My Life Untold
By: S.S. Gee Buro
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 1493734628
Pages: 286
My Life
Untold, by S.S. Gee Buro, is a historical novel set during the Civil War. The
lead character, Magda Kline, is the daughter of German immigrants who settle on
a farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in the 1860s. Magda’s parents love her,
giving her a wonderful, carefree childhood. Magda finds love when her father,
Jonas, hires a farm hand—Lars Sulter. Lars is a strong, quiet type who falls
for Magda and eventually asks for her hand in marriage.
About this
time, war comes to the United States—what will become the Civil War. Yankees believe
the war will end after a few weeks or months, with young men volunteering to
serve their country. Lars volunteers, much to Magda’s dismay. They promise to
marry once he returns from the war. Little did they know the tragedies they
would go through in the ensuing weeks and months ahead.
Madga, the
main character, is well written and believable. You can feel the joy in her
carefree upbringing and the love she has for her parents, and their tender love
for her. From the beginning of the story, Madga come to life and you feel as if
you’re witnessing her life and feelings. All of Buro’s characters are realistic—you
care for each one of them.
Buro did a
lot of research for this book, which is apparent if you are a Civil War history
buff. She captures the fear of people living near and on the battlefields, the
aftermath of war and the horrible way war makes some people behave. Her scenes
of Andersonville are horrifyingly realistic. Be warned—some of the scenes in
the story are quite graphic (not with sex)—there are graphic after-battle
scenes and descriptions of wounds, etc.
I enjoyed
reading this book—it actually felt like I was reading Magda’s diary. The book
grabs you from the beginning, making it hard to put down until you’ve finished
the story. Buro paints realistic scenery—you feel like you’re right there in
the 1860s—the coldness of river water will leave you shivering. The entire
story was great, up until the end. The
ending felt too contrived and abrupt. It left me hanging, rather than feeling
as if the story was complete.
My LifeUntold is a great story you’ll not soon forget. I highly recommend it for
anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction that contains romance and tragedy.
You won’t regret reading My Life Untold!
Disclosure: I purchased this book with my own funds and have not been in any way compensated for this review.
Disclosure: I purchased this book with my own funds and have not been in any way compensated for this review.
