing tug-of-war with my emotions throughout the story. Manse Jolly is a disturbed man who does what he believes is right, without really fully understanding why or even the depth of his actions. His is a terribly sad story. He's a hero to many and a traitor to many others. By the end of the story, I really don't know which side of the fence I myself am standing on. Some of the content was too explicit for my taste, and could have been left out, but a good read nonetheless.

[J. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fine rendering of Manse Jolly's life. Thoroughly researched, it sticks to the facts as much as possible then extrapolates for a great dramatic telling of Jolly's life.