Where the Road Begins (Tattered Glory)

By Nancy Dane

Across Arkansas men marched away to subdue devils, either Yankee or Confederate, depending on one's politics. Unfortunately devils of another breed stayed behind. In the spellbinding novel Where the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 159886677X
• ISBN13: 9781598866773
• Release Date: December 2006
• Publisher: Tate Publishing & Enterprises
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.9" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Civil War, Historical Fiction

This review is regarding Nancy Dane's civil war series based on her original documentary publication "Tattered Glory". The first book, "Where the Road Begins", is interesting from page one, with the introduction to Elijah Loring as he roams the Arkansas hills in 1861, until his proposal to girlfriend Cindy on the final page. His father's plan to join the southern cause and leave young Elijah in charge of the family's small subsistent acreage in the Ozark Mountains was soon shattered by Elijah's conscription into the Confederate army. Elijah was forced to leave his mother and younger sister to manage as best they could. In this realistic setting one is soon absorbed in the life of each character as they struggle to meet the challenges of life on a 19th century farm changed by war. I found the depiction of the rural life of that era both interesting and informative. The plight of the people left at home is well portrayed as they face the trials of coping with foraging parties from both sides of the conflict as well as bushwhackers. I found the book hard to put down once I started reading.

Putting a Face on History

As a native of Arkansas, I've visited the national military park at Pea Ridge a few times. I must say, though, my last visit, after I had read Nancy Dane's fine historical novel, was the most meaningful. Walking through the countryside where the battle took place, I had a new appreciation for the very real lives of the men who fought on that ground - willingly or not. Dane's protagonist, Elijah, is one of those who was an unwilling participant. He is "conscripted" into the Confederate Army and dragged along on an extended march in freezing weather with little food. Dane does a good job of fleshing out Elijah and his fellow soldiers so that we as readers care what happens to them. The first five or so chapters of the book were slow, in my opinion; however, once the activities associated with the war pick up, so does the story. Toward the end, I found myself unwilling to put the book down until I was finished. I appreciate the way Dane has woven her story through historical events, and I learned some things about the Civil War in Arkansas that I didn't know before (there is an interesting section in which Elijah is part of a foraging party that is basically stealing food from local people). My only peeve about the book (other than the slow pace at the start) is the fact that a few typos slipped through. The one that bothered me most was when the name of a newspaper man (a real person) is spelled three different ways on two pages. However, the book is generally free of errors, so don't think this is a sloppy work. It's obvious Dane has done a great deal of research. I would definitely recommend the book to readers of historical fiction in general and especially to people to like to read about the Civil War.

Fun to read

This book really draws the reader into the civil war days in Arkansas. The way Ozark folks felt during this time in history is well presented. I highly recommend this book. Can't wait for Nancy's next book!

Wonderful novel of Civil War chaos in the Arkansas Ozark Mountains

Where the Road Begins by Nancy Dane is a wonderful Civil War tale, her writing reminded me much of Gap Creek by best selling author Robert Morgan. The page turning novel about a family struggling to survive during war stated 'Book One' on the cover. I hope there's a Book Two! Among this genre, it is now one of my favorites.

Exciting Civil War Novel

This story begins in 1861 near Little Piney Creek in central Arkansas. It follows teenaged Elijah and his family as they experience the fear and horror of war. It was a war that waged all around them and had consequences that affected every person in the countryside. The dialogue rings true and authentic; allowing the reader to come to know and care about the characters. The detail of everyday life is a reflection of her research; it paints a vivid picture of common people caught up in uncommon circumstances. Well researched, well written and I could not put it down!