An Eye for Glory: The Civil War Chronicles of a Citizen Soldier

by Karl A. Bacon

Michael palmer is a good man, a family man. But honor and duty push him to leave his comfortable life and answer the call from Abraham Lincoln to fight for his country. This “citizen soldier” learns quickly that war is more than the battle on the field. Long marches under extreme conditions, illness, and disillusionment challenge at every turn. Faith seems lost in a blur of smoke and blood … and death. Michael’s only desire is to kill as many Confederate soldiers as he can so he can go home. He coldly counts off the rebels that fall to his bullets. Until he is brought up short by a dying man holding up his Bible. It’s in the heat of battle at Gettysburg and the solemn aftermath that Michael begins to understand the grave cost of the war upon his soul. Here the journey really begins as he searches for the man he was and the faith he once held so dearly. With the help of his beloved wife, Jesse Ann, he takes the final steps towards redemption and reconciliation. Using first-hand accounts of the 14th Connecticut Infantry, Karl Bacon has crafted a detailed, genuine and compelling novel on the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Intensely personal and accurate to the times, culture, and tragedy of the Civil War, An Eye for Glory may change you in ways you could have never imagined as well.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Christian Fiction, Historical, Military Fiction, Christian, War

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

From youth Karl A. Bacon has been a serious student of the Civil War. Countless hours of detailed research supply the foundation for each novel, including copious reading, internet research and personal visits to battlefields and historic sites. For Prairie Dog Town, he toured Vicksburg National Military Park, did research at the Old Courthouse Museum, stayed in the Duff Green Mansion, and visited Natchez and the ruins of Windsor House. The research provides depth and realism to the stories so that the novels might be as historically accurate and believable as possible. Karl lives with his wife, Jackie, in Connecticut.

His first novel, An Eye for Glory (2011) was a Publisher's Weekly Top Pick and a Christy Award Finalist. Until Shiloh Comes (2015) is the first book of a Civil War trilogy. Until Shiloh Comes won the 2016 National Indie Excellence Award for Historical Fiction and the Independent Publisher Awards Bronze Medal for Best Adult Fiction E-book.

Reviews

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel was based on letters and diaries from a Civil War soldier from the 2nd Connecticut Volunteers, and is told thru letters to his wife and diary entries. I was fascinated, because his unit started fighting at Antietam Creek, covering much of the same ground that we recently drove over as we came back to VA from Hershey, PA. We took back roads over South Mountain and wandered thru many areas fought over. He fought in Fredericksburg, marching down Caroline and Princess Anne streets to the Sunken Road. He stood sentry duty at Banks Ford, fought at First Chancellorsville, chased Lee to Gettysburg and back. It was amazing seeing all these places that I knew so well through the eyes of a Yankee soldier.

I was curious enough to look up the unit; they did indeed fight in every battle described in the book, losing 371 men over the course of the war. The soldier and his friends are fictional, but the story is not. This is the story of a deeply religious man who comes face to face with his own inhumanity. I expect I will think of this man every time I visit a battlefield.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: AN EYE FOR GLORY
Author: Karl A. Bacon
Publisher: Zondervan
February 2011
ISBN: 978-0-310-32202-3
Genre: Inspirational/historical/Civil War

Michael Palmer has a wife and three children, but honor and duty push him to leave his comfortable life and answer the call from Abraham Lincoln to fight for his country.

Michael learns quickly that war is more than what he’d initially thought. It involves long marches through the field, under extreme conditions. Illness. Disillusionment. Faith is challenged and seems lost in the gun smoke and blood. Michael’s only desire is to kill as many Rebels as he can so he can go home. He counts off each Rebel that falls to his bullets—until he is brought up short by a dying man holding up his Bible.

As the war winds to an end, Michael begins to understand the grave cost of the war on his soul.

Karl Bacon is a long time student of the Civil War. AN EYE FOR GLORY is his debut novel, and it is based on first-hand accounts of the 14th Connecticut Infantry. A fascinatingly rich story, full of details, realistic dialogue, and setting that we can see—and smell. Karl Bacon can bring the Civil War to life, 150 years later.

Michael Palmer suffers some deep battle wounds from the war, not only physically, but also spiritually and mentally. This is a book that will resound in your memory long after you finish the book. If you are a history buff, and into the Civil War in a different sort of story (far from a romance), full of action, drama, battles, and death, then AN EYE FOR GLORY is a book you will want to read. $16.99. 364 pages.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing about this book that's really interesting to me is that it wasn't completely action-packed. Words didn't jump off the page, I wasn't hanging by a thread, it was a very calm and simple book describing the life of one man in an army in the Civil War but I really enjoyed it. I didn't feel like I had to pay that much attention and most of the book was him writing letters to his wife, how he felt about the entire war, and only small bits were actually battle.

