I Shall Be Near to You

A Novel

By: Erin Lindsay McCabe

Narrated by: Allyson Ryan

An extraordinary novel about a strong-willed woman who disguises herself as a man in order to fight beside her husband, inspired by the letters of a remarkable female soldier who fought in the Civil War.

Rosetta doesn't want her new husband Jeremiah to enlist, but he joins up, hoping to make enough money that they'll be able to afford their own farm. When Jeremiah leaves, Rosetta decides her true place is by his side, no matter what that means, and to be with him, she follows him into war.

With the army desperate for recruits, Rosetta has no trouble volunteering, although she faces an incredulous husband. Her strong will clashes with Jeremiah's, and their marriage is tested by broken conventions, constant danger, war, and the fear that Rosetta will be discovered.

Rich with historical details and inspired by more than 250 documented accounts of the women who fought in the Civil War while disguised as men, I Shall Be Near To You is a courageous adventure, a woman's search for meaning and individuality, and a poignant story of enduring love.

Praise for I Shall Be Near to You

“Astounding.” —Glamour

“Compellingly authentic.” —Elle

“This fascinating historical novel is beautifully written and emotionally charged. Using a female soldier’s point of view for the narration makes McCabe’s story refreshingly unique.” —Romantic Times

“McCabe has created a tough, realistic woman who is equally committed to being a good soldier and a good wife. I Shall Be Near to You is both a poignant love story and a gritty war experience, and is highly recommended.” —Historical Novels Review

“A beautiful and powerful story that offers a rare perspective on those who fought in the Civil War…Following a pair of newlyweds, so brave and loving and committed, navigate the horrors of war is heart-wrenching. In her deceptively simple prose, McCabe has delivered an unforgettable, haunting and well-researched take on history that has a rightful place on bookshelves next to the most timeless and celebrated of sagas.” —Free Lance-Star

“A gripping story, and McCabe's writing gives it considerable impact; I Shall Be Near to You is a memorable addition to the literature of the Civil War.” —San Jose Mercury News

Such a profound story

I first read this book and have now listened to it- and both times was moved to tears by the beauty and loss. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. 13 years ago we bought a preCivil War home just a mile from the New Market battlefield in VA. knowing soldiers walked on this property and most likely camped here brings me a sense of reverence for the lives this house has seen both come and go.

pulls you in

Didn't love the narrator right off the bat, but quickly became enthralled in the story line and was able to overcome that. The details in the story are just enough to captivate your immagination and place you in the battlefields: groaning and responding with the characters to the heart reaching destruction . Still wishing it had ended differently, but perhaps I wouldn't have been as impressed emotionally if it had.

Wrong narrator

This is the story told from a very young girls point of view and the narrator is obviously much older with a deep mature tone to her voice. It threw me off the whole story. :(

beautiful love story

pick this up. you don't want to miss this. excellent real story. bravo. will relisten

Great!

loved it, not the ending I was hoping for but this was very well done.