Lost Souls Recovered

by Eric Walker

One man's journey toward a better life. When the wife of a plantation owner dies on a fateful night in 1887, John Billingsly makes the gut-wrenching decision to leave his mother and everything he knows to flee their slave cabin in Richmond, Virginia. Instructed by his mother to find a cousin in Mt. Hope, Alabama, John wends his way south in hope of a better life. With the plantation owner shadowing him every step of the way, his journey is perilous. One misstep could cost him his freedom-and his life. Inspired by a true story, Lost Souls Recovered is a mesmerizing historical family saga of loss and gain, survival and self-reinvention, and one family's fight for freedom in the midst of the post-Civil War American South.

Genres: Historical Fiction

380 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

About the author

As an amateur genealogist and family historian, Eric Walker was impelled to write his debut novel Lost Souls Recovered when he discovered the richness of family stories through research of historical documents and those told to him by relatives. As he read historical documents and talked to relatives, he'd envision a way to bring to life in fiction form many of his ancestors who lived a hardscrabble life and who worked to overcome hardship. He believed the written word could unlock doors as well as the imagination and unite our spirit through our visions.He is working on a second novel involving land loss in the early post-Reconstruction era. He is a lawyer and lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[AKHarrell Writes · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Lost Souls Recovered" was provided as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) for this pre-publication review.

This explosive, dramatic, adventurous, fast-paced, historical fiction is based on the true story of a young African American man’s (John) 41-year journey (following an unimaginable incident that began ten years after the conclusion of the Reconstruction era). Throughout the novel, the author intertwined historical facts, emotions, and multi-genres in a very adept and artistic fashion (normally only perfected by our greatest historical fiction writers). From his depiction of African American lives after the inception of numerous Jim Crow laws to his portrayal of his character's abilities to embrace a full spectrum of emotions (such as love and hate) to his illustration of John's valiant pursuit to uncover an answer to the mystery (he believes) would solve his problems, the author has meticulously and masterfully shown what I consider his main theme: accomplishment against all odds.

John's tenacious spirit to fulfill the promise given to his mother is both endearing and exhilarating to the end of the novel (and possibly, beyond). We begin this tale with the unthinkable moment of John's former slave owner dying in his presence. Wise beyond his years, yet afraid in many ways to let go of his mother's everlasting and protective nature, we see John's inner struggle to become a man in full control of both his inner emotions and outward actions. The author has done a beautiful job showing the process behind actions conceived within the mind of a Black man (a rare talent and much-needed acknowledgment to African American characters) within the historical fiction genre.

I enjoyed all of the stories within the novel, however, my favorite has to be the actions between John and Douglas. The synergy between the two was reminiscent of the characters within the classic movie "Buck and The Preacher" which starred Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier. John and Douglas' adventures shed light on many young Black men's experiences during the years following the Reconstruction era (as well as providing comical relief). In addition, their adventures provoked fond memories of reading "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" written by Mark Twain.

I was pleasantly surprised at the author's ingenious way of producing little surprises throughout the novel to keep me engaged. Furthermore, as a Sensitivity Reader and African American woman, I experienced (and will forever empathize with) the sincere, raw emotions displayed by his African American characters. Although the novel is historical fiction, the author was in tune with the conceptualization of interweaving action, romance, and mystery genres throughout the book (for all you cross-genre fans). Thankfully, this goal was achieved WITHOUT sacrificing the powerfulness of its historical fiction roots.

As stated to the author, I believe the book can use some minor improvements. However, my assessment of such does not hinder my overall impression of "Lost Souls Recovered" being an exceptionally, tasteful, and satisfying exposition of historical fiction. These minor improvements include reducing the number of repetitive words, removing at least 25% of onerous verbiage (which some readers may enjoy, including myself), and eliminating several smaller stories within the novel to reduce the number of pages (while saving them for future use within a sequel and/or new novel).

As a lover of historical fiction, I praise the author's steadfastness in the continuous veracity of the historical facts and character viewpoints within the story (despite differing world opinions). In my opinion, this is truly the core attribute of great historical fiction. In comparison to "The Personal Librarian" (written by the authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray) and "The Underground Railroad" (written by Colson Whitehead), he embraces this core attribute magnificently.

