Echoes of Andersonville [Paperback]

Robert Diel Dean (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

Set during the turbulent years of the American Civil War, Echoes of Andersonville is the compelling story of Andy Parker, a young patriotic boy from Rhode Island who runs away from home to join the Union Army in 1861. During the Army of the Potomac's fierce struggle with the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia in the 1864 Battle of the Wilderness, he is captured and sent to Andersonville, the South's most notorious prison camp. The history of America's most tragic period comes alive for young readers as the incredible saga behind one of the Civil War's little known facts is revealed through a courageous young soldier's extraordinary survival experience.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Echoes of Andersonville is the engaging, very readable story of a captured 15-year-old Union drummer boy and a bitter young Confederate prison guard. Their lives become woven together against a backdrop of battles, dramatic escapes, hangings and enough flying limbs and bad guys to keep an avid video-game warrior engaged. -- The Nashville Tennessean, Sept. 3, 1999 --The Nashville Tennessean, Sept. 3, 1999

From the Publisher

As a veteran Civil War Re-enactor, Robert Dean is dedicated to historical accuracy and authenticity. This commitment is clearly evident in his debut novel that explores this fascinating aspect of the war that few Americans even know about. Young readers will not only get a great story, but will also learn many historical facts and insights that will make learning about the Civil War an enjoyable experience.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Heritage Press (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889332275
• ISBN-13: 978-1889332277
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,154,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert Dean is an amateur history buff with a special interest in military history, particularly the American Civil War. For many years he enjoyed taking part in the growing hobby of Civil War Re-enacting as a Union infantryman. He has participated in many large-scale battle re-enactments around the country and has appeared in several magazine pictorials in uniform with his fellow comrades-in-arms. It was during this time that he had the opportunity to be an extra in the filming of Turner Broadcasting's "Andersonville" movie in the early 1990s. That moving experience (he was part of the filming of the trial of the Raiders and their eventual hanging) was the catalyst to write his first novel "Echoes of Andersonville" in 1996. Written for his then 12-year-old son, the book is crafted for teen readers with an avid interest in the Civil War era. Historically accurate, the book focuses on an aspect of the war little-known to the general public: the infamous Southern prison camp in Andersonville, Georgia. During its fourteen months of operation, approximately 13,000 of the 45,000 Union soldiers incarcerated in the stockade died. Although a tragic story, the book highlights the ability of the human spirit to survive in the midst of horrible suffering. The reader benefits from a great lesson in history, but is also left with a positive message of hope and redemption. Born in Missouri, Robert now resides in the historic Civil War town of Franklin, Tennessee with his wife of 32 years, Becky. He has three grown children: Meredith, Morgan and Bonnie (whose names the reader will find hidden among the characters in the story). Professionally, Robert is a certified paralegal who has also worked extensively in the Nashville music business. He enjoys reading, hiking, old movies, vintage rock 'n' roll, and his most recent hobby, home winemaking.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good War Story With a Surprise Twist, May 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Echoes of Andersonville (Paperback)

I really liked this story because I enjoy the Civil War very much. Unlike some other books I've read that don't portray the very real face of the war, this book pulls no punches when describing combat and the horrors of the battlefield. It describes Civil War combat as the awful experience it really was, shocking, gory and sad.I didn't know anything about Civil War prisons and had never even heard of Andersonville and all the men that died there. This book was very informative and provided lots of factual information to support the storyline, which made it even more interesting. I like authors who know what they are talking about and Mr. Dean is a re-enactor! I really learned alot of history while still enjoying the interesting plot. Andy, Josh and Parson John are all believable characters that seemed so real. Even though it's fiction, it's obvious that this actually could have happened. What sets this book apart from others I've read is the key element of faith that runs throughout it. Even though it's full of plenty of death and sorrow, and portrays the Civil War as it really was, it presents a spiritual dimension that is often overlooked. But it's not preachy or contrived. No matter what age you are, if you love the Civil War, you will probably like this book. It's easy to read and hard to put down once you've started. Parents can feel good about it because there is no bad language or suggestive material to offend young readers. I will recommend Echoes of Andersonville to all my friends who like good war stories. I think this would be a terrific movie!

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book Full of Meaning, Hope and Love., June 25, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Echoes of Andersonville (Paperback)

Echoes of Andersonville is a beautiful portrait of the Civil War. It's about two young boys so different, yet so similiar. Andrew Parker is fifteen years of age and an Union soldier. He has no faith in Christ or God. He cannot understand how his friend can belive so strongly in the Lord and Christ. Then, there is Joshua Smith, whom is a prison guard in Andersonville Prison and sixteen years old. Andersonville was one of the most horrid and nightmarish prisons of the South for Union soldiers. Joshua is cruel, and full of a burning hatred that was set within his soul. He,like Andrew, does not believe in Christ nor God. Joshua's own fellow guards even fear him. Andrew Parker is then taken as a prisoner of war to Andersonville Prison, where the boy meets a man named John Brady, nicknamed Parson John. Parson John has a strong belief in Christ and God. He has such a powerful faith in the Lord, a faith that is so undeniable. Parson John's faith changes both the darkness of Joshua's and Andrew's futures from dark to light with his beautiful and strong faith in the Lord. At the very same time, this novel tells of an unforgettable story. A story of two young boys that are in the very midst of an era and place that would forever scar American history. Echoes of Andersonville brings you into Andersonville prison without stepping a foot out of your home. It's a story full of meaning, hope and love. For this story shows that no matter one's age or physical strength, one can conquer and live thru every obstacle that blocks them and that one can do this by having three things hope, faith and the most powerful force of all...love. Echoes of Andersonville deserves a place of honor not only here, but in the Kingdom of the Lord.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Echoes of Andersonville, May 29, 2010

By 

Bob Mitchell - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Echoes of Andersonville (Paperback)

This is a great story that features the depth of the historical facts with the dimension of the human interest factor. You are captivated by the characters and you find you are engaged with their struggles and emotions. You are able to visualize the depth of both sides having to struggle in a war that had family against family. You could almost smell the smoke of the gun fire in the battles as you are reading through the chapters. It is a very appealing story and holds your attention from beginning to end. I highly recommend this for a great read.