Becca's Story

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Forman ( Cry Havoc ; The Big Bang ) has crafted a fact-based historical novel from letters and diaries authored mainly by his ancestor, Becca Case Forman. The story begins in 1859, when Becca is 14 and living with her family in Michigan. In her carefree existence of dances and picnics, Becca can't decide which of her two boyfriends she prefers: Alex Forman, always serious, offers a secure future, while devilish Charlie guarantees joviality and excitement. But when the Civil War erupts, fate plays a role in shaping Becca's destiny. The present-day Forman clan may find this work captivating, but it's tedious for outsiders. Becca is a vapid protagonist (``Let the slaves remain slaves forever so long as her two beaux were safe at home and able to renew their friendly rivalry for her hand . . . '') and the dry, pedestrian narrative will hardly attract readers accustomed to and demanding of more distinctive fare. Ages 12-up. (Sept.)

School Library Journal

Gr 7-12-- The onset of the Civil War is almost a relief for 15-year-old Becca Case. Her two beaus are going off to fight for the Union, and at least she will not have to decide between them until they return. Her head tells her to choose steady, dependable Alex, but her heart belongs to unpredictable, irrepressible Charlie. She is spared the difficulty, as only one returns home to her. Living in Jonesville, Michigan, Becca remains far removed from the war. Although issues such as Southern secession, freedom for the slaves, the African American Colonization Society, and the draft are motivating factors for her two young men, they have little influence on her life. Contrasting battlefield scenes accurately depict the war's reality for Alex and Charlie. Their letters to Becca recount the trials of army life and their thoughts about battle, dying, and the Southerners they are fighting. This tender story of friendship and love is one that will endure. The book is reminiscent of Irene Hunt's Across Five Aprils (Follett, 1964; o.p.) as well as Stephen Crane's classic The Red Badge of Courage . Basing his book on family letters and journals, the author has constructed an intimate portrayal of three young people caught up in an event beyond their control. The characters are strong and true, the conclusion stirring and poignant. The book's merits come not only from its fine literary qualities, but also from its portrayal of the time. It has all the elements of a contemporary classic. --Marilyn Makowski, Greenwood High School, SC

Sheilamae O'Hara

Forman uses his ancestors' Civil War era letters and diaries to weave the story of Becca, a young woman living in Michigan who is being courted by Alex, a serious, steady young man, and by Alex's best friend, Charlie, who is full of laughter and wanderlust. Both young men enlist in the Union Army and write faithfully to the girl they have left behind. Their letters describe the tedium interspersed with terror that is a soldier's wartime lot, and Becca dutifully relays the Jonesville news. By the time their enlistments are up, Alex has been wounded, but Charlie is unscathed. After a time back home they both reenlist, and Charlie is killed in battle. Becca and Alex eventually marry; an afterword fills in some details of the later lives of the author's forebears. The literary device of interjecting excerpts from the letters into the narrative interrupts the flow of the story, and the characters appear wooden. However, in the last quarter of the book Becca and Alex come alive, and the horror of Charlie's disappearance on the battlefield at Gettysburg is truly felt.