Fields of the Fatherless is historical fiction, based on actual events. It is an accurate presentation of the events of a brutal battle as seen through the eyes of those caught in its midst.

The study of history can be daunting for many of us. Taken as a whole, I saw the American Revolution is a mass of battles and dates, my history teacher expected me to remember. While I knew this war was of great historical importance, I tended to think of it as long ago and not of any personal interest. History books rarely stress the very personal, individual stories in the battles.

Fields of the Fatherless is about one family that was deeply affected by one battle. This battle occurred on the first day of the American Revolution, in Menotomy Village - now called Arlington, Massachusetts. It took place on the same day as the battles of Lexington and Concord. We tend to picture wars as shooting at distant, impersonal targets. This was a battle of house to house, room to room, fighting using not only pistols and muskets, but knives, clubs and tomahawks.

This story is told through the eyes of eighteen year old Betsy Russell, oldest daughter of Jason Russell, who was brutally killed while defending his home. Betsy tells of assisting in the birth of her niece, while listening to the sounds of musket fire and the agonizing cries of the wounded and the dying. She tells of the aftermath of the battle, the blood and the stench of death. She tells of the hatred and of learning forgiveness while caring for one dying enemy soldier.

Fields of the Fatherless was difficult to read at times, because of the truth revealed within its pages, but I highly recommend it for those who enjoy historical fiction and for anyone interested in American history.


The author:
Elaine Marie Cooper grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts, where she would walk past the Jason Russell house and hear stories of the blood on the floor inside. She has a passion for the history of the American Revolution and for her faith in Christ, both of which are evident in this book. She is the author of The Road of Deer Run, The Promise of Deer Run and The Legacy of Deer Run.



I received this book free of charge for a fair and honest review. No request was made for a positive evaluation.

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Fields of the Fatherless