A Soldier’s Secret
September 2012 Shop Indie Bookstores
DESCRIPTION
Historical fiction at its best, this novel by bestselling author
Marissa Moss tells the story of Sarah Emma Edmonds, who masqueraded as a
man named Frank Thompson during the Civil War. Among her many adventures,
she was a nurse on the battlefield and a spy for the Union Army, and was
captured by (and escaped from) the Confederates. The novel is narrated by
Sarah, offering readers an in-depth look not only at the Civil War but
also at her journey to self-discovery as she grapples with living a lie
and falling in love with one of her fellow soldiers.
Using historical materials to build the foundation of the story, Moss has
crafted a captivating novel for the YA audience. The book includes a Civil
War timeline, archival photos, a glossary of names, and a detailed note on
sources.
AWARDS
Amelia Bloomer Project Selection Nominee 2012
REVIEWS
"This fast-paced novel, part biography, part adventure and part
love story, examines the remarkable life of Sarah Emma Edmonds as she
toils through Virginia battlefields, secret missions behind enemy lines,
and personal relationships, while searching for her own identity and her
role in the changing American society. Moss brilliantly draws the reader
into this fascinating story with intimate details, while exploring a
variety of still relevant social issues including gender roles and
relationships, equality, freedom, and patriotism. A Soldier’s
Secret is historical fiction at its best."
Michael Oakleaf, Media Specialist
Sunrise Elementary School
"A riveting look at the sweep and terror of the Civil War through
the fictionalized account of Sarah Emma Edmonds, a real-life woman who
fought, disguised as a man, for the North."
Elizabeth Partridge, National Book Award Finalist
"Nurse, soldier, or spy? One thing's certain: Soldier's Secret is
a thrilling ride!"
Jennifer L. Holm, NY Times-bestselling author of Turtle in Paradise
"Moss combines fiction with biography in this compelling account
of an extraordinary female Civil War soldier who disguised herself as a
man. Many battles are graphically described, and the novel is crammed with
atmosphere and detail."
San Jose Mercury News
Starred Review, Publishers Weekly:
Moss returns to the subject of her 2011 picture book Nurse, Soldier,
Spy with a captivating piece of YA historical fiction based on the
daring life of Civil War heroine Sarah Emma Edmonds. Sarah is raised
on a farm by her abusive father, and she runs away before he can marry
her off. Out of necessity, Sarah assumes the identity of a man, Frank
Thompson, working as a traveling book salesman, among other odd jobs.
At 19, she volunteers for the Union Army of the Potomac, with the aim
of gaining the power and independence she's been denied. Sarah is
grateful for the camaraderie and sense of purpose the army provides
her, but she is surrounded by suffering and death. Her duties as a
nurse, soldier, mail carrier, spy, and writer require her to don many
isolating masks and to endure a long-unrequited love. Writing in a
sharp-witted, picaresque style, Moss gives Sarah a candid and
perceptive voice. Historical materials including letters, photographs,
and a timeline further enrich an epic as adept at depicting Civil War
horrors as it is at exploring the politics of gender.
All images and text on this site are (c) Marissa Moss unless otherwise noted.
