Our Simple Gifts: Civil War Christmas Tales

This poignant little book of Civil War Christmas stories brings together the horrors of war with the gentle hope of the holy-day. The protagonist in each story wallows in his circumstances created by the war and the historical period - a time when Northerners endorsed the war for its goal to end slavery in the U.S., while maintaining their racist attitudes and behaviors toward other human beings. Through understanding and acceptance of self and others, humility, and kindness, each story's hero rises above the fray to a fresh comprehension of the true meaning of Christmas.

The stories are well written and original, although occasional lapses into incomplete sentences for emphasis are mildly annoying. In the first story, the outcome is show more unresolved so that more than one conclusion is possible; glimpses of what could be are provided, if the reader is attuned to subtle writing. The second story gives a final accounting of the protagonist's future, while surprising the reader with one very important detail. Story three is about the return of a Confederate soldier to his mountain home and his conversation with his grandmother. I knew the ending by the 9th paragraph, but it's still a sweet story. The fourth tale is about slavery, poverty, the turning-of-tables, and forgiveness. Although I enjoyed the story, the forgiveness seems too quick; more explanation on the process that led to the decision to forgive would have strengthened the story.

The Civil War is clearly well researched, expressed in conversations, scenery, events, and objects; soldiering is the primary focus. I'll be thinking about these stories beyond the Christmas holidays this year. show less