William Henry is a Fine Name

Civil War #1

by Cathy Gohlke

They told him his best friend wasn't human. Robert's father assisted the Underground Railroad. His mother adamantly opposed abolition. His best friend was a black boy named William Henry. As a nation neared its boiling point, Robert found himself in his own painful conflict. The one thing he couldn't do was nothing at all.  William Henry is a coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old boy--and an entire country--that comes face to face with the evils of society, even within the walls of the church. In the safety of an uplifting friendship, he discovers the hope of a brighter day.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Civil War, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Young Adult, Christian, Historical

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, and Carol and INSPY Award-winning author, Cathy Gohlke writes novels steeped with inspirational lessons, speaking of world and life events through the lens of history. She champions the battle against oppression, celebrating the freedom found only in Christ. Her critically acclaimed novels include This Promised Land, Ladies of the Lake, A Hundred Crickets Singing, Night Bird Calling, The Medallion (Christy Award), Until We Find Home, Secrets She Kept (Christy Award; Carol Award; INSPY Award); Saving Amelie (INSPY AWARD); Band of Sisters; Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2012); I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (Christy Award, American Christian Fiction Writers Award and listed by Library Journal as one of the Best Books of 2008) and William Henry Is a Fine Name (Christy Award).

Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traveling to historic sites for research, she and her husband, Dan, divide their time between Northern Virginia and the Jersey Shore, enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com and find her on Facebook at CathyGohlkeBooks. Follow her on BookBub.

Reviews

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, unputdownable book about the “conductors” and “passengers” on the Underground Railroad.
Young Robert has grown up in the South, but never really knew about the cruelties of slavery. The family whom Robert’s father works for are Quakers, deeply religious and devoted to the cause of abolition. The former slaves that work on their farm are paid well and generously provided for. In 1859, Robert’s thirteenth year, activity on the “Underground Railroad” picks up. He discovers that his own father has been working secretly for the abolitionists. And this young man must decide where his loyalties lie when lines of disagreement about the issue of slavery are sharply drawn within his own family. What will happen to the friendship between Robert and William Henry, that has existed their entire lives, but is now threatened?...
Memorable Quotes:
(Pg.49)-“I felt trapped, caught between the things Ma said and the things Papa seemed so sure of, and most confounding of all, my love for them both.”

[Jill Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cathy Gohlke won the Christy award in 2007 for her first novel, William Henry is a Fine Name. I can’t imagine a more deserving story.

Thirteen-year-old Robert Glover loves fishing and skunking and skinny-dipping with his best friend William Henry in Elkton, Maryland, 1859. Life is just as good as it can be, except for the howling dogs that wake him at night, his parents’ muffled arguments, and his father’s middle-of-the-night disappearances. Robert discovers his father is involved in helping slaves flee the south, and his mother—having grown up on a tobacco plantation in North Carolina—views slavery as a natural part of life.

Robert’s mother receives word her father is dying, and she and Robert travel to North Carolina. Robert has never met his grandfather, but once the man is healthy, Robert cannot help but dislike him. He sees cruelty he never imagined on Grandfather’s tobacco plantation. Back home, slaves are free, but in North Carolina, they are property. Robert must choose between his parents’ differing beliefs, and his grandfather’s new affection. He searches to know what is right and what, if anything, he can do about it.

I found this book touching and fascinating. I felt as if I was experiencing the Underground Railroad myself. Robert’s character is so real and his journey and growth so powerful, he becomes a friend. I want to read more about his life and the wonderful way he lives it and am thrilled there is a sequel, I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires. I highly recommended this novel.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was 1859.
Robert Leslie Glover and William Henry were the best of friends.
Robert's Grandfather owned slaves. One day it was told to Robert that his best friend William Henry was less than human because he was black.
Robert saw first hand how his Grandfather's slaves were treated. He wanted to set them free.

Robert had his chance when he helped a young Malaudo get to Canada.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Author Cathy Gohlke. Saving Amelie and Band of Sisters are two of my all time favorite books. I guess I am going backwards because I just now read Cathy's first book William Henry is a Fine Name. This novel won the Christy Award in 2007 and after reading it I can see why!

One of the things I love about Cathy Gohlke is how she can write a fictional story based on historical events and stay true to the history of that time period. She makes history come alive through her novels!

The book is pre-Civil War and is about the Underground Railroad. As a homeschool mom I think this book is perfect for the classroom, but more suited for older students as there are some topics that are for mature audiences. There was nothing written that was detailed in an inappropriate way, but there is mention of slave women giving birth to white children and disturbing things such as a black man getting his foot cut off as punishment for trying to run away. So parents might want to read this book before passing it on to a teen just to make sure it is something that is suitable for your family.

