At the start of the American Civil War, Professor John Ulysses Martin of Clarksville, Tennessee and his students march off to face the harsh reality of battlefield combat. As his students die one by one, John questions his lofty convictions and, after losing a leg at Antietam, realizes he has made a fool of himself. He concludes that war is nothing more than the butchery of innocents. During his convalescence at Armory Square Hospital, John makes notes in a pocket Bible of Yankee troops and artillery heading south for an attack on Richmond. Caught spying, he is taken to the Old Capitol Prison to be hanged, but manages a harrowing escape. When he reaches Richmond and turns in his notes, General Hood realizes John's value to the war effort and rewards him with a perilous assignment: destroy the railroad bridge over the Cumberland River at Clarksville, Tennessee.
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More About the Author
I have a BS degree from Austin Peay State University, Clarksville, TN, and attended Rutgers University. I retired from the VA Regional Office in St. Petersburg, FL where I was a Rating Specialist (RVSR) on the Appeals Team. I am a contributing editor to Vietnow magazine. I live in Florida with my wife and a vivacious Labrador retriever whom we are teaching to sing barbershop.
I'm writing a sequel to my novel, A Thirst for War, and also working on a thriller based on a visit to Chartres Cathedral. Additionally, I'm actively at work on a self-help book for veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
I'm a member of Vietnow, and a contributing editor to their publication.
I'm writing a sequel to my novel, A Thirst for War, and also working on a thriller based on a visit to Chartres Cathedral. Additionally, I'm actively at work on a self-help book for veterans seeking benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
I'm a member of Vietnow, and a contributing editor to their publication.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"THE STRENGTH TO TRIUMPH OVER AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE WITH HONOR, DECENCY, AND COURAGE!",
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This review is from: A Thirst for War (Paperback)
John Ulysses Martin had a dream at the age of ten and he finally had the opportunity to fulfill that dream as he marched off to war with his students, while facing the harsh reality of combat as he witnessed the death of his friends, and the cries of the wounded, and dying. What was Professor Martin's motto, before joining the war, and did his opinion change after serving for his country? What did John do to earn the rank of Lieutenant, after digging a grave for Curley, while his hands trembled? Did his dream turn into a nightmare of despair, horror, and sorrow? Why did John walk with an awkward gait, and how did he lose the same leg that haunted him since childhood? Where did John meet Lydia, and how important was her father? Who kicked John's students out of the dormitory as Stewart College closed down, leaving John unemployed? Who shot Lady, and what did Haddonfield do to John at the bar? Why was John taken to prison, and what notes did he write in his pocket Bible? Why is the railroad bridge over the Cumberland River at Clarksville, Tennessee, significant to this compelling story? Does Lydia marry Lieutenant Wallace, what happened to her brothers, and how did she react, after John told her that he was joining Lee's army? I highly recommend this action-packed novel to all historical fiction lovers. Raymond Gustavson takes you into the middle of the battlefield and shows you the fight, while defining the brutal realities of war. This incredible story about history illuminates the life of heroism, love, and courage. The author created a Masterpiece, based on the expert knowledge of pre-Civil War, commitment, and sacrifice. This novel is impressive, is a page turner from beginning to end, and is indeed fit for the movie screen. What happened to George, and Smiley? Will the Yankees blame John for the murder of Haddonfield? What happened to Mr. Fred as John prayed for the fighting to cease? Who helps John escape from prison as tension reaches its highest peak, during an era of conflict and slavery as families are torn apart? The story is unforgettable, the characters come to life, and the conclusion is explosive. "A THIRST FOR WAR" is as entertaining as GONE WITH THE WIND, as dramatic as Steven Spielberg's SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, and is as emotional as THE DEER HUNTER, with Robert Deniro.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good read,
This review is from: A Thirst for War (Paperback)
I read this book on recommendation from a friend, and even though it's not a genre I typically lean towards, I enjoyed it thoroughly. The characters are well defined and the story progresses at a steady pace. The author's descriptive style makes it easy to picture the events whether it's heavy combat or subtle flirting, and really makes you feel for the characters as their world crashes around them. Definitely worth checking out!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Living, Breathing History Of One Of America's Greatest Conflicts,
By
This review is from: A Thirst for War (Paperback)
As the American Civil War breaks out, Professor John Martin leads his students in a valiant effort to join the climactic battle; however, as he watches more and more of their young lives get snuffed out, John soon comes to the grim realization that war is nothing more than the tragic slaughter of innocents, and he ultimately undergoes quite the transformative change of heart. Little does he know, though, his newfound conscientious will soon place him in the perilous position of having to decide between destroying either his hometown or his own life...Skillfully crafted, A Thirst For War is a compelling piece of historical fiction. In his no-holds-barred account of the Civil War, author Raymond Gustavson takes the reader on an eye-opening journey into the living, breathing history behind the crucial conflict. With a masterful eye for detail, Gustavson chronicles the pain, loss, death, and grueling sacrifices suffered by those whose lives the war would ultimately never leave the same, and his adept storytelling style draws the reader deep into the dark, vivid realities of battle. An intriguing read. Kenya Dow Apex Reviews
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