The first part threw me off, and I was a little weary because the first 30 pages were basically going on about how it was God's Will that he had to fight and they were in churches forever and it was like "Yeah, I get it. I get it, we know", but that IS how they felt back then and I assume it's an accurate description but I was getting a bit tired of it dragging on.

The rest of the book was very nice, it's was a somber and quiet sort of book where things would happen, people would fall and die, the shots that fell on the union felt silent and it was overall an eerie sort of novel. Michael Palmer was a likeable and relatable guy, very simple and loving. I wasn't really expecting the ending but it was nice. Very good book for historical fiction.

[Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every boy wonders if he has what it takes to be a soldier, or a warrior. Michael Palmer discovers the cost may be too high for him to pay, but, his choice was made by his president and his God.
Karl Bacon spent ten years researching and crafting this in-depth saga of a Civil War soldier and the depth he drifted to while following the orders he was given. The war doesn't end when a soldier comes home, either.
Keep the tissues near-by as you read the letters between this soldier/husband and his wife. The story gets that personal
It's only by the promptings of Michael's devoted wife, Jessie Anne, that Michael takes a fateful journey to find his redemption from the widow of a brother-in-Christ he gunned down at Gettysburg.
If you've ever wondered how the American Civil War occurred from inside a soldier's uniform read An Eye for Glory by Karl Bacon. You'll gain a whole new appreciation for any person who's ever been on a battlefield.

[Clarice James · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Karl A. Bacon's profile says, he is "a longtime student of the Civil War." Although he passes on much of what he's learned to his readers--with skill and accuracy--it's done in such an intimate way you forget that you're reading fiction. Between the compelling narrative, the account of the battles, and the letters and journals, it was easy to feel like you were reading the personal papers of a Civil War soldier. Michael (the main character) and his wife's letters to each other read exactly like someone would have written in the mid-1800s. Because of the nature of the subject and Karl's accurate portrayal of the bloody war, there is violence and some of it graphic. But he doesn't dwell on the gore. Michael . . . or is it Karl? . . . spends most of his time trying to reconcile war and his sin with a loving and merciful God. Excellent read.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novel could have been a really good one BUT the heavy-handed religious dogma crushes the story. Plus Dick Hill's narration (usually excellent) takes on a Capt Kirk quality,,, over acting? I dunno but over-something. Too bad because the trauma the Civil War soldiers suffered is a topic worth exploring honestly.

[Jim Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book when I picked it up. The cover caught my eye and the description written on the cover was intriguing. What I worried about, and nearly had me put it down was that it was written over 150 years ago and sometimes that style of writing can lead to boredom or confusion. Also, true accounts of historical events can often feel tedious. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Almost from the first page I was sucked it and the author writes with such clarity that I found myself completely transported to that troublesome time in our nation’s past. Though told through letter and a journal you will feel as if it was written today, but as if you are living then.

So much of the Civil War is taught already and many, like I, feel that we have a pretty good grasp on the events. But this true story is told on the micro level that allows the reader a glimpse into the everyday life, fears, friendships, and loss those brave men lived so many years ago. The details, even the gory details of battle, enhance the story to an unparalleled level. I highly recommend, not just to history buffs, but to anyone who enjoys well written and compelling stories.

[Tom Hicklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good depiction of a man’s struggle to reconcile who he thought he was with the things he did during the war. The author does a good job of portraying the protagonist’s journey from innocence to hatred to cold indifference to acceptance—all from a uniquely mid-19th century perspective.

One of the novel’s biggest strengths is also its biggest weakness. The author does a good job of capturing the essence of a 19th century novel. Unfortunately, that makes it difficult to read. The flowery descriptions and long, passive sentences require a lot more work to get through than the modern reader is used to.

I gave it five stars because I thought the story and character development was very well done within the self imposed confines of a 19th century novel. It may not be for everyone, but I thing the author set out to do something and he did it very well.

[Cindy Konopelski · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise for this book is exciting... the life of a Union soldier during the Civil War. The execution was poor. The writing reflected the style of a store keeper's diary and letters home to his wife, which they were intended to portray. I also expected much more action. I only got through half of the book before moving on to something more exciting, but the actual fighting with Rebels represented such a small part of the story. Perhaps this is true to the small portion of time these soldiers spent actually fighting.

