Author(s): Jackie French

Fiction

The first adult novel from the much-loved author - Jackie French. This vibrant novel explores the strange story of how a colonial "gentleman" from New South Wales went to serve in the American Civil War . . . and what happened when he came back.

Sipping lime juice beside the tennis court one afternoon, Charlie finds himself passionately supporting the Rebel cause and pledging to go to fight and do his bit in this "gentleman's war" on the other side of the world. The consequences for Charlie - and his family - are enormous and far-reaching.

The reality of slavery is a shock to Charlie; an even bigger shock is the reality of war and the poverty of the Southern Army. Supplies are short, battles are being lost, and all is descending into chaos. Charlie's escape is not the glorious return of the conquering hero he imagined. And he comes home to Australia with a wife and a child. A black child.

Jackie French weaves an unputdownable story from this forgotten piece of Australian history and brings us a family alive with feuds and tensions and a passionate appetite for life.