Based on my experience as an ARC/Beta/Sensitivity Reader, my extensive educational and professional background involving history and research (as well as my adoration of historical fiction, romance, mystery, and adventurous manuscripts), my ultimate rating for "Lost Souls Recovered" is a 4.2 (out of a 5.0-star rating) devoid of any improvements to his current manuscript. If suggested improvements were made, I would feel very confident in giving it a new rating of (at least) a 4.4 star.

If you love historical fiction (with a dash of romance, adventure, and mystery), the readings of Mark Twain, Harper Lee, Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray, and Colson Whitehead, I implore you to read "Lost Souls Recovered" by Eric Walker. I know you will enjoy it and I recommend it highly!

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

John is the teenage son of former slave, Ann. Both live and work on the same land where Ann was once enslaved. Although slavery has legally ended, living in the South means those with dark skin continue to be persecuted. Working in the Billingsly’s house, John feels enslaved, particularly by the savage Mrs. Billingsly. John dreams of getting out of Richmond and, one night, makes a fatal decision resulting in his having to leave his mother and the Billingsly estate immediately. His mother encourages him to seek out Cousin Riley in a place called Mount Hope in Alabama. John leaves with an acquaintance, Douglas, who is also headed to Alabama. They experience many trials on their journey often involving racism and the white man’s continuing need to prove his authority.

This book is a stirring read examining how the 15th Amendment ending slavery was not the end of the suffering of black people. Walker skillfully embeds historical information throughout the book adding a dose of reality to the fictional experiences of his characters. This story provides the foundational information concerning how people of color are still treated to this day, exhibiting the unfair practices developed post-slavery that still impact black and brown communities, such as the prison system and red-lining in banking. So many of these unfair programs were developed strictly to keep the black community from attaining any kind of footing in life, causing people of color to have to work quadruply hard to make ends meet and acquire any of the luxuries white men enjoy. This book was truly spectacular in the storytelling of John and all that transpires throughout his life. It is a story filled with such sorrow, but also continued hope for change.

[Karen Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story of an individual as slavery ended in the south.

I was privileged to review a pre release copy from the author Eric Walker to give my view good or bad. As I was reading this book I could not put it down.

This book held my interest from cover to cover. I wanted more! It was a great read on the emotions and feelings of the characters. I became personally involved emotionally and intellectually. I felt with the characters as they faced life with love, family, murder, death, and lynchings.

As the main character John ran away from the only home he knew to seek a better life; he came face to face with hatred, sadness, love and an unwillingness of society to change.

As you read the book, it develops a clear understanding of the multiple layers of the individual characters, the towns and the societies that John encounters on his journey.
As he try’s to return home to his mother circumstances keep getting in his way
I am waiting to get the answers as John continues his journey. This book had me wanting more about the pathways the characters may take. I am looking forward to the next book.

Submitted by Karen Fletcher, Washington, DC

[Lovie Debnam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Souls Recovered is one of my favorite reads this year. I love how the author is able to create such vivid images through thoughtful narrative. In my opinion, the descriptive writing style is sophisticated and allows one to experience the time period more authentically. I found myself experiencing a range of emotions as the main character encounters different experiences on his journey. The book touches on universal themes of love, loss, regrets and second chances. There are lots of plot twists and an unexpected ending. I hope there is a sequel as there are some supporting characters that I would love to know more about.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an early copy of this book thanks to the author Eric Walker!

I read this book back in July and I didn’t think I would have been so into it as I was! I’m not a fan of historical books I’m mainly fiction + romance but I took a chance on this book and I did not regret it!

This book is very emotional I think with so many topics that are talked about and experienced throughout the entirety of the book. Reading about the trek the main character takes to get to where he’s going is so in depth and hard and there is so many bumps in the road. We get to live the main characters life throughout so many years and see what he is able to achieve.

I think this book is a super good read and I would definitely suggest it to any of my historical reads pals!

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my historical fiction favorites of the year! I was caught up in the story (based on true events) the whole way through. The author skillfully made me feel connected with the main character, a man from a different time and place, whose difficult lessons unfortunately still ring true today. It was a thoroughly gripping portrayal of a young man’s search for internal redemption after a life-changing mistake. Highly recommend!

