The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion
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"The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion" by Oliver Optic is a historical novel written during the mid-19th century, set amidst the American Civil War. The narrative follows young Tom Somers, a sixteen-year-old boy filled with patriotic fervor, as he aspires to join the Union Army in response to the escalating conflict after the attack on Fort Sumter. The preface indicates that the story
is a mix of personal adventure and a reflection on patriotism, depicting not only Tom's youthful enthusiasm but also the broader sentiments and societal implications of the time. The opening of the book introduces Tom Somers as he reacts to the news of the Fort Sumter surrender, which incites a passionate desire to enlist in the military. This eagerness quickly leads to a confrontation with a young neighbor, Fred Pemberton, who expresses treasonous views siding with the South. The intense dialogue illustrates the dividing sentiments present in their town of Pinchbrook, while Tom’s fervor culminates in physical altercations, drawing the attention of local citizens. Through a series of stirring family discussions and the eventual decision to enlist, both Tom's character and the context of the era are vividly painted, establishing the emotional stakes as he prepares to leave home for war, reflecting the tension of a nation divided. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Optic, Oliver, 1822-1897 |
|---|---|
| Title | The Soldier Boy; or, Tom Somers in the Army: A Story of the Great Rebellion |
| Credits |
Produced by Bill Tozier, Barbara Tozier and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 79.1 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PZ: Language and Literatures: Juvenile belles lettres |
| Subject | United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Juvenile fiction |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 14595 |
| Release Date | Jan 4, 2005 |
| Last Update | Oct 28, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 502 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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