Fighting in the Shadows

Amazing

This is a outstanding book in so many ways. The first thing that drew me to it was the sheer amount of photograghs from the Civil War, and the amount of research that was done to put this book together. I've read many books on the Civil War, and this book is a must read for anyone interested in life at that time period. It's hard to believe, but the Deaf actually had more freedom to move and contribute to American life back then in many ways than they do now. And though many Deaf men were told they could not participate in the War, they certainly found a lot of means to get around that. It's interesting how much they managed to do on many fronts. Not only did they serve at the front (where I cannot imagine walking around all those bullets firing wondering which one would hit me!), but they served behind the lines. I'm amazed at so many Deaf working on newspapers, and their writings and poetry about the War were wonderful. This book made their voices and their sacrifices real. The war didn't impact just Deaf soldiers. Schools for the Deaf in the South participated in such mundane things as putting together socks and ammunition. Unfortunately, the war traveled to them, often putting students who were doing these things at risk. Since World War I and of course, the eugenics movement that occurred at the turn of the century which claimed that the disabled were life unworthy of life, made it so that people with disabilities could not serve their country. But the Civil War was the last war that allowed the Deaf to participate, and participate they did. It's a joy to read a book which let's us see backwards and view the lives of others, and their sacrifice and to understand what they went through. One important thing brought up by the book is the fact that war often causes Deafness...those cannons were loud. But men continued to fight with that deafness, and that often led to mistakes. Our Wars still cause deafness, and this is something that needs to be dealt with more completely than it currently is. A simply beautiful book, and if you are a reader of history or of the Civil War, you need to read this. It brings a more complete history of the many people involved in our nation's history who were relegated to the shadows. Their stories have been shared eloquently.

A well researched book with very nice photographic additions. This is a topic not covered in traditional historical lessons. A different look at politics and common viewpoint through the years. It gives the reader much to consider and is a great stepping off point for further study or research. I accepted this book via Netgalley to read. The review is my own opinion.

This book adds another layer to the tapestry of the story of the American Civil War. Anyone interested in understanding the war better and anyone interested in Deaf history would be amazed and enlightened by the information and photos in this well-researched book!

I'm usually like short stories and not 34;library34; books, but this one changed my mind. It is well written, keeps you interested in all the stories and makes you think sometimes, what deaf/HoH people went through back then and still did their jobs. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Civil War and Deaf history. I found out new info about Stonewall Jackson and Gen Grant I didn't know about. What is this info, have to get the book.