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I am going to tell you up front that the twist to this Civil War novel, The Life He Never Knew by Ryan Petty is one you will never guess. Mr. Petty takes us to the Battle at Shiloh, as seen through the eyes of Thomas, a nineteen year old Confederate soldier from Texas. Their tramp through rain and mud, lack of food and warm clothing, including shoes, is told in great detail.
Thomas learns that one of his brothers had died at Wilson’s Creek. He meets a lovely Southern Belle, Sarah, when the Texas contingent he is with bivouac at a southern plantation. He is wounded in a skirmish on the way to the big battle. He depends on his friends in the battle of Shiloh. Then comes the twist to the book. It is an exciting and very different ending to a well written, engrossing book. You will not see it coming, but it will be unforgettable.
“…She leaned in and whispered one last thing to him. “And please come back to me safely.” Quickly and quietly she looked up at him and gave him that wonderful smile. Thomas was proud of her. Even with her small lie she found a way to see him again, even for a short moment. He never thought he’d have the chance to see her smile in the daylight hours, but the early sun’s rays cast down and showed how stunning her features truly were.”
What happens with Thomas and Sarah? Do they meet up again? Read the book to find out about it. You are going to love it, I can guarantee it.
Mr. Petty will hold your attention throughout the whole book. It can be termed a page turner in every sense of the phrase. You must get it and read it for yourself. Just be sure you have enough batteries for your flashlight if you have to read under the cover.
His research shows as he relates the march to Shiloh, the battle and the living conditions.
Ryan Petty is a high school/college history teacher in northeast Texas. He holds a Masters in History from Texas A&M - Commerce. He and his wife, Megan, live in Northeast Texas. They have one child.
The Life He Never Knew has been named a winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for historical fiction and a finalist in fiction at the 2012 North Texas Book Festival.
Anonymous
Posted October 14, 2011
The characterization of the soldiers and descriptions of the battle of shiloh were well worked within the book. Although a fiction, you really get a since of what these men really might have been thinking while going through the war. And the ending, well, you will just have to read it to find out. Great for anyone into Civil War history!
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