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
