The Long Roll   By: Mary Johnston (1870-1936)

The Long Roll by Mary Johnston is a remarkable historical novel that takes us deep into the heart of the American Civil War. Set in the 1860s, the story follows the journey of Richard Cleave, a young Confederate soldier who becomes witness to the harsh realities of war.

From the very beginning, the author immerses us in the vividly detailed world of soldiers and battlefields. The descriptions are so vivid that it feels like the dust, the noise, and the chaos of war are right in front of us. Johnston's ability to bring the scenes to life through her prose is truly commendable.

The character development in this novel is exceptional. Richard, the protagonist, undergoes a profound transformation as he experiences the horrors of war firsthand. We witness his growth from an innocent young man filled with idealism to a seasoned soldier, burdened by the weight of his own actions. The emotional depth and complexity given to each character, whether it be the brave soldiers or the women they leave behind, adds depth to the overall narrative.

What sets this book apart from many others about the Civil War is the unique perspective it offers. It delves into the internal struggles faced by soldiers serving on both sides of the conflict. The novel forces readers to confront the moral ambiguity of war and the devastating toll it takes on individuals and communities.

The pacing of The Long Roll is superb, with suspenseful moments interspersed throughout the narrative, keeping readers engaged until the very end. The attention to historical detail is commendable, as it gives the story an authentic feel. The battles, the strategies, and the human cost are all portrayed realistically, making the reader feel like a witness to these events.

However, one slight drawback is the occasional heavy-handedness in the author's approach to certain political and social issues. While it is important to address these topics in historical fiction, there are moments where the narrative becomes overly didactic, detracting from the overall flow of the story.

Overall, The Long Roll is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that offers a fresh perspective on the Civil War. Mary Johnston's meticulous research and attention to detail create a vivid portrayal of the era, making this book a must-read for history buffs and lovers of historical fiction. It is a deeply moving exploration of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

First Page:

To name the historians, biographers, memoir and narrative writers, diarists, and contributors of but a vivid page or two to the magazines of Historical Societies, to whom the writer of a story dealing with this period is indebted, would be to place below a very long list. In lieu of doing so, the author of this book will say here that many incidents which she has used were actual happenings, recorded by men and women writing of that through which they lived... Continue reading book >>