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And Trouble Followed
In this work of historical fiction, set in 1868 during the Congressional Reconstruction period, four Union soldiers are finally discharged from the Army. They had been in many Civil War battles together, creating an undeniable bond, and then they jointly decided to extend their enlistments, ending their service in the Third Military District, one of five such districts set up by Congress in the defeated Confederacy.
Uniquely, the four soldiers, Dalton, Harrison, Shadrach, and Emmet, are two white men and two black men. Shadrach and Emmet are former slaves who joined the Union Army after fleeing the plantations and after blacks were allowed by Congress to serve. Dalton lived on the streets after his parents died and before he joined the Army. Harrison was an abolitionist and a preacher’s son who intends to return to the ministry. With their military service ended they struggle with saying goodbye to each other knowing it is unlikely that they will ever meet again but promising to keep in touch. The men then head their separate ways to different parts of the country to try to forget the trauma of the war and create new lives, but in a world still shattered by disunion, trouble followed.
Uniquely, the four soldiers, Dalton, Harrison, Shadrach, and Emmet, are two white men and two black men. Shadrach and Emmet are former slaves who joined the Union Army after fleeing the plantations and after blacks were allowed by Congress to serve. Dalton lived on the streets after his parents died and before he joined the Army. Harrison was an abolitionist and a preacher’s son who intends to return to the ministry. With their military service ended they struggle with saying goodbye to each other knowing it is unlikely that they will ever meet again but promising to keep in touch. The men then head their separate ways to different parts of the country to try to forget the trauma of the war and create new lives, but in a world still shattered by disunion, trouble followed.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2021
122 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 14, 2021
First of all, Thank you Michael T. Tusa Jr. for gifting me with this book in exchange for an honest review!
And Troubled Followed is a very Important book to read. I learned a lot, hence giving it 5/5 stars (among other reasons, ofc). Personally, I prefer when facts are more incorporated in a book rather than telling them straight out. However, this book would be excellent to read in school, and since I think everyone should read it for the learning aspect, I'm giving it the highest rating.
This book showed beautiful characters and relationships meanwhile, explaining an awful time period from various perspectives. The world-building, language, and characters felt authentic for the time period, which is often done wrong in historic fiction.
"These four, however, had grown close over their experiences in battle, where bullets knew no skin color and where, at least for them, camaraderie held character more important than prejudice."
I am an agnostic atheist but I really appreciated Reverend's view on religion and his preachings.
"Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?"
"Too often organized religion fails to find fault in itself when it errs and then blames its failings on its believers for not being religious enough."
"By remaining silent you, and everyone else who remained silent were responsible. Not guilty, please understand, but responsible."
And Troubled Followed not only dealt with racism but with sexism, PTSD, corruption, and much more. My favorite character was probably Emmalene who was a women's rights activist. She shared an article with Midnight who practiced his flawed reading skills to learn about the movement. That was another aspect that taught me about slavery I hadn't realized before. Like how (obviously when you think about it) all slaves hadn't learned how to read properly and hence also spoke with a different grammar etc. This book taught me the consequences of slavery besides the physical side that I believe many think of at first. It gave me a wider range of knowledge.
"The institution of slavery may have been gone but they were still being beaten down and deformed by the indoctrinated fear, the broken chord of their families, and the pained memory of the overseer's whip."
To sum it up, this book was well written, with important topics, had great characters, and hence, a must-read.
"The war still colors everything here."
I recommend this book to; everyone.
And Troubled Followed is a very Important book to read. I learned a lot, hence giving it 5/5 stars (among other reasons, ofc). Personally, I prefer when facts are more incorporated in a book rather than telling them straight out. However, this book would be excellent to read in school, and since I think everyone should read it for the learning aspect, I'm giving it the highest rating.
This book showed beautiful characters and relationships meanwhile, explaining an awful time period from various perspectives. The world-building, language, and characters felt authentic for the time period, which is often done wrong in historic fiction.
"These four, however, had grown close over their experiences in battle, where bullets knew no skin color and where, at least for them, camaraderie held character more important than prejudice."
I am an agnostic atheist but I really appreciated Reverend's view on religion and his preachings.
