I just could not get into the book. I'm sure this is a very informative book and will attempt to read it again at a later date.

The Civil War is one of the most written about pieces in history, but this story brings a side to light that is not often seen. Lt. Loring was taken prisoner after he had to surrender his ship to Confederate forces. After several years, and two escape attempts, he finally makes it back to the Union forces.

The story that unfolds here is one that will not soon be forgotten, and the small act that he played in the aftermath of President Lincoln's shooting, can be hailed as heroic.

I really loved this book! It was amazing!

Really well written. A piece of history that may cross your mind but probably isn't delved into very often. It was first hand history and that is something I think we all need to experience.

Sometimes it’s easy and almost automatic for me to say “Thank you for your service,” when I encounter a service person. I don’t really think about all the person may have endured in the line of duty. Author Quest’s book about Lt. Benjamin Loring changed all that for me. After reading about his harrowing and horrific ordeals, I will never take our military for granted.

The author describes him as an ordinary military person in the Civil War, but like all who serve, Lt. Loring was exceptional. He strongly supported the Union cause, was eager to serve in the Navy, he conducted himself well and his men respected him.

He and his men had to surrender their gunboat and were captured by the Confederates and incarcerated in a prisoner of war camp in Texas. Life in the camp was a daily grind of horrors. Lt. Loring did his best to care for his men. He tried to escape twice and the physical and mental agony he experienced will bring tears to your eyes. The ending too is amazing, partly for the irony of what happened to Loring when he returned to the Navy and also the story of his fateful moment with Pres. Lincoln.

The author writes in a clear way and doesn’t overwhelm with historical facts, but presents more of what Lt. Loring was thinking and what he experienced. This would make a great movie, it’s compelling and exciting. Thanks to Mr. Quest for his efforts to tell and preserve this piece of history and we should also be grateful to Mr. Loring’s descendants for their wonderful preservation of their hero’s story, through his letters and possessions. The Civil War may seem to be from long ago, but this personal story makes it so real.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance review copy.

I enjoyed this book because it enhanced my knowledge of the Civil War (I knew very little about prison camps) and added a facet of knowledge about Lincoln's assassination.