I'm not sure if interesting facts sprinkled into the book would have helped. Or maybe giving the writer a more artistic voice would have made it flow faster.

If you're going to read a fictional book about a soldier's life and aren't tied to the Civil War in particular, I would recommend All Quiet on the Western Front.

[Laurie DelaCruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many, many books about the Civil War, but this one was the first one that actually gave me a feeling for what it was like to be a soldier in that war. Written with a talent for storytelling that is rarely seen in Christian publications, it grips you from beginning to end, and draws you into the life of a man who never would have chosen a soldier's path were it not for the extraordinary times in which he lived. The author was unflinching when describing the gore of war, which helped me to realize how far we truly have come in modern warfare.

I felt the ending came too soon, and not in a satisfying way. I felt more of the aftermath of war could have been addressed. But that's really my only complaint. I would absolutely read more books by this author.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding Civil War novel following the journey of a soldier thru his battlefield journals and letters to his wife. Filled with battles including Gettysburg, friendship, love, sorrow, regret and faith. Highly recommend.

[Amber Voskuil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!!

[Hailey Brzoska · Rating 5 out of 5]

🪖🪖🪖🪖🪖/5

If I could rate any book higher than five stars, this would be this one!

Michael Palmer was just an ordinary man, with an ordinary life, until an extraordinary event hit American soil. Palmer quickly discovers the cost of being a solider was too high. But his President and his God made this choice for him.

I respect that the author spent a decade researching the Civil War and the in-depth experiences of both Union and Confederate soldiers. And I loved that he showcased how war doesn’t end even with the solider goes home.

This was the most emotional book I have read in a while. And I am SO GLAD I picked it up when I visited Gettysburg a few years ago. If any book has changed my life, it is this one. It changed my perspective on life, on the Civil War, and on people in general. It opened my eyes to not only the tragedy some men endured in the 19th century, but also to what it means to have faith and to live with God’s grace.

This story is extremely personal and raw, unfiltered and real. When it came it to the letters written between Michael and his wife, I needed to keep the tissues nearby. I loved that his wife was his steady rock through the entire war, and I love that it was only through her love he was able to forgive himself and find redemption. The last act Michael accomplished in the book was not only beautiful but so telling of his character and how he didn’t want the war to hold the same power over him for the rest of his life, as it did when he served and endured all the suffering and pain it brought him.

I sobbed (understatement) during so many chapters and moments of this story that I had to put the book down for days at a time before picking it up again. And maybe some people won’t have that same issue, but I felt Michael’s words and feelings so strongly at times that it was almost like I lived them myself. And that to me, that makes this book even better and definitely more powerful.

If you have ever wondered about a soldier’s experience during the American Civil War, or want to gain an appreciation for any man or women who stood on the frontlines of a battlefield, then this book is certainly one you will need to read.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book set during the civil war we see the battle thru the eyes of Michael Palmer, a thirty three year old man who lived a comfortable life in his hometown of Naugatuck Connecticut, with his wife Jessie Anne, and their two children. He felt God was leading him to answer the call by Abraham Lincoln to join the fight. So when he and his best friend John Robinson volunteer to fight, John asks him if he will be able to kill the enemy Michael is unsure, but when they find themselves in the midst of battle they do what they are trained to do. Michael soon finds himself looking at the enemy as demons of sorts, that must be killed in order for the war to end so that he can get back home to his family, but during a particularly bloody battle at Gettysburg where Michael is keeping "score" of how many of the enemy he has killed, one of the men he has shot holds up a Bible and asks him read scripture while he passes away, Michael realizes that the enemy are actually his christian brothers that are fighting for a cause just like he is. He becomes disillusioned, losing his faith that God could ever be with him because he is taking the lives of so many. Even though the war comes to an end, it doesn't end for Michael, not until he reveals to Jessie Ann what has been haunting him. She tells him the only way he will find peace is to find the widow and return the Bible that he has kept with him all those years.