In William Henry is a Fine Name you will read about Robert. Robert is a 13 year old living in the south in 1859. His family's views on slavery is split. His mother sees slavery as a natural part of life and his father is against it. Robert also has a best friend named William Henry who is black and Robert is told that his best friend is less than human because of his color. Robert must decide for himself where he stands on slavery.

There is a second book - I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires - that is the sequel to William Henry is a Fine Name. It continues on with the telling of Robert and I can't wait to read it!

About the Author:

Cathy Gohlke is the two-time Christy Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed novels Saving Amelie, Band of Sisters, Promise Me This (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2012), William Henry Is a Fine Name, and I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires (listed by Library Journal as one of the best books of 2008), which also won the American Christian Fiction Writers' Book of the Year Award.
Cathy has worked as a school librarian, drama director, and director of children's and education ministries. When not traipsing the hills and dales of historic sites, she, her husband, and their dog, Reilly, divide their time between Northern Virginia and their home on the banks of the Laurel Run in Elkton, Maryland. Visit her website at www.cathygohlke.com

***This book was provided to me by Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant coming of age story which follows thirteen-year-old Robert as he grows up in the pre-Civil War era of the Southern United States. Robert is such an innocent boy who loves his mother, father and his best friend William Henry. Robert’s mother Caroline, views slavery as normal and Robert takes this same view as his best friend, William Henry, is a free slave, so Robert’s compassion for the slaves is palpable. When he witnesses the atrocity of a slave having his foot axed off, Robert can barely stand-by and watch these things happen and not do anything to help.

His father, Charles, disappears at night and Robert has no idea why or where he is going until he learns that William Henry understands very well what these late night jaunts are all about. But other people consider William Henry a nothing because he is a free black. Robert couldn’t figure out “...why a man who worked from dawn till dark as hard as Pa did would want to go traipsing off in the middle of the night. He never took a lantern off the hook...”

As Robert matures and continues to witness the terrible violence the slaves must endure, he realizes he himself must decide how he truly feels about slavery and whether he wants to go against the grain of most of his family members on this issue.

Once Robert learns his father is involved with the Underground Railroad and his mother’s opposition to slavery, he realizes that he himself must decide to take a firm stand one way or another and he very soon is presented with the opportunity to find out. But Robert is conflicted between family loyalty and doing what he believes is right.

Cathy’s writing ability is nothing short of genius! It is so descriptive that I felt like I was morphed into the pages of the book and was a silent and invisible member of the family watching and listening to what was going on. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long while and would highly recommend this to everyone. I am about to begin the second book: “I Have Seen Him In The Watchfires”, which continues Robert’s story and I’m anticipating it’s going to be as good as the first!!

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best juvenile Christian fiction I have read from the current generation. The Christy Award for inspirational fiction that it won in the juvenile and young adult category is well deserved. It is a powerful story of a boy torn between his abolitionist father's activities in the Underground Railroad, his Southern Belle mother, and his free colored best friend, William Henry. Robert must reach his own conclusions about the morality of slavery and if and when it is right to break the law. His thinking and spiritual commitment are aided by visiting preacher, Andrew Goforth. Mr. Goforth's dialogue is more 'preachy' than the story as a whole, but not inappropriate to a nineteenth century preacher. Lots of dramatic tension. Slave owners are portrayed as real people, some evil, but some sincere, even as they are mired in their warped worldview. Along with Robert we have to weigh the pros and cons and expose the false reasoning of slave owners. There are scenes of violence and horror appropriate to the subject matter. I wasn't sure I found the motivation for the trip north completely believable on Robert's part, but it was effective in showing the working on the Underground Railroad.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Christy award-winning book begins in 1859 and is a fascinating account of a young teen boy grappling with deciding what his own views on the institution of slavery will be and how far he is willing to go in honoring his decision once he makes it. Robert's parents are from very different backgrounds, and have opposing ideas about slavery. Cathy Gohlke does an excellent job depicting the wide spectrum of belief that existed at the time, ranging from racism and hatred of blacks to a desire to abolish slavery and institute negro/white equality. She accomplishes this with the wide variety of characters included in the novel. Written for young adults, it is a very enjoyable book for adult readers also. There are some graphic sections depicting the horrific treatment many Negroes endured, but they also help the reader experience life in the North and the South during this time. History, Southern plantation life, and the underground railroad come alive in this stirring account. I will be reading the sequel, I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires next!