"Have we not all one Father? Hath not one God created us?"
"Too often organized religion fails to find fault in itself when it errs and then blames its failings on its believers for not being religious enough."
"By remaining silent you, and everyone else who remained silent were responsible. Not guilty, please understand, but responsible."
And Troubled Followed not only dealt with racism but with sexism, PTSD, corruption, and much more. My favorite character was probably Emmalene who was a women's rights activist. She shared an article with Midnight who practiced his flawed reading skills to learn about the movement. That was another aspect that taught me about slavery I hadn't realized before. Like how (obviously when you think about it) all slaves hadn't learned how to read properly and hence also spoke with a different grammar etc. This book taught me the consequences of slavery besides the physical side that I believe many think of at first. It gave me a wider range of knowledge.
"The institution of slavery may have been gone but they were still being beaten down and deformed by the indoctrinated fear, the broken chord of their families, and the pained memory of the overseer's whip."
To sum it up, this book was well written, with important topics, had great characters, and hence, a must-read.
"The war still colors everything here."
I recommend this book to; everyone.
February 15, 2022
Could this be the future of the school textbook? It tells a lot of facts about the war and reconstruction that the history books gloss over or even misinterpret. But it interleaves them with attention-holding action that's more likely to be actually read by today's young people, or even us oldsters. I believe that the author has poured a great deal of research into this book, and I applaud him for that.
There is one minor fault I'd find, though. I wish all the text, be it dialog or narrative, were told in a slightly more conversational style. There's nothing WRONG with the author's choice of words and phrases, but I can't help thinking it could be just a little bit better. Just my opinion, mind you.
There is one minor fault I'd find, though. I wish all the text, be it dialog or narrative, were told in a slightly more conversational style. There's nothing WRONG with the author's choice of words and phrases, but I can't help thinking it could be just a little bit better. Just my opinion, mind you.
January 7, 2023
POST CIVIL WAR STORYLINE
No doubt, following at the close of the war, the south was in chaos and lawlessness ruled the day… In this book, Black Union soldiers are returning to the plantations where they escaped slavery, in search of family members who may have survived the war. A new social order did not set well with many people who were tied to the institution of slavery, as they were still living with the mindset that “bondage” was still acceptable…
This is a remarkable story and Recommended to those who have an interest in the 19th century and the US Civil War.
No doubt, following at the close of the war, the south was in chaos and lawlessness ruled the day… In this book, Black Union soldiers are returning to the plantations where they escaped slavery, in search of family members who may have survived the war. A new social order did not set well with many people who were tied to the institution of slavery, as they were still living with the mindset that “bondage” was still acceptable…
This is a remarkable story and Recommended to those who have an interest in the 19th century and the US Civil War.
September 6, 2021
For anyone interested in the Civil War era and Reconstruction, this is a must-read. Couched in the journey of four friends who fought together for the Union and now must find new lives for themselves, the author has included an amazing historical record of events, legislation, states' recalcitrance, and the suffering of emancipated blacks who are still treated as slaves. This book could be a reference for everyone's home library. Couldn't put it down!
September 20, 2021
Great historical fiction
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. But I really enjoyed the history and information provided at the vans of each chapter. If these things were taught in High School history class....i don't remember. Wow, there were some direct parallels of life currently in the United States and back in the civil war era. Kind of scary.
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the characters and their interactions with each other. But I really enjoyed the history and information provided at the vans of each chapter. If these things were taught in High School history class....i don't remember. Wow, there were some direct parallels of life currently in the United States and back in the civil war era. Kind of scary.
September 8, 2021
An incredible read!
Four former soldiers (2 negro and 2 white) who served together in the Army, continue their friendship after returning to civilian life, even though they are somewhat geographically separated.
If you developed any long-life relationships, be they from the military or not, this is a book you'll enjoy.
Four former soldiers (2 negro and 2 white) who served together in the Army, continue their friendship after returning to civilian life, even though they are somewhat geographically separated.
If you developed any long-life relationships, be they from the military or not, this is a book you'll enjoy.
