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MWSA Review
A Gamble on Liberty is a unique work of historical fiction set in the American Civil War era. The storyline avoids the popular broad sweep of regional campaigns and famous battles by focusing on a less well-known theater of the War—eastern Tennessee. In the months leading up to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, the state was deeply divided between pro-secessionists and pro-union sympathizers.
Plot dynamics are set in place when the state legislature votes to join the Confederacy. Immediately afterward, throughout the state, greedy individuals with scores to settle are suddenly in positions of political and military power. Unionist residents in the mountainous eastern counties find themselves the targets of revenge and retribution.
The appeal in this story lies in its two central characters—a young married couple who are actual historical figures. Robert L. Gamble, a pro-Union farmer and slave owner, ultimately decides to join the Union Army. His wife Permelia is left behind to defend the homestead and her extended family against an array of adversaries ranging from Confederate militia to corrupt officials and outlaws.
The narrative moves back and forth between Robert’s wartime actions and trials as a cavalry officer and Permelia’s challenges as a woman under attack on several fronts. The scope of the account highlights the personal tragedies of the region’s residents by relating factual events and figures interwoven with fictional characters and their conflicts.
This book will appeal to true devotees of Civil War history who are interested in the impact of the war on the civilian populace on both sides. Although the work does not contain any fresh material about major campaigns or battles of the Civil War, it brings to light compelling aspects of a lesser-known theater of the conflict and underscores the War’s devastating impact on the lives of its inhabitants, soldiers and civilians alike.
Review by Peter Adams Young
Author's Synopsis
Inspired by a true story, A Gamble on Liberty shadows the struggles of one East Tennessee couple, Captain Robert and Permelia Gamble, during the American Civil War as they grapple with two horrific conflicts simultaneously. Compelled by loyalty and circumstance, Robert enlists in the Union Army, forcing Permelia to lead the family and its two slaves in a defense of their property and lives from bushwhackers, deserters, and hostile neighbors during his frequent absences.
Desperate to help their families, Robert and his comrades shuffle tirelessly between battlefield and home to smite their common enemies, protect their people and deliver justice to their oppressors.
Fueled by a deep love for one another and a mutual sense of patriotism, Robert and Permelia endure tragedy, imprisonment, estrangement, and loss in their struggle against the forces of darkness, all while forced to struggle with the age-old question of human bondage. But theirs is also a story of their beloved Tennessee Valley, a place at war against itself. Although simple farmers, the Gambles and their two slaves rise to extraordinary heights in their resolve and capacity to persevere despite unspeakable suffering and loss. Now, bound by faith in Abraham Lincoln and driven by love of country, they risk all in a desperate gamble on liberty.
Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction
Pages/Word count: 285 / 80,386