It was hard to believe while reading this story that this is Mr. Bacon's first book! I read alot of historical fiction, and stories set during the Civil War are my favorite to read, but in reading "An Eye For Glory" I had to keep reminding myself that the book was actually a work of fiction. As we watch Michael change throughout the story, it was easy to feel the pain of loss that he felt, but more than that the turmoil he felt within himself for what he had to do. Jessie Ann was also a very strong character, whose depth of compassion and understanding new no limits.
It is easy to see that Mr. Bacon really did his research, with richly detailed descriptions of the battles, and the everyday drudgery of a soldiers life. He easily weaves in the element of suspense, as the reader knows that Michael might not make it thru the next battle. I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read more from this talented author!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was in school, I remember studying the Civil war and I use the word ‘studying’ loosely. I was always so bored by it that I just wanted to memorize what I needed to know and move on. As I have gotten older though, I have developed an interest in our country’s younger days, especially the Civil War. I was very interested in reading An Eye for Glory because I knew it would be an interesting read and I knew that I would learn a lot from it that I don’t remember from my school days. What I wasn’t expecting was to be completely engrossed, almost to the point of obsessed with this book while I was reading it.

Even now, after I have finished, I am still thinking about it. I did indeed learn a lot, which I was expecting and the factual information was presented in such a way that it fit into the story perfectly without ever feeling like too much information. I read a guest blog post by Karl Bacon on the Zondervan blog in which he tells us that he spent ten years researching and writing An Eye for Glory. I can say with total honesty that all of that hard work, and prayer, that went into this book was worth it.

Karl’s primary goal when he set out to write this book was to glorify his savior Jesus Christ. And he did - in a profound way. I can see that any reader who may not know Christ will be moved and may even get saved because of this book. For believers, they will experience a new depth of God’s love and forgiveness as they see Michael Palmer’s struggle with the brutal killings he had to participate in during his fight for his country. Michael is just a regular man - a husband, father, and Christian - who comes out of this war changed and damaged. But, God is with him and helps him heal from his spiritual wounds.

Karl Bacon is truly a fantastic writer with a heart for Jesus that shows on each and every page of An Eye for Glory. Even if you have only a passing interest in the Civil War, I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. I have a great deal of interest in that time period in our history, which has only increased after reading this book. I know readers of all levels of interest will be fascinated by the historical detail and raw emotion in this story. Believers and non-believers alike can experience a spiritual awakening that will leave them better than they were when they started this book. An Eye for Glory is one of the best books I have ever read, ever.

[Nancy Kimball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karl Bacon has written an outstanding novel. An armchair Civil War history buff who has been to the Confederate Civil War Museum in New Orleans and took a college course on the war, I could appreciate the maps and detail of the battles and well, everything in this book. At points I would have sworn I was reading narrative non-fiction except that Michael's personal battle completely drew me. It took me four times as long to read this book because the emotional scarring that was occurring for me the reader.

Having read Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield and Lion of War Series by Cliff Graham, I felt prepared going in for the inescapable realities of the carnage and death and questions. What I wasn't prepared for was being forced to take a rest from the depression it brought on. Unlike Michael on the battlefield or encamped in mud and cold to await the next battle for who there was no escape, I got through this novel by reading three historical romances alongside it.

But I am glad I read it. So glad, because I came to understand in such a rich and powerful way that the battles were never over for those men. The book was compelling albeit painful but it was the last few chapters that made this a five-star review. At the beginning of the novel Michael is recounting his memories of the war for his children, so you know he lived. Rather, I should say survived the war. The one on the battlefield and the one in his heart, but I never saw the end coming the way it did and it had me in tears while the repairman working in my house eyed me curiously. The truth and beauty in those final chapters took the gray and dark and horror I absorbed as a reader and redeemed it as much for me as for the hero.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always held a fascination for the Civil War. I studied it extensively in high school and it still remains one of my favorite periods of history. So when I had the chance to read “Eye for Glory”, I took the chance.

This book isn’t a romance and I wasn’t expecting one, but I want to ‘warn’ those romance readers out there, that this book is more for the history guru. I have always enjoyed documentaries about the Civil War and this book does read a bit like a documentary. But what makes it a cut above is the reader is inside the head of the main character. The book is driven by the setting and how it in turn affects the main character, Michael.

I was on those battlefields. The author did his research. I was taken from the 21st century and plopped into the 19th with cannons lobbed around me. I could smell the sulfur and feel the fear.

The characterization in Michael was well done. I enjoyed how he grew and in some cases-regressed. The ending came around in a great and even a bit surprising way.

Over all, it’s a good book. I think lovers of history and especially those of us who are interested in the Civil War would enjoy this novel.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.

[Loreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I nabbed this paperback from the bargain bin during a rained-out road trip. Lucky for me that it was on sale, because I would have gladly paid more for the adventure.

