Theory Of War

by Joan Brady

Book Overview

This highly-praised and award-winning novel provides a vivid account of the author's grandfather--a white man sold into slavery after the Civil War--and stands as both a gripping adventure and a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0349104573
• ISBN13: 9780349104577
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Abacus
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 10.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Theory of War

I thought this book brought to light the fact of white slavery. It had some parts that could have moved better but all in all I enjoyed the book. I think it showed that although Jonathan was emotionally lacking, he found a place in life and struggled to get away from his past which I don't think he ever did. He suffered both as a slave and a free man. I recommend this book.

Generational Stain of Experience

I was fascinated by the way Brady traced the stain of Jonathan's experience through the lives of his children and grandchildren. Without knowing why, they replicated his dysfunctional understanding of human interaction, over and over again: failed relationships, crippling depression, emotional escapism, and stunted personal growth. We are each of us the sum of our predecessors' experiences, whether we like it or not.

one of the best books I've read in ages

This is a brilliant and beautiful book. Joan Brady overcomes the challenge of weaving her life into fiction without making a mess of truth. The links she makes between present and past are haunting and the questions she asks are most satisfyingly without answers. I am deeply grateful that this book is in the world.

Extraordinary book dealing with child slavery and survival

This is an excellent bopk written about life in the civil war time, when children were "sold" into indentured servitude, with the promise of $25 when he or she turns 21 and freedom. The trouble is, few survived to 21. A real eye opener, since it shows that slavery and cruelty were not restricted to only Africans in this country. The book is well written and compelling.

An enlightening and brilliantly written book

Joan Brady has taken a shameful and unknown part of U.S. history and masterfully woven into her account of the 'boughten boy', a white slave sold at a tender age in the beginning of the century. I was touched not only by her writing style--poetic and astute, but the sadness of this man's life story--the man whose tale she tells is none other than her own grandfather