Book Blurb:
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.
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/726Pl
Author Bio:
With deep ties to South Carolina, 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 completed graduate work at the University of Colorado. Early on he worked for a legal nonprofit and later as an engineer. He volunteers as a docent at the Fort Fremont Preserve (The subject of the Battle of Fort Scarlet book).
Jon Bebbington is now working on a YA novel and is coauthoring a major university press coffee table book with several local scholars. He is also a voiceover performer and Civil War reenactor. Upcoming reenactments include the Battle of Broxton Bridge, and the Battle of Aiken.
Editorial Review:
““¡Si matas a un mosquito ahora, no atacará más tarde!” uttered the soldier as he made quick steps over the beach. “Only if there’s not too many and not hungry for blood!” replied another. “¡Valientes por tierra y por mar!” another said. “Brave by land and sea!” The group slowed as they came upon a plain of spartina salt marshes. The soldier reached in his pack and withdrew a small, tapered bottle and poured a brown liquid onto his hands. An oily elixir of citronella oil, dried leaves of mint, lemongrass, and chrysanthemum, the potion promised to ward off mosquitoes and gnats. But after he smeared the liquid on his face and neck, even more mosquitoes landed. “Juice does no good!” he cursed and tossed it away.”
“The Battle of Fort Scarlet” (2nd edition) by Jon Bebbington is set in Saint Helena Island, South Carolina, United States of America, in 1897/1898, during the times of the Spanish-American War. This historical novel is primarily focused on military themes – complete with riveting court-martial scenes – but also includes aspects of romance and historical drama. The story revolves around a coastal fortification, the soldiers within it, and the townsfolk around it. The author’s extensive research is evident in the narrative, which mixes historical events and fact (especially military and political details) with fictional perspectives.
The story commences with a hint of the conflict to come (an excellent choice for a prologue!), and the construction of the fort. The narrative is interspersed with other significant military and political events, including the tragic explosion and sinking of the USS Maine. The characterization throughout is multi-layered and detailed, particularly for the officers and soldiers in South Carolina. Bebbington’s use of historical fact and context, and the merging of fictional dialogue is highly effective. An unexpected bonus for this reviewer was the opportunity to read of President McKinley, learning about the loss of the USS Maine and reflecting on the implications of the tragedy. Almost one hundred years before the advent of the internet, McKinley’s aides bring him “a [photographic or illustrated] plate” to show him a representation of the ship. It is the inclusion of small but authentic historical details such as this that Bebbington obviously excels at.
“It was payday, and the soldiers of Fort Scarlet stood in line to receive it; those who had not been granted a Christmas furlough completed their duties. Two hours after receiving his monthly fifteen dollar pay, Quinn Deakers stumbled into the fort hospital with the help of Pvts. Stearman and Spindley. Linda met them and helped Deakers into the treatment room. “What happened?” Dr. Getty asked.
“Dunno,” said Spindley. “He says he can’t see.”
“Were you drinking?”
“Yes sir,” answered Deakers. “I never felt like this before, though.” The doctor shook his head and began taking his pulse. “I can smell it.””
The military dialogue and references to military routine in the novel are further highlights. In particular, the first meeting between Captain Hawthorne and First Lieutenant Fleming, and the dialogue between them, immediately shows the reader what their professional relationship will be, and illustrates the main plot of the novel. While “The Battle of Fort Scarlet” is set within historical events, the book is far from a dry recounting of a military conflict. It is a historical novel, rich with drama, with individual and wider conflicts, political intrigue and personal romance. To say more may be construed as a spoiler, but Bebbington also creates strong characters within the town, who interact with the military personnel in the fort. There is also a strong sense of place within the novel, both in the speech patterns of the dialogue but also in the description of the setting itself.
The chapter and scene transitions are well-done, and the headings give important context. Some readers may feel there is too much detail woven into the narrative, as the author moves between description of the various military and political events that led to the Spanish-American War. There is a lot for the reader to assimilate in the opening chapters, but this may be a measure of the turbulent times that the book is about. The author is careful to note that some scenes are graphic and are for adult audiences.
The ending of “The Battle of Fort Scarlet” is poignant and moving, for reasons best left to the reader to discover. The memories of conflict never really fade, and challenges continue through life.
“Capt. Fleming and 2nd Lt. Seers quickly read the owner’s manual, and like excited boys at Christmas, climbed aboard their “present.” Sgt. Huggins cranked the engine— after some frustration, it sputtered to life, making sounds much like the dynamos in the Cushing power room. A dozen soldiers crowded around, offering their technical assistance, pointing at and pulling on various knobs.
“You got to pull on the choke!”
“The pedal’s on the floor!”
“That’s the gear shift!”
Fleming eased it into gear and released the clutch, stalling the engine and making everyone jump back from the car. After a number of humorous tries, Fleming eased the clutch slowly for another try and the car moved forward. Fleming drove it around the quad in circles at first, not wanting to hit anything or anyone. After a partial loss of control, he steered it onto Lands End Road and took off toward Frogmore. As it passed, Jim and Ella watched from their porch.”
“The Battle of Fort Scarlet” (2nd edition) by Jon Bebbington is a historical novel set around the Spanish American War, providing the reader with a welcome glimpse into an era that contributed to the building of a nation, and the soldiers and ordinary folk who lived through those times. The detailed and authentic characterizations, together with the military and political content are highlights of the narrative. Bebbington obviously has a passion for this era (and area) and this shines throughout the story. The plot is a compelling one with an emotional ending that will stay with the reader for some time. A memorable read!
*****
"The Battle of Fort Scarlet” by Jon Bebbington receives 4 ½ stars from The Historical Fiction Company
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