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well done story on the South before the Civil War. The intended audience is juvenile, but I would bump it up to young adult because of a few of the settings being very graphic -the beating and punishment of the recaptured slave and the abuse of the young slave girl who helps the owner's daughter escape the plantation.
It portrays the different views of the slavery issue. Slaves were more than mindless animals. They could learn, think and love deeply if given the background and freedom to do so. The plantation owners could not foresee doing without their free labor to till the enormous amounts of land they planted.
The friendship of the two boys - one white and one free colored- was wonderful. The innocence of youth and play. Then this is contrasted with the Southern plantation and the lives of the people enslaved there. A vivid description of both sides and the bravery of those who ran the Underground Railroad.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful! I would give it a lot more stars if I could.
The characters and scenes are all so real.
Some scenes I laughed, some I cried for joy and some I cried for sadness of our world during the times of slavery. America was no better than Hitler and the Nazis then. I hope that if I lived in either of those times I would hide the innocents from the evil people and stick up for them. I get that we live in a world where they’re are horrible people, but I cannot fathom how so many others can join in the hate and not stop it.
If you ever want to know what the Underground Railroad was probably like then I highly recommend this book.
Now I’m off to start the sequel and I hope she writes many more.

[Kirsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this book no less than 5 times, and I cry every time.
Cathy Gohlke writes this story with such life. The characters feel real to me, and long after I close the book, I find myself thinking about William Henry and Robert and Jeremiah, as well as all the others.
This book highlights on all the horrors of slavery, while balancing it with a theme of hope.
I love the details about the Underground Railroad, and the stories of those who risked it all to help their neighbor in need.
I really don’t have words to summarize or talk this book up. Just read it. That’s all. 🧡

[Suzanne Roq · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, I went into this blind. I had no idea what to expect. She had me from the first paragraph. I’ve never been a 13 year old boy but I can picture my son in the main character of this “coming of age” tale. The plot development and character depth is fantastic. William Henry is, indeed, a fine name. I couldn’t put it down. I gave this book to my 14 year old son to read and I hope it helps shape him into the man God would desire him to be.
Content considerations slavery, abuse, it is known that slaves are raped and have mixed-race babies (who are slaves)

[Bev · Rating 2 out of 5]

In my library this book was adult fiction. I hoped for a compelling adult novel about slavery and the underground railroad and instead found what I felt was more in keeping with a juvenile fiction audience. I did not find the subject handled with depth, complexity, creativity or insight but instead felt it was predictable and rather flat. I did feel it would be an appropriate introduction to the underground railroad for young readers.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read much about the Civil War era so couldn't wait to read this book. As we have come to expect from Gohlke, it was a well-written, gripping, "don't-bother-me-now" kind of story. This was a problem in that I was in Paris and found myself looking for times to read--I knew I should have waited until I got home to start! Instead my days were filled with beauty and glory of Paris and my evenings were filled with the beauty and glory of words. This is a must read.

[Karma Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet little book. It felt a little contrived but the story itself was still worth telling. My heart was full as I read about the bravery displayed! I am amazed at the incredible risk people took to help slaves escape on the underground railroad.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this!

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a long time. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Teresa Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many hard things but beautifully written!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review~ William Henry is a Fine Name, by Cathy Gohlke

William Henry is a Fine Name is a book you don’t want to miss reading! It’s an excellent account of the intricate workings of the underground railroad, slavery, plantation life, and all seen through the eyes of one 13 year old boy named Robert Glover, son of a woman who had grown up pampered, on a Southern plantation, and a man who was God-fearing and compassionate towards his fellow man.

Robert has a best friend, William Henry, who is a slave, but to Robert, he’s just a friend. They did everything together, until things begin to happen that are a mystery to Robert, but not so to William Henry.

Cathy Gohlke’s first book, such a great book indeed. It’s obvious that she put her heart into this story, with the huge amount of information she collected and put together to tell this tale of the north, the south, slavery, and freedom’s price for many.

The quilt on the clothesline, the pattyrollers, Quakers, Stargazer, Uncle Marcus, Grandfather, Ashland, Pa, Aunt Sassy, the moss on the trees, and the drinking gourd, all are unforgettable pieces of this story that will absorb your attention and keep you reading well into the night.

I highly recommend this book, both as a history lesson from one person’s perspective, and as a book that will get you thinking. There’s suspense, drama, politics, insight, and genuine love. Get yourself a copy and settle in for a great historical fiction read.

[Suzanne Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the author's excellent book, The Medallion, a story set in WW2 times (an era setting I often like to read about), I thought -given these current times concerns regarding racism- that I would turn my intention towards reading similar stories set in Confederate/Civil War times, and thus shift that learning awareness in my recreational reading. I didn't realize at the time of getting this book and its sequel, I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires, that these were intended more towards a younger adult audience. Since I was wanting something that wasa lighter read, that aspect didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book, and the purposes satisfied that I found in its content. Told from the point of view of Robert, who begins the story as a naive white boy of about 13 years of age, the harsh realities of slave life and the distinct differences in quality of life between slaves and slave owners are made apparent. Robert's best friend was William Henry, a similarly aged young (free) black boy, but inherently he was also much more aware of things that were going on. The book also presents the diverging viewpoints between those who wished to hold on to that culture built with slavery and those who saw that this culture was wrong and needed to be moved on from, from a more humane (if you will) mode of slavery to then those who worked the Underground Railroad (which includes Robert's father). I would altogether recommend reading the pair; the sequel picks up on Robert and his family's life about five years later, at the time of the Civil War.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story is told in the first-person by uninformed 13-year-old Robert Glover, who's trying to make sense of a tense world full of secrets that no one will explain. He's also stuck somewhere between boyhood and manhood, unsure how to move forward, and torn in different directions by those around him. Cathy Gohlke did a superb job of laying out civil war issues from Robert's perspective - blunt and simple, heartbreaking, sometimes even funny.
I liked that the characters were complex. The different people in Robert's world had varying stances on slavery, but Robert broke it down for the reader, making the whole thing pretty simple. The violence wasn't sugarcoated or overly descriptive, and there were numerous instances where Robert missed the significance of something he witnessed - and knew it, but it was easy to read between the lines.
I look forward to the next book, I want to keep on with Robert's story.

