The book begins with an introduction to the Civil War- its causes; the two sides; and the conflict that led to the bloodiest war in America's history. The historical fiction chapters tell the story of Conrad Elroy; a 13-year-old powder monkey for the Union navy. Conrad is aboard the U.S.S. Hartford as it prepares for the Battle of Mobile Bay. It is Conrad's job to supply his gun crew with gunpowder. During the battle; another powder monkey drops his powder cartridge. In order to save the ship from a powerful explosion; Conrad picks up the flaming cartridge and hurls it into the sea. For this act of bravery; Conrad is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. The medal; however; is no comfort to Conrad; who lost a friend in the battle. The book's nonfiction chapters detail the role of the navy in the Civil War- the Northern blockade; the Southern blockade-runners; the Confederate commerce raiders; the ironclads; and the Confederate submarines and torpedoes. It also describes the life of a powder monkey and the role these young soldiers played in the war.
#1032071 in Books 2012-04-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 .60 x 5.40 x 8.40l; .65 #File Name: 0752486381176 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. InspirationalBy FreelandThis story must have been told and I am glad that the author has done so. It iillustrates humanity at its best and worst; but also the struggles of average people to confront terrifying adversity; with inner strength; commitment; creativity and ingenuity. It is inspirational for it shows that every human being has the potential to accomplish great things; irrespective of rewards or recognition. As the subtitle indicates; the book is not exclusively about a single individual. It is about a young Muslim diplomat who resolved to do all he could to save as many Jewish families as he could; but also about national sentiments; politics; deception; misfortune and injustice. The diplomat represented a neutral nation the government of which had; according to confidential Allied and Axis diplomatic reports; strictly observed its neutrality. Yet; Allied forces invaded his country and subjected his nation to great hardship. The diplomat; despite having lost his (diplomatic) immunity and status; did not vacate his post; and continued his service to the end of the war. Testimonies of survivors and archival documents the author has presented in the book show the diplomat's effort; the danger he faced; the hardship and humiliation his nation endured; but also the survival of hundreds of Iranian Jewish families; and their non-Iranian relatives and associates. The book's extensive notes are a treasure trove of information in themselves. The statesmen; politicians; commentators and political advisors interested in understanding Iranians will benefit from reading the book; and future generations could be inspired by its message.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excite book; a must read by all Iranians (and ...By Amir A.Excite book; a must read by all Iranians (and those who think Iranians are out of touch) and should petition Steven Spielberg to make a movie off of this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History is full of surprises. Never ever I had ...By Ali AHistory is full of surprises. Never ever I had thought that an Iranian was so much involved in helping other people during world war II.
