The Green Soldier received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author J.Edward Gore.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Green Soldier. Published March 29, 2019
What’s the book’s first line?
“I never really knew my brother till after he died.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
John Gore is eighteen years old in 1862 rural Kentucky. He has struggled his entire life with stuttering and the ridicule associated with it. Unable to speak well, he has focused on writing. Seeing the opportunity for advancement in the military—and with it, respect—John joins the Union army. Unfortunately, his stuttering prevents him from warning a friend of an enemy attack and John watches his friend die. He is racked with guilt and the fear that others saw him fail at the key moment . . . a fear that proves prescient.
John soon meets a girl but they must forge a friendship and then courtship through letters, allowing him to express to her what he can’t say in person. Meanwhile at home, John’s impetuous younger brother causes trouble with garrisoned Union troops angry at Southern sympathizers.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
When I was young my grandmother showed me a photo of my great, great uncle who fought for the Union. She said his name was John Green Gore and he died in Andersonville prison. Many years later I learned his name was actually John J. C. Gore. I wondered why his name was different and then about his life as a soldier.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
To feel the struggles of three young farm folk during the American Civil War in a slave state that did not secede.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
His severe stutter. As an epistolary novel it presents opportunities for the main character to express himself for the first time in his life.
[The character most reminds me of] Stephen Hawking. Most people did not appreciate what was inside until he communicated through writing.
If they made your book into a movie, who would you like to see play the main character(s)?
Torrance Coombs.
When did you first decide to become an author?
About thirteen years ago. It’s been a long process of learning, failing and trying again.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Four to eight hours a week when actively writing.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I love the books and they continue to have a major cultural influence.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Flowers for Algernon. It’s a short story but it was the first time something I read made me cry.