Going Home: A Novel of the Civil War

Written by James D. Shipman

Narrated by David de Vries

Brought to the New World from Ireland, young Joseph Forsyth is soon betrayed by his alcoholic father and separated from his beloved family. As he grows older, he finds his kind nature exploited by others—including an alluring young woman named Lucy—until he gets swept away by the conflict that divides a nation.

After the bloody siege of Petersburg, Joseph floats in and out of consciousness at a Union army hospital. Keeping vigil at his side is Rebecca Walker, a nurse and widow all too familiar with the horrors of war. As Joseph fights for his life and Rebecca struggles to follow her heart, both face a devastating choice: whether to hang on to the wounds of the past or move on to an uncertain future.

From the fields of Ireland to the metropolis of Quebec to the battlefields of Virginia, Going Home follows one man’s quest for his place in a world still healing from the wreckage of war.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brilliance Audio
• Release date: Jul 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781491591949

James D. Shipman

James D. Shipman is the bestselling author of three historical novels, Constantinopolis, Going Home, and It Is Well. He was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and began publishing short stories and poems while earning a degree in history from the University of Washington and a law degree from Gonzaga University. He opened his own law firm in 2004 and remains a practicing attorney. An avid reader, especially of historical nonfiction, Shipman also enjoys traveling and spending time with his family.

Reviews for Going Home

[Brenda Shealey Steele · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Joseph will forever be in my heart. Reminds me so much of me. A must read. Thank you

[dannadee · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I didn't realize this novel was based on a true story until I was well immersed in it. Written by the main character's great-great-great nephew, it toggles back and forth from Joseph's early years, coming to America with his parents and the events that led him to join the army in the Civil War. He is a hard worker and admired by his peers. An all around nice guy.The story line is interesting and kept me engaged. For awhile. But when trusting Joseph was taken advantage of for the 'gazillionith' time, I wanted to scream! How can one person be so naive and that trusting in the people, in family, that have continually let him down? And then trust them again when they say "it won't happen again".The character of Nurse Rebecca Walker was disappointing and the rather trite love story between her and doctor tending Joseph went on and on - going nowhere! I was hoping for a satisfying ending since this was based on true events. But that was also disappointing. Seemed like the author wanted to wrap things up too quickly. At least the epilogue gave this reader some closure.