Having read transcripts of some letters from one of my own ancestors who fought in the Civil War, I found this to be an accurate depiction of the various phases of a soldier's thought and action...the idealism, and the desperation, followed by numbness, confusion and anger. It takes the reader to a place where, even if you shun religion, you understand why the soldier hopes there's a higher power to whom he can plead for deliverance from this hell on earth.

Understanding Michael Palmer's spiritual beliefs will help the reader grasp his interpretation of Civil War and his reason for enlisting with the Connecticut Volunteers, and it adds more dimension to Michael's frame of mind as he and his circumstances change dramatically throughout the story.

I'm giving this novel five stars because it is so well researched and written; however, if I have to "ding" the author on anything, it's that there are almost too many characters to keep up with. But that's all the more reason to read it again somewhere down the road, because this book is a keeper.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Eye For Glory is Karl Bacon's debut novel. It is truly an amazing and powerful read. The story of Michael ~ a good man, a family man, and a Union Soldier fighting in the Civil War.

Leaving the comforts of home, his wife and children, to fight more than just the war. To endure death, sickness, extreme conditions on the battlefield and then to question his faith. How could God ever be with him after all he has done in this war?
After being honest with his wife about the battle he is fighting within, she encourages him to do what it takes to find peace. Finding Peace is not an easy journey. Questioning God and questioning the war, and all of those around him. This gut wrenching honest and heartfelt journey is by far one of the best reads to date. Seeing Gods hand on Michael is soo amazing ~ I found myself in tears and just in awe of our God.

This book is by far is ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥'s

I am not one to choose historical novels and especially war related novels but THIS...Oh my! This is simply one of the best books I have ever read!

Thank you Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for allowing me this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating perspective on the Civil War as seen through the eyes of a civilian that volunteers for a 3 year term as a Union soldier. I am intrigued by the Civil War so I was excited to read this book, but I was concerned that I might have a hard time getting into it. Boy was I wrong. I jumped in and was swept away to the another time and place. I followed Michael Palmer as he enlisted, left his family, trained, went into battle for the first time and the time after that and the time after that... It was really interesting to follow the battles and the process of the war through Michael's eye. A very good book, I look forward to my high schooler reading it soon!

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Civil War buff, this was an interesting read of one man's journey through the killing fields of Fredericksburg through Cold Harbor. But his real journey is a spiritual one. A journey of faith which is lost in these same bloody fields and then is found again in the not-so-simple act of forgiveness. Although An Eye For Glory is a product of fiction, it draws heavily upon the non-fiction accounts of the 14th Connecticut Volunteers.

[Kathy Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a flower child of the 60's, I am not a fan of war. Living in an area so rich with Civil War history, I decided to give this book a try. It seems to be an accurate portrayal of the hardships and successes of the 14th Connecticut. So many wars are based on religion, I felt the Christian aspect of the book added greatly to the story. It is astonishing to me the agony men inflict on each other in the name of God.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been reading this off and on... It was, at times, a slow read... But at Gettysburg it picked up. Also as I began to understand and relate to Michael Palmer's struggle could I begin to see the depth of his pain and the pain of so many I served in my years as a Chaplain. The ending, with it's grace-filled healing had me in tears! Well worth the read as Karl Bacon delivers a pretty intensive look into the heart, soul, and spirit of a warrior and believer.

[Linda Chambers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't action packed. But, I did like the historical information. I really would have liked for the author to have delved deeper into the main character's inner struggle with his faith in God as the war continued.
I think parts of the story were a strong reminder that not everyone in the South believed in slavery, nor was everyone in the north anti- slavery. Some honestly couldn't care less and fought for their side whether of their own free will or by being drafted.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love historical novels and would have given this book a higher rating except I had a hard time getting thru it. I really hadn't read much about the civil war in America from the yank perspective, so I was interested but it did go on and on going over battles several times. It was also very sad because of the loss of life during this critical time in our country.

[Rene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I been readin this off and on when I have gone to Books A Million and man the story is very good hence i keep retunring to the same book to read..... U guys ever get ahold of it read it u won't be disappointed.

[Joy W. Doering · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Must-read for any civil war enthusiast, and even if you aren't an 'enthusiast' it is still a great read. Karl Bacon spent 10 years researching for this book and it shows. I am keeping my fingers crossed that he will give us another book- hopefully from the confederate perspective.

[Laurie Ronan Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story about a soldier, his struggle with his faith, and love of country. Anyone who has family members who fought in the Civil War should read this.

[Heather]

Excellent. I love good endings.

[Kenneth Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good history novel set during the civil war.