Review of “The Survivors” by Ellen Murphy

Score: 91/100 (9.1 out of 10)

The Survivors by Ellen Eschell Murphy, is the third-installment in Murphy's Civil War series. It weaves together poignant narratives set against the backdrop of the Civil War, focusing on the human experiences of struggle, endurance, and camaraderie during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

When James Smith, a wounded Confederate soldier, stumbles upon her home, Mary takes him in and cares for him. She provides shelter, food, and medical attention, showcasing her resourcefulness and kindness. Mary is described as small in stature but strong in spirit, with a quick wit and a nurturing demeanor. Her character serves as a beacon of hope and humanity in the bleak post-war setting, and her growing bond with James symbolizes the potential for healing and rebuilding in the aftermath of the conflict.

In contrast to other books in the series, which were more sprawling and disconnected (or loosely connected) short-stories, the narratives in this book are interconnected and surround the same core story and characters, specifically James Smith (a wounded Confederate soldier) and Mary Martin, the woman who cares for him. So, in contrast to the other installments, this one reads more like a true novel rather than a collection of stories.

The author draws from personal family anecdotes, particularly from Virginia, to illustrate life during the Civil War. The narrative challenges simplistic notions about the South, exploring themes like survival amid scarcity, the importance of community, and the complex realities of war-torn societies. Murphy also delves into the roles of freed blacks and their relationships with white families, showing diverse perspectives within Southern communities.

In Part One: The Returning, the story introduces James Smith, a Confederate soldier navigating the hardships of war’s final days and his struggle to return home after Lee's surrender. Injured and weary, James scavenges for food, evades Northern troops, and battles exhaustion. His journey takes a pivotal turn when he encounters Mary Martin, a resilient young woman living alone after losing her family and home to the war. Mary nurses James back to health, and their bond deepens as they share their experiences of survival and loss. Her resourcefulness and kindness form the heart of this section, emphasizing trust and hope amid chaos.

In Part Two: A Child No More, the story shifts focus to themes of lost innocence and resilience. Mary reflects on her peaceful childhood, dramatically altered by the war, and James begins to recover physically and emotionally. Their conversations reveal shared aspirations to rebuild their lives despite the destruction around them. Tensions rise as they face potential threats from stragglers and lingering dangers of the post-war world. Through cooperation and mutual protection, they navigate these challenges, with the narrative ending on a note of cautious optimism for their future.

In Part Three: The Yankee, the aftermath of the war takes center stage as James, Mary, and others strive to rebuild their lives. They encounter Elijah Harper, a former Union soldier working on reconstruction efforts. Initially wary, James forms an uneasy alliance with Elijah, reflecting the complexities of post-war reconciliation. The story concludes with James returning to his family farm, aided by Mary and Elijah, symbolizing unity and hope. The trio's efforts to restore their lives underscore the themes of resilience, healing, and the possibility of overcoming divisions through cooperation.

Despite its compelling story-line (especially if you're reading this as a standalone and ignoring the other installments), this book has several key weaknesses that have existed since book one. First of all, a lot of these stories seem like rehashes or different versions of the same story: an injured Confederate soldier is taken in by a kind Southern female civilian. Second of all, this book continues the trend of romanticizing certain aspects of Southern life (and the Southern cause) while glossing over deeper systemic issues of the time.

Despite these issues, the book is still a compelling read.

Check it out on Amazon!