All Other Nights
Dara Horn has written a novel set in the Civil War. We are given a view of the Jewish community of that time through well-developed characters who are pulled and pushed by the conflict. We meet Jacob Rappaport, our protagonist, at his father’s New York City dinner table. Jacob has just reluctantly agreed to his father’s demand that he marry the addled daughter of a rival businessman in order to cement a business deal. Then, despite assurances to the contrary, he is ordered to undertake another undercover assignment. This time he is to travel to New Babylon, Va., where he is to contact Philip Levy another business associate of his father. Levy has four daughters, one of whom, Eugenia, is a Confederate spy. Jacob is assigned to marry her and then betray her to Union authorities. In the process of carrying out his mission, Jacob falls in love with Eugenia. He is full of self- hate when he not only turns her in to Union authorities, but loses his unborn child as well. Returned to his infantry unit, Jacob is seriously burned and crippled in an explosion. After a year in recovery he still suffers from his injuries. Despite his physical limitation, Jacob convinces his military superiors to send him to Richmond as a spy. He convinces them that he can obtain an office position with Judah Benjamin, the Confederate Secretary of State. Horn’s story comes to a surprising and dramatic conclusion as the city of Richmond virtually explodes around Jacob. Full of doubt, fears and self-loathing he completes his mission. This fascinating page turner will be a welcome addition to any Civil War enthusiast’s reading list. Dr. Michael J. Deeb
Dr. Michael J. Deeb was an educator for 20 years teaching American History. Most recently he has written three Civil War era novels: Duty and Honor, Duty Accomplished and Honor Restored. His work is at www.civilwarnovels.com
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Novel, 363 pp., 2009. W.W. Norton Company, LTD, 500 Fifth Ave., New York, NY $24.95 plus shipping.