The characters who populate Strickland's story range from dirt farmer turned Confederate soldier Sam Morgan and his wife Betty, to the Union troops of Gen. William Tecumseh "Uncle Billy" Sherman who swept across eastern North Carolina.  Showing rare talent in a first novel, Strickland has brought the characters to life in such a way that they become emblematic of various segments of Civil War Society.

Nothing is worse than reading a historical novel containing inaccuracies due to poor research.  To his credit, Strickland has avoided this all-too-frequent foible in his book.   Not only does he have all his Civil War ducks in a row with regard to general, battles, and dates, he also has a good grasp of the sounds and sights the private soldiers would have experienced as they "saw the elephant."

Strickland deserves a "thumps up" for his coverage of the Battle of Bentonville and its aftermath.  Too long in the shadow of Virginia actions, Bentonville (March 19-21, 1865) was not only the last major battle of the Civil War but also the largest battle ever fought on North Carolina soil.  In describing the crucial action, Strickland once again weaves historical fact with believable fiction to chronicle the role that the 51st Regiment played.

Written in a straightforward and easily readable style, The Last to Die will take readers back to a time and place where ordinary folks were caught up in extraordinary events as far away as Northern prison camps and as close as their own cabin doors.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Permission Granted by Mann Media Inc.
Reprint of article Published in February 2003 Issue of Our State Magazine
Review written by Allen Hodge

Home | Buy A Book | Author | Battles | Reviews | Links | Forum | Contact Us