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When This Cruel War Is Over: A Novel of the Civil War

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They called themselves Sons of Liberty -- a revolutionary conspiracy that intended to form a new confederacy in the American heartland -- and put an end to the American Civil War. Backed by the South, the Sons launch guerilla attacks against Union troops. The year is 1864, the place Indiana and Kentucky. A time of ruthless censorship, conscription, and a seemingly endless war that has left a half a million Americans dead. Union Major Paul Stapleton falls in love with Janet Todd, courier and evangelist for the Sons of Liberty. Another admirer, Colonel Adam Jameson, readies his Confederate cavalry division to support the Sons' revolt. The battle for the future of America is about to begin.

304 pages, Hardcover

First published March 14, 2001

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About the author

Thomas Fleming

128 books150 followers
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There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name


Thomas James Fleming was an historian and historical novelist, with a special interest in the American Revolution. He was born in 1927 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of a World War I hero who was a leader in Jersey City politics for three decades. Before her marriage, his mother, Katherine Dolan Fleming, was a teacher in the Jersey City Public School System.

After graduating from St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, Fleming spent a year in the United States Navy. He received a Bachelor's degree, with honors, from Fordham University in 1950. After brief stints as a newspaperman and magazine editor, he became a full-time writer in 1960. His first history book, Now We Are Enemies, an account of the Battle of Bunker Hill, was published that same year. It was a best-seller, reviewed in more than 75 newspapers and featured as a main selection of the Literary Guild.

Fleming published books about various events and figures of the Revolutionary era. He also wrote about other periods of American history and wrote over a dozen well-received novels set against various historical backgrounds. He said, "I never wanted to be an Irish American writer, my whole idea was to get across that bridge and be an American writer".

Fleming died at his home in New York City on July 23, 2017, at the age of 90.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Steve.
1,506 reviews12 followers
May 25, 2019
An interesting story based upon notes from a real attempt to form a western confederacy during 1864 to help end the Civil War and ensure Lincoln did not get reelected.
Profile Image for Nick.
331 reviews7 followers
November 15, 2016
I was surprised at how much I liked this. The link to real history is fascinating. The characters are not always likeable, but for the most part they were compelling. I found it riveting, and I plan to read more books by Fleming.
Profile Image for Thomas Marren.
3 reviews4 followers
July 24, 2012
Mildly interesting and based on factual incidents. Otherwise not that great. The characters are unsympathetic and the writing from a narrative standpoint is not compelling.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews