Title: The Ghosts of Antietam
Author: John M. Grissmer
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-158500805
Pages: 384
Genre: Alternate History Science-Fiction/Contemporary Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Pacific Book Review
History is such an important aspect of our everyday lives. Whether it’s fighting to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself, or discovering hidden truths that could alter what we already know of the world, history is an influential part of our lives. As Robert Kennedy once said, “Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total; of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” In author John M. Grissmer’s book The Ghosts of Antietam, an alternate history explores whether the Civil War was truly inevitable.
In this book, the author showcases an alternate history, one in which President Lincoln died a few days into his presidency, and his vice president Hannibal Hamlin is made the President of the United States. Fighting to prevent the Civil War from happening, he is joined by General George B. McClellan. Soon however the history of the Civil War as we know it is presented to McClellan and forces the general to relive the war he had tried so hard to prevent. From showcasing an end to slavery without bloody conflict to trying to prevent Lincoln’s assassination, this novel explores a world where the Civil War was vastly different than the one we know.
This is a truly brilliant fusion of history, science fiction and fantasy like no other. Exploring this theme in expert detail, the author has created a series of realities that showcase key and integral moments in the history of the United States Civil War that would have altered greatly with crucial changes. From Hamlin becoming President in the lead up to the war, to securing peace without a full blown war and even a reality in which the legendary assassin John Wilkes Booth somehow became a hero, the author explores the key figures and players in this historical set of events and showcases what would have happened if things had been slightly different.
The Ghosts of Antietam is for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, alternative history and the sci-fi and fantasy genres. As a fan of all three, it was truly compelling to dive into this part of American History and explore the concept of the protagonist George McClellan being thrust through these alternate realities and seeing the outcome of his actions in each reality, all while bearing witness to the history of the world. The author created authentic character growth for the characters of that era, and made the historical figures feel truly present in the scenes they played a role in.
This evenly paced read was truly impactful and entertaining for longtime sci-fi fans such as myself, as well as true history buffs who have always wondered or asked the question, what if things had turned out differently? Entertaining, engaging and a fantastic example of genre mashups in literature that work well together, this is a must read novel for any fans of history or science fiction that are looking for something new and clever in the genre. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of The Ghosts of Antietam by John M. Grissmer today!
