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Jakober, M. (2002). Only Call Us Faithful: A Novel of the Union Underground. New York: Tom Doherty Associates. 381 p. $25.95. [ISBN 0765303167]

Canadian author Marie Jakober provides a refreshing approach to the American Civil War in this historical fiction novel. Union spy Elizabeth Van Lew (1818-1900) tells her story via ghost narrative. Intentional or not, her thoughts are depicted through one font while a disparate one provides memoirs of war. The ghost narration allows the reader to delve first-person into Van Lew’s experiences in espionage from 1861-1865.

Only Call Us Faithful illuminates rather than regurgitates the bravery and brutality of the American Civil War. Jakober’s pen is mightier than the sword as she spares the metaphors, conjures images of the Confederate South, and shoulders no guilt for chronicling one of the most tragic yet beautiful eras in American history. Her hypnotic prose allows readers to explore the horrid prisons, turgid battles, and immensurable trust that Van Lew shares with both sides in the war.

Van Lew unassumingly proclaims her expertise through her well-connected web of accomplices. She claims she can pluck fresh sweet peas from her estate in the heart of the Confederacy and have them on General Ulysses Grant's breakfast table the following morning with a copy of the Richmond Examiner. Van Lew considers no source of information to be inappropriate. For example, she obtains Confederate battle plans through a brothel bequeathed in her relative’s will, a place where soldiers exchange fighting in the fields for favors. While Confederate officers were preoccupied with attending the establishment, 109 Union prisoners escaped from Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia.

Unfortunately, Van Lew’s role with the Union is uncovered before the end of the war. President Grant attempts to financially reward the brave spinster-cum-spy; however, his recompense is in appointing Van Lew as postmistress of Richmond, Virginia. One can only speculate how much impudence was required for her to face the general populace of a city that never forgave their native daughter for her actions.

Only Call Us Faithful is best read on a gray day in a sparse environment that includes the book, its reader, and the gentle company of Van Lew's wandering spirit.

Reviewed by Michael Atkinson, Student, Library and Information Science Program, Wayne State University and Media Technician at West Bloomfield High School, grainelevator@hotmail.com.

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