Sissy! (Jessica Radford Trilogy) (Bk. 1) [Paperback]

Tom Mach (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jessica Radford Trilogy | Publication Date: November 30, 2003

In 1857, Nellie, a slave girl, is rescued by the Underground Railroad. Five years later, Jessica Radford's parents, who had adopted the girl, are brutally murdered by a border ruffian and Nellie is kidnapped. How does Sissy, Nellie's angel, finally bring Jessica peace on the most brutal battlefield of the Civil War-Lawrence, Kansas?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...deftly weaves numerous characters, multiple plots, and emotionally powerful story to crate a rich tapestry of history and fiction." -- BookWire Review, October, 2004

"I found the battle scenes so lifelike, I was reading through the smoke and hearing shots whistle by my ears." -- Hazel Street Productions, December 2003

"In addition to his expertise on Civil War history, the author does a magnificent job of characterization." -- ForeWord Reviews, January, 2004

"Mach's characters, events, and fast-paced action draw you deep into the plot." -- David Hinze, Civil War novelist, November 2003

"Mr. Mach has done an excellent job developing many rich characters in this story...[it] was hard to put down." -- BestReviews.com, Arpil, 2004

"Readers of local history should appreciate his ability to paint the times with words." -- Kaw Valley Senior Monthly, Februrary, 2004

"Sissy! gives life and flavor to the time and place so important to the history of the Civil War..." -- Civil War St. Louis, November, 2004

"This is a strong women's rights oriented novel. The historical details about the border raids and Underground Railroad are meticulous." -- Heartland Reviews, March, 2004

"This is a strong women's rights oriented novel. The historical details about the border raids and Underground Railroad are meticulous." -- Heartland Reviews, March, 2004

Mach paid almost obsessive attention to detail, recreating the clothing, food, news, transportation and speech of Civil War era people. -- Lawrence Journal-World (January, 2004)

From the Publisher

Sissy! can be read as an adventure story, but it is deeper than that. Some love it because it provides a deeper richness to our understanding of the underlying emotions, character, and attitudes of those people caught up in that unique era. Others enjoy it because, unlike most Civil War books, the focus of Sissy! is not on generals winning battles, but on the little-known heros and heroines who fought and even died for a cause they felt was just. Sissy! is also a spiritual odyssey, a story of one woman's resistance toward forgiveness, one man's dedication toward compassion of slaves, and one child's belief in the ultimate goodness of mankind.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 345 pages
• Publisher: Hill Song Press (November 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974515922
• ISBN-13: 978-0974515922
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,276,252 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Mach's first historical novel "Sissy!" won the J. Donald Coffin Award, his second historical novel "All Parts Together", won the Hollywood Festival Award and was considered for the Pulitzer, his "The Uni Verse" won the Nelson Poetry Book Award, and his "Stories To Enjoy" (a collection of 16 O.Henry-like stories)was strongly acclaimed by other writers and major reviewers such as Midwest Book Reviews. Books by Tom Mach...Ebooks which are delighting readers everywhere...include Sissy, All Parts Together, An Innocent Murdered, Homer the Roamer, Advent, Stories to Enjoy, and A Belt Buckle for Camilla.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding!, March 14, 2005

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sissy! (Jessica Radford Trilogy) (Bk. 1) (Paperback)

First, I would like to applaud the author for a book that holds a wonderful storyline yet is packed full of fascinating facts of the time era. Set in Kansas during the start of the Civil War, we are whisked into the reality of the happenings of that time.
Taken into the life of a young woman named Jessica, her family and her adopted sister Nelle, who was the lost child of a slave woman, we are thrown into the murder of her parents and the abduction of Nelle by a man consumed with hatred. The war, beginning to touch the free state of Kansas will change all their lives forever.
We are immediately drawn into the hatred that is harbored in so many hearts for the black race at this time and we are drawn into the battle of not just slavery but deep seated emotions that are cresting in our beloved land.
I loved the spiritual aspect that the author gently weaves in this work. The appearance of the Angel named Sissy that was the source of help and comfort for our black girl Nelle was truly heart touching. I think this novel touches on the aspect that even at that time in our nations history we clung to the words of the Bible. They may not have been interpreted correctly in some instances, but still they were revered as an important factor in decisions made and opinions within people.
To be honest with you I am not a big fan on Civil War novels, but the characters were so vivid that I felt as if I were a part of their life. The storyline was superb and the historical value of this book was exceptional..
Sissy, a well crafted book that has depth and meaning and would be enjoyed by all ages. Recommended!
Shirley Johnson

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT READ, April 20, 2004

By 

mark l gringeri (san jose, ca United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sissy! (Jessica Radford Trilogy) (Bk. 1) (Paperback)

SISSY IS A STORY THAT HAS EVERYTHING GOING FOR IT....BELIEVABLE CHARACTERS,AN AUTHENTIC CIVIL WAR SETTING WITH LIFE AND DEATH HANGING IN THE BALANCE AND REAL LIFE CHOICES THAT HAVE TO BE MADE.A STORY FOR ALMOST ANY AGE GROUP.IT ALSO IMPARTS A SPIRITUALITY THAT STAYS WITH ONE AFTER THE BOOK IS FINISHED.I CAN SEE THAT THE FOLLOWING TWO BOOKS WILL BE INTERESTING AND CAN ALSO SEE THIS AS A MOVIE.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sissy! is an outstanding Historical novel>>>, January 21, 2005

By 

J. Weaver - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sissy! (Jessica Radford Trilogy) (Bk. 1) (Paperback)

Anyone who enjoys Civil War history will love Tom Mach's award-winning novel Sissy! (Publisher: Hill Song Press (January 1, 2004)ISBN: 0974515922) This is a five star book and an excellent first novel from Mr. Mach. Every library in the USA should have Sissy! on the shelf. Sissy! is solid from beginning to end. Solid characters, solid plot and a great setting. Sissy is highly recommended. 5 BIG STARS *****
John Weaver , Editor Booksandauthors.net