Title: Wedded to War
Author: Jocelyn Green
First published June 20, 2012
400 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780802405760 (ISBN10: 0802405762)
Rating: 4.14
Overview
Nominated for a Christy Award for best new author, Wedded to War is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Charlotte, a woman who gave up a life of privilege to serve as a nurse during the Civil War. While tending to the army’s sick and wounded, Charlotte faces a battle of her own as she must choose between two men who love her and her desire to serve God.
Inspired by the true life of Civil War nurse Georgeanna Woolsey, this novel offers a glimpse into the hardships and sacrifices made by pioneering nurses during times of war. The first in a series of novels highlighting the crucial contributions of women during war, Wedded to War is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
Editoral Review
Wedded to War by Jocelyn Green is a historical fiction novel that takes readers back to the American Civil War era. The author, Jocelyn Green, is a bestselling author of both fiction and nonfiction books, with over a dozen titles to her credit.
She is a versatile writer who can tell stories with depth and richness. In Wedded to War, the author delves into the plight of women during the American Civil War, highlighting their struggles as caregivers, nurses, and helpers in the military field hospitals.
In the 1860s, women were not allowed to fight in the war, but they could still serve in other capacities. The book focuses on the life of Charlotte Waverly, a passionate and determined woman who defies societal norms and joins the Union effort as a nurse in Washington, D.C. Her journey is one of challenges and personal growth, as she battles not only the harsh realities of war, but also the prejudices and biases of those around her.
The plot is well-crafted, with the author taking time to develop each character and setting the scene with vivid descriptions. Readers get to see the stark contrast between the opulence of the city’s elite and the struggle of those living in poverty.
The main characters are multifaceted, with a range of flaws and strengths that make them feel realistic and relatable. Alongside Charlotte, readers get to know other nurses, soldiers, and doctors, each with their own backstory and motivations.
The book has a historical significance worth noting. It highlights the role of women in the Civil War and the challenges they faced in a time when their voices were not heard.
It also sheds light on the state of medicine and treatment during the war, with gruesome scenes of amputations, infections, and disease. Wedded to War is a book that transports readers back in time and provides valuable insight into the complexities of the human experience in the midst of war.
In terms of writing quality, Jocelyn Green’s prose is versatile, precise yet emotive with outstanding sensory details. Her diction is up-to-date, conveying both the historical context and contemporary relevance of the themes.
The pacing of the story is engaging, with scenes of action and tension that are balanced by introspective moments of character development. The themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience are deftly woven into the narrative, enhancing the emotional pull of the story.
Wedded to War is not without its flaws, albeit minor. The book’s ending feels abrupt, leaving some questions unanswered.
Also, the author could have explored more of the romance aspects of the story. Overall, Wedded to War is a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
It is a compelling story that educates and entertains, while providing insight into the roles of women during the Civil War. Readers who enjoy strong characters, rich descriptions, and authentic historical settings will find a lot to love in this book.
For this reason, I would recommend this book to all history buffs and fiction lovers. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
