I just received a new review from Kirkus Reviews for my novel, A Beautiful Glittering Lie. This book is the first one in the Renegade Series, which tells the story of a family from north Alabama and how their lives are impacted by the Civil War. I would like to thank Kirkus for the review. However, I’m not quite sure how to take it. I can’t tell if they liked the book or not. The review seems more like a plot summation than anything else. My experience with Kirkus Reviews is that, even though they are highly regarded in the book industry, their reviews seem to fall flat. I think this is just another example. Let me know what you think!
BOOK REVIEW
A father and son from the South experience the harsh realities of the Civil War in Hawkins’ novel.
When a divided country erupts into battle, Hiram Summers, a proud Confederate from Alabama, enlists in the fight against the Union. In his absence, he entrusts his 16-year-old son David to watch over his farm and protect the family, including his wife Caroline and his daughters Rena and Josie. David sees his father off to war with a sliver of envy in his heart; he would like to prove his manhood more than anything. Alongside his best friend Jake Kimball, the pair do their best to get a taste of the conflict that’s tearing apart the country. They sneak off to Huntsville, where not only do they get a look at the enemy, but they meet Emily Levinsworth, the daughter of an affluent citizen. So far, she’s avoided the worst of the incursion as the Yankees slowly take over the town. Soon, even she must flee, while David and Jake get too close to danger to make returning worthwhile. Hawkins writes with evident knowledge and accuracy, weaving these personal stories with specific historical details: “Making their way through intermittent, intense humidity, one-hundred-degree heat, and drenching rains, General Lee’s corps advanced across the Rappahannock on August 26.” At times, the narrative feels like a cornpone rendition of the South due to its overly affected dialogue and behavior, and readers may find the depiction of two slave characters difficult to read—they’re caricatures of dutiful obedience. The pace picks up a good deal of steam as the story jumps between the grisly frontlines with Hiram and the happenings with David at home, although this momentum is cut short at the climax. As the Christmas season approaches, the family prepares for the holidays while news continues to come in from the battlefield. But what it means for Hiram, David, and Caroline must wait—the book comes to an abrupt end that will be continued in a sequel.
A well-researched start to a Civil War saga that saves too much for its sequel.
J.D.R. Hawkins 