[Marlee B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s been awhile since I’ve read a historical novel that wasn’t also a romance.
Thirteen year old Robert is torn between the differing views his parents have on slavery- his mother a Southern Belle & his father an operator for the Underground Railroad. When his best friend William Henry, the son of freed slaves, makes a choice that shows how far he’ll go in the fight for freedom, Robert must finally decide if his words and beliefs are strong enough to lead to action. I loved watching Robert making those choices and develop his own convictions. It was sickening to read of the treatment of the slaves, and I was impressed and proud of the people that got involved, some even young children. I think children can get overlooked in situations like the Underground Railroad & the fight for freedom, many believing that they’re too young to make a difference. That was not the case with Robert or his friends, and I loved it.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular read. Superbly written, with very well developed characters. I felt like I was witnessing this story first hand. This book can be read as a standalone, but there is no way I'm going to miss the next novel in this two-book series.

I can say that I laughed and that I cried. The emotions that were stirred while reading this book made it that much more realistic.

Cathy Gohlke is absolutely one of the best authors that I've had the privilege to come across. I'm anxious to start the conclusion, I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires.

If you enjoy learning more about the Underground Railroad you don't want to miss this book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book about two young boys (one black and one white) who became friends even when slavery was in full swing in the Southern United States. This story was about the white boy's father and his mission to help with the Underground Railroad. I really liked that the father was from the north and the mother had roots/family in the South so we saw both perspectives and what slavery/anti-slavery meant to both sides.

I love books that combine history with a really good story so that I feel like I learned something in the process. This is a good young adult book but is wonderful for adults too. I will read other books by this author in the future.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a moving portrait of the issue of slavery and the Underground Railroad, as seen through the eyes of a thirteen year old boy, Robert.

I thought Robert was a great character with a realistic journey to finding his own way in a cruel world. I thought Ma was well written also, with a realistic inner struggle between her southern upbringing and abolitionist husband.

There were some brutal scenes and heartbreaking family moments. But there were also some beautiful scenes of sacrifice and bravery and true friendship. Though not always an easy read, I think it's a meaningful one, and I recommend it.

[AnnE · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
As I finished the last page of this book, I heaved a heavy sigh of utter happiness. It was like a breath of fresh air. I loved this story. I also was able to gain some knowledge about the underground railroad.

I couldn't give it five stars because there were so many characters in the beginning that I had trouble figuring out who was who. I also felt the author could've helped us out by letting to know who was who as she introduced them in the story. I finally sat down and made a list of all the names and who they were. The book also starts off a bit slow. I was concerned at first, however, once it picked up, it didn't let me down.

[Carol Kuehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

While difficult to read about slavery in 1859, I found this story riveting and eye-opening to the evils of slavery and the courage of the people surrounding the Underground Railroad. It was very well written and gave such perspective about how complex the issues were around the Civil War and how deeply it affected everyone. The author did an excellent job of developing the characters and showing the strength of the relationships.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page turner! I heard about this book and knew it was going to be good because of who wrote it. “William Henry is a Fine Nam” didn’t disappoint. The read made me laugh when the boys laughed and I teared up many times. When Robert grabbed the whip, I the sinner that I am, wanted him to beat the slave driver to a pulp! This is a good read with accurate history for just about any age group. A good homeschooling read.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably the first book I’ve read about slavery that really gave me a glimpse into what it would’ve been like. I felt all the emotions; heartache, anger, disgust, and hope.

I love the significance behind William Henry’s name!

This was well written and I really enjoyed it. I would have finished it more quickly if I wasn’t so busy.

[Cj · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is excellent book. It is some what simply written.

It is told by a white man during the Civil War and what happens to his family. He is from Maryland but his family is in North Carolina. He’s not quite 13 when the story starts.

Couldn’t put it down.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an amazing book. Takes place at the beginning of the Civil War. Main character grows from a preteen to early manhood while his whole world is torn apart. You will laugh and you will cry. Highly recommend.