Title: Gabriel’s
Trumpet
Author: Duane Gordon
Pages:
Year: 2011
Publisher: Indigo Tree Publishing
War is
part of mankind’s history. Whether one
reads of war in the Bible, books, papers or movies, pain, suffering and death
aren’t the only outcomes. There are
historical novels based on actual facts and some that are not. The Civil War is one historical event that
many stories have been written about. Gabriel’s
Trumpet is an enjoyable novel based in the Civil War era, focusing on two
men from Irish descent who fought for more than just preserving the Union. The names of these fictional characters you
will find in the pages of the book.
While the story follows these two
men, many themes are uncovered while reading it. One theme is shown in the interaction the
soldiers have with slaves on a plantation during a night watch. Night riders are harassing and killing the
Union pickets, but the soldiers are under order not to shoot civilians. Even when something happens that uncovers the
leader of one group of night riders, no one is allowed to take retribution for
the lives lost because of these men.
The love of God and belief in
prayer shown to the soldiers one night by slaves on a plantation causes one
main character to come to view the war from a totally different
perspective. Some think fighting is all
about getting the glory and medals, while others think that freedom from
bondage is the reason for the fighting.
More than physical freedom, the slaves view freedom with spiritual eyes,
knowing that death brings freedom from the chains, especially if they are
believers in the Lord.
I have read many novels set in
Civil War time, most of them I have enjoyed, including this one. It isn’t based on a certain battle or side,
but more on the bigger picture that Abraham Lincoln hoped others believed
in. I found it interesting in the
historical epilogue the words of Lincoln that he gave after being elected for a
second term. While the whole speech
isn’t included, it is enough to give us a glimpse into the heart of the
President and the man who led our nation during an extremely difficult period.
There isn’t a lot more that I can
share about the novel without ruining it before you take an opportunity to read
it yourself. The author tells a very
gripping story with words that help form a picture in the mind of the reader
throughout the story. History is
important to learn and relearn as it gives us all pause to reflect on where we
have been and where we can go. Sometimes
when reading an historical event or speech, we see that what we thought was a
new idea or problem really isn’t; it has been around for awhile. Treating each other with the love of God is paramount
because we all bear His image. The love
the two men share as friends really goes deeper than that, but you will have to
read Gabriel’s Trumpet to
unearth all the wonders it enfolds.
My rating is 5 stars.
Note: I received a
complimentary copy for an honest review of this book. The opinions shared in this review are solely
my responsibility. Other reviews can be
read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/
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