Aidan at Manassas

Aidan at Manassas follows the adventures of Aidan Whitehand and the Georgia Guards before, during and after the first battle of Manassas. Aidan is promoted to Lieutenant and after the battle is given an independent command to find and kill Union shirkers. The final part of the book focuses on the battle for Aidan's hill. Aidan is a confident, intelligent Confederate soldier. The book is from the viewpoint of the South. Not because of some "Lost Cause" notion, rather an affinity for the tragic loser. I will add a stronger national viewpoint in my second book, Aidan at Antietam. Real historical people such as Jackson, Bee and Burnside are a part of the narrative that includes the all knowing Sergeants Collin and Thrug and an agreeable Colonel Kearns. An important character is Graham, Aidan's friend and their close relationship. I wanted to inject the story from Aidan's perspective of the industrial age, his spiritual candor and his father's mentorship. The book depicts Aidan's journeys to Augusta, Georgia and his visits with his mother, sister and uncle. Woven into the story are strong elements of family tragedy, betrayal and revenge. The battle, skirmishes, deaths, injuries and all the realities of war are present and infused with a human element. While writing my book I attempted to keep the historical facts accurate but at times re-interpreted history. The faults of any missteps are mine. I enjoyed writing Aidan at Manassas and hope you enjoy reading my book

Martin Harlick