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the spring of 1887, a servant by the name of John overheard Tyrone and Laura Billingsly discussing the financial ruin they were facing. Tyrone recalls a tale of caches of gold and silver buried on the plantation grounds. The only clue to the treasure’s whereabouts is engraved on a pair of whiskey flasks under lock a key. John, desperate to escape the mental and physical cruelty endured under the hands of Laura Billingsly, devises a plan to steal the flasks to finance his way to a better life down south. After being caught breaking in, a freak accident occurs leading to the death of Ms. Billingsly. John, in fear of his life, makes the heart wrenching decision to leave his mother behind as he tries to escape the relentless pursuit of henchmen set to bring him to justice. Wanting his mother to know the truth behind him leaving so abruptly, John states, “Momma, even in this mean world we live in, I never killed anyone in my life.”

“Lost Souls Recovered” is a fast-paced adventure that in many ways reminded me of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. This story spans over forty years, leading its reader from Virginia to Alabama. Based upon true events, this historical fiction vividly describes the struggles and challenges the main characters face to survive. Like Jim and Huck, John and Douglas have several harrowing and hilarious moments on their escapades cross country. The back-and-forth banter is comical at times. Especially when they stole a stagecoach not knowing how to control the horses. We also meet numerous other characters with their own stories to be told. From a historic standpoint, this is a great story, but I believe there are too many side stories. I would have liked a few more chapters on the Billingsly’s in order to understand why John was not conflicted in stealing from Tyrone Billingsly, who had always been nice to him.

Author Eric Walker brings his characters to life through carefully selected dialog exchanges which reflect upon racial tensions in the south post-Civil War. You can feel the love, hate, desperation and fear radiate between the lines. I enjoyed reading the lyrics to the songs of that time period, such as Steal Away Home and Jimmy Cracked Corn. My favorite character is Ann, former slave and mother to John, her backstory is expertly written emanating loss, sacrifice and a fearless strength. The way Mr. Walker writes is entertaining and easy to follow, all while remaining historically accurate.

“Lost Souls Recovered” is an incredible story. I can easily see this doing well in the Historical Fiction genre as well as numerous spin offs being written to dig deeper into side characters and their lives. I would love to see a book written about the slave Ann’s life and possibly the evil Laura Billingsly as well.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the wife of a plantation owner dies on a fateful night in 1887, John Billingsley makes the gut-wrenching decision to leave his mother and everything he knows to flee their slave cabin in Richmond, Virginia. Instructed by his mother to find a cousin in Mt. Hope, Alabama, John wends his way south in hope of a better life. With the plantation owner pursuing him every step of the way, his journey is perilous. One misstep could cost him his freedom—and his life.
This is the best historical fiction book I have read so far this year. I was hooked within the first few chapters, and I couldn’t put it down. I could not get enough of the twists and turns in this story. You could tell that the author did his research because the little details really show through. My only issue with the book is that it should have focused on John more and had the other characters as ideas for another book or even a series. I highly recommend checking this book out when it comes out in October.

[Devons book corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Historical Fiction is based on a true story about John, a young African American man. When John makes the extremely hard decision to leave his mom, not to mention everything he's ever known, he's setting out to find his cousin who lives in Alabama. His hopes for a better life are quite risky though. One wrong move will cost him his freedom, or worse, his life. This story is gripping and adventurous. There's drama, heartache, and many twists and turns. This book is extremely well written. The vividness and details that the author has incorporated into this story certainly enhances it and makes it that much more enjoyable. I really enjoyed this book, and whether Historical Fiction is a go to for you, make sure to check this out. You won't be disappointed.

[Scott Roche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book if you want to learn a little more about what life may have been like for freed slaves who lived from the late 1800s into the 1930s. While the story of the main character starts off with pain and a need for revenge, he makes up for that by making a family and forging his own path by becoming everything from a farmer to a newspaper publisher. There isn't the closure I would hope for but that's primarily because real life rarely has that level of closure.

[Barbara Bretherick · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this writer has some potential in storytelling, he needs an editor who will steer him away from the Thesaurus. His style is awkwardly interjected with superfluous diction, very much out of the character of his uneducated Southern Blacks or his seemingly straightforward narrator.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story of love and loss in the post-Civil War South.