Moss, Marissa. A Soldier’s Secret.

Moss, Marissa.    A Soldier’s Secret.     Amulet see Abrams, Harry      387p $18.95 978-1-4197-0427-7 2012 jr/sr   VG        Historical Fiction

This remarkable narrative relates and fictionalizes the peculiar-but-true story of a courageous young woman who passed for a man from the time she was sixteen until after she left the Union Army.  It begins with her charade working as a traveling salesman until she enlists and begins work in an army hospital, fights in several battles, and even becomes a spy, without anyone the wiser, at a time when women were generally considered incapable of exiting a vehicle without masculine assistance.  Slavery, soldiers, and cross-dressing, oh my!  

This historical novel tells of the soldiering life of Sarah Edmonds, known for years as Frank Thompson, a traveling salesman who gave up a bright future to enlist in the Union Army, where he served for several years as a fighter, nurse, and spy.  This is a well-researched, engrossing narrative that describes the thrills and dangers of being a soldier in the Civil War, contending with sickness, battle, incompetent leadership, and heartache.  The first-person narrative introduces us to a young woman ahead of her time in attitude and in action, as Frank/Sarah not only opposes the morally reprehensible institution of slavery, but demonstrates to her colleagues the boundlessness of female capability so flawlessly that only one of her companions ever guesses that she might be anything more than a brave but small-footed soldier, let alone a nineteen-year-old woman.  In addition to telling an unforgettable story, author Marissa Moss includes many period photographs to give readers a visual understanding of the characters and conditions the protagonist would have met with during her enlistment.  The novel is filled with historical details that are included so incidentally it is clear that Moss has an intimate knowledge of the subject.  It concludes with a thorough timeline and a note on historical personages, as well as a select bibliography that includes a great deal of primary-source material.  The prose doesn’t always take advantage of the potential for emotion, but that is in keeping with the persona of Frank Thompson.  Budding history buffs will appreciate the historical accuracy of the work, while enjoying its readability.  While this is an engaging solitary read, it is also an excellent book for group discussion, particularly for educators and librarians who are reluctant to force less readable primary sources on their students and patrons.     

Edmonds, S. Emma E., 1841-1898–Fiction, Civil War, 1861-1865-Women –Fiction, Impresonation-Fiction   

                                                      --Bethany Geleskie