Overview

In his second fast-paced historical novel, author Jon Bebbington weaves the jaw-dropping story of a coastal artillery fortification built on a remote sea island of South Carolina that never expects to see battle-but does. On February 11, 1898, the construction of a nameless artillery fortification begins on a remote sea island of South Carolina to protect the Parris Island naval base. Then, four days later, the USS Maine mysteriously explodes and sinks in Havana Harbor killing over 260 sailors and marines. Many players revolve in and out of the story, including local Gullah descendant merchant Jim Sumter and his family, US Army Captain Hawthorne, US Army Lieutenant Robert Fleming, and various soldiers posted to the island. Never expecting to see battle, the soldiers and locals live in relative ease, going about their normal lives. Then, several months later in 1898, the Spanish Navy enters Port Royal Sound in a daring raid to turn the tide of the Spanish-American War. After the conflict ends in a bittersweet victory for America, another battle looms; one of nuanced elements. Romance, tragedy, isolation, boredom, sin, violence, and courts martial abound in the days, weeks, and months after the siege-illustrating the very real tragedy and injustices experienced by the soldiers and the local Gullah descendants living near the fort. Best suited for adult readers, The Battle of Fort Scarlet will appeal to those who commonly enjoy war and military historical fiction, like From Here to Eternity (James Jones) and The Sand Pebbles (Richard McKenna). But there is also enough romance in the story to satisfy readers of that genre.

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Reviews

Author Jon Bebbington has crafted a compelling work of historical fiction that felt just like stepping into a time capsule, immersing readers in the lives of characters whose fates intertwine with the tragedy, isolation, and complexities of wartime. The novel's clever pacing and plot arrangement weave together the more enticing elements of 430 romance and violence with the mundane realities faced by those affected by war and create some starkly realistic and poignant moments as a result. Unlike many military works, this narrative goes beyond the bloody battles and explores the real psychological toll on a community under siege with a very well-considered and emotionally resonant mood. Overall, The Battle of Fort Scarlet is a compelling blend of historical fiction, military drama, and intimate storytelling that I would certainly recommend, which offers a glimpse into a forgotten war and a powerful exploration of the human experience. A captivating read for enthusiasts of fully-rounded historical fiction.

Author Information

"Jon Bebbington was born in Morristown, New Jersey and raised in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from UCLA and two graduate degrees from the University of Colorado. Early in his career, he worked for the Los Angeles County Bar Association as a legal aide. Years later he worked as an environmental engineer.His first novel, ""Rawhead"", was published in 2019 and concerns the true exploits of five brothers in the British armed forces during WW1. His next book, ""The Battle of Fort Scarlet"", is a novel of the Spanish-American War and follows the lives of soldiers at a coastal artillery fortification on Saint Helena Island, SC. It is available for preorder now with delivery starting August 8.The author is an animal rights activist and shares his life with many rescued dogs."

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