Review" "Going Home: A Novel of the Civil War" by James D. Shipman

I have read and enjoyed Mr. Shipman’s first novel, Constantinopolis, so I was very anxious to read this one. He did not disappoint!!! Going Home is based on the life of his great-great-grandparents, Joseph and Lucy Forsyth. It is actually two stories in one, with Joseph being the common denominator. The first story involves Joseph when he is injured during the Civil War in the trenches at the battle for Petersburg. It follows his recovery and the complicated lives of his nurse and doctor. The second story follows Joseph from a young boy of eight in Ireland until the two stories converge. Joseph does not live an easy life. He is a hard worker and much admired by his peers but his father is an alcoholic and Joseph spends most of the story, trying to help him which yokes him to others who use him for their own advancement.

Mr. Shipman has written a well thought out novel, that keeps you turning pages. Although based on a true story, he surrounds the tale with colorful details that keeps it from becoming dull and monotonous. The addition of the lives of the doctor and nurse and their struggles and hardships, brought on by the Civil War bring a depth that is captivating. Also, the technique used of telling the end of the story and then filling in the details that bring you to that point hold your interest and keep you reading to discover how it all came about. There are also surprises that will shock you because they are presented in such a way that they are unpredictable.

James Shipman is definitely one of those authors that you will want to read. Start with Going Home and after you are done, I’m sure you will also want to pick up Constantinopolis! Both are compelling historical novels that you won’t be able to put down.