I do a lot of reading, usually what I consider to be worthwhile literature, the
real thing — works of lasting merit; stories that inspire one to think, to feel,
participate; stories that bring vivid images of another time and place;
something that will endure through time. I believe Kathrin Rudland’s story falls
into such a category. It is a meaningful piece of literature, on several
levels.
The structure of the story is masterful. I was impressed with the
manner in which the story was woven together. The author meticulously blended
the characters and events, artfully maintained the linkages throughout the story
— all done with clarity and natural, unaffected writing. I especially loved the
quality of the prose assigned to the interactions between the main protagonists,
Truman and Elizabeth. I also enjoyed the vernacular and carefully researched
idiomatic expressions exchanged among the soldiers and their captors. I came to
know each of the characters. I could feel and visualize their activities and
conversations, and the physical surroundings. I was in the Baldwin library when
Elizabeth and Truman first met, I was trying to get out of the well with Simon
Denby, I was attuned to Naamah’s reasoning when the young slave girl took a
stunning life-changing action, I was in the battle with Truman and Rooster, in
the prison at Elmira, with the pain, suffering, and setbacks the prisoners
endured.
Kathrin Rudland’s story is not encumbered by fluffy filler and
needless affectation: but is a story told with raw simplicity and spare,
flawless writing uniquely her own, writing that compels the reader to see the
things she is describing. I found myself living this story, it was real to me;
Kathrin Rudland has truly created something of lasting value. When an author
brings the reader into their story they have accomplished something special.
Lou Jones
