Ballads of the Bellum

About the Book

Ballads of the Bellum is a story that follows a fictional character, Jeremy James, through four long years of Civil War combat. Forfeiting his life at home with his wife and four children in South Carolina, he chooses to join the Confederacy hoping to free the South from Northern oppression. Readers will experience his heartbreaks at the loss of comrades in combat, his triumphs over personal enemies, and his struggles to determine what is right and what is wrong. The factual information about the battles, the generals, and the setting itself is enlightening for the novice as well as for the Civil War addict. This story is filled with suspense and surprises, laughter and tears, heartfelt compassion and heartless cruelty. The reader may even find a little spiritual redemption.

About the Author

Jack was an English teacher until his retirement in 2012; however, his real passion was and is American history. Born in the East, raised in the West, and residing in the South, he has a deep love for this country. The reflection of this love is seen all throughout his writings. His pen brings poetry to life and has won him many awards, one of which is the Poet Laureate of Dorchester County, South Carolina. His collection of Civil Was poems with the same title, Ballads of the Bellum, is his inspiration for this novel. He turned these poems into prose and developed a character you will wish is your neighbor, Jeremey James “J.J.” Jack is a Christian family man knowing love and laughter. After the passing of his wife of 52 years, he knows heartache. His children and grandchildren keep her memory alive. These passions and emotions control the flow of ink from his pen to create a story that will not be forgotten. James A. Way, South Carolina historian, wrote “Jack has an extraordinary gift that allows his words to tug at your heart, question your biases, raise your spirits, and on occasion enjoy a good laugh.”