September 11, 2022
Excellent
This is a book about four men that fought together in the Civil War. Two are white and two are black. They have a fierce loyalty to each other, and will do whatever they have to in order to help each other out. I highly recommend this book. It's full of interesting facts.
This is a book about four men that fought together in the Civil War. Two are white and two are black. They have a fierce loyalty to each other, and will do whatever they have to in order to help each other out. I highly recommend this book. It's full of interesting facts.
December 27, 2022
An engaging story and history lesson
I wanted to learn more about the Civil War and the Reconstruction efforts. I like this book. A the story evolves, the events are intermittently explained with descriptions of why the storied events were possible. The descriptions are short and seamlessly enhance the story.
I wanted to learn more about the Civil War and the Reconstruction efforts. I like this book. A the story evolves, the events are intermittently explained with descriptions of why the storied events were possible. The descriptions are short and seamlessly enhance the story.
April 16, 2023
Three books in one?
As a novel, the bones of this book are great. Unfortunately the history lesson breaks the flow of the novel much as a commercial interrupts a good movie. And, as if that wasn't enough we need to add the dissertation of religion to the mix. The novel promised a five star rating but the other two tangents took points away.
As a novel, the bones of this book are great. Unfortunately the history lesson breaks the flow of the novel much as a commercial interrupts a good movie. And, as if that wasn't enough we need to add the dissertation of religion to the mix. The novel promised a five star rating but the other two tangents took points away.
September 14, 2021
Captivating and instructional
The story is fast-paced and kept my interest and the desire to read more. I also learned a lot about the reality of Reconstruction, the practice of debt peonage and the many obstacles faced by the newly released slaves.
The story is fast-paced and kept my interest and the desire to read more. I also learned a lot about the reality of Reconstruction, the practice of debt peonage and the many obstacles faced by the newly released slaves.
October 8, 2021
First book I have read on this part of American history and once you get used to the style of writing its a very good read.
The four main characters are believable and the true history inserts are extremely well added.
Loved the book and wish there was a series.
The four main characters are believable and the true history inserts are extremely well added.
Loved the book and wish there was a series.
February 9, 2023
AMAZING
I loved every bit of this book. From the historical facts woven within to the personalities of the characters in their own lives. Am amazing book for discussion or just for those history buffs out there.
I loved every bit of this book. From the historical facts woven within to the personalities of the characters in their own lives. Am amazing book for discussion or just for those history buffs out there.
June 4, 2023
More please
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And especially liked the historical information and the way the author presented it as an “aside” to the reader.
I found the characters and the plot compelling.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And especially liked the historical information and the way the author presented it as an “aside” to the reader.
I found the characters and the plot compelling.
August 1, 2022
Wonderful story
A story of true friendship. Lots of actual history involved but blended in nicely. No vulgar language to ruin the story.
A story of true friendship. Lots of actual history involved but blended in nicely. No vulgar language to ruin the story.
January 8, 2023
excellent
The history presented in this book is awesome and beautifully intertwined with the characters. Although a little slow at times, I highly recommend this book.
The history presented in this book is awesome and beautifully intertwined with the characters. Although a little slow at times, I highly recommend this book.
March 22, 2023
Trouble
A rather lengthy read. The novel started out rather slowly and took a while to get my interest. This novel did supply some interesting. Facts.
A rather lengthy read. The novel started out rather slowly and took a while to get my interest. This novel did supply some interesting. Facts.
September 19, 2023
Overarching credibility
Apart from first-class character development and gripping parallel plots, this tale was expertly underpinned with historic accuracy. A true masterpiece.
Apart from first-class character development and gripping parallel plots, this tale was expertly underpinned with historic accuracy. A true masterpiece.
September 18, 2021
I am a big fan of historical fiction and especially about the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The author's story introduced me to a circumstance of the early Jim Crow era that I was completely unaware of before. The fictional story of four different brothers in arms working as a unit for their country, but having vastly different experiences upon their return to civilian life was a great read. Just as you were rooting for them to succeed in their post duty endeavors, they are compelled to come back together to save one of their own. I would recommend this book highly for those that want a gripping story set in an era you realize you know so little about.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews