The Broken Fife
by Gary C. Demack
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Pub Date 4 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 13 Apr 2025
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Description
As the Civil War approaches, eighteen-year-old Junius Hart falls in love with Ruby, one of his father’s slaves. When Junius overhears plans to kidnap Ruby, he vows to get her to safety via the Underground Railroad, but his plan goes disastrously wrong when they are ambushed by Jayhawkers and Ruby is captured.
Junius has a special talent: since he was a boy, he has played his grandfather’s fife. He sees a way to track Ruby by joining the Missouri State Guard as a fifer. But soon after, his unit is absorbed into the Confederate Army, forcing Junius to choose between his quest and his moral compass.
After the war, Junius is still reeling from the loss of Ruby. He embarks on a career selling musical instruments which takes him to Canada. There, he learns of Ruby’s fate and meets someone who will forever change his life. For a brief moment, Junius believes his dreams of a life with Ruby may come true, until a shocking revelation tragically destroys them both.
Years later, Junius has rebuilt his life. He no longer plays the fife, but, in a surprising twist, one half of his broken fife shows up in the hands of a stranger, bringing him the redemption he never thought he’d find.
A Note From the Publisher
Advance Praise
"Author Gary C. Demack brings the Civil War era to life with remarkable authenticity that I found completely engrossing. The attention to historical detail created a vivid sense of time and place, but it was done without overwhelming the emotional core of the story. The way Demack develops Junius's character through both triumph and tragedy feels natural and compelling, while the central romance between Junius and Ruby explores complex themes of love and freedom during a pivotal moment in American history. These tender moments are packed with realistic dialogue that lets the emotion pour out between the lines. The use of music as both a plot element and metaphor adds atmosphere to the narrative, creating moments of pure beauty amid the harsh realities of war. Overall, I would highly recommend The Broken Fife to readers who appreciate historical fiction that combines authentic period detail with deeply human stories of love and courage." - K.C. Finn, Readers' Favorite
"Demack’s writing adeptly portrays the devastation of war and the complexities of the human spirit. Demack reminds readers of the importance of the American Civil War, however tragic it is. Through Junius’s struggles, readers can see what young men have done to survive and how they remain true to themselves. Through Junius’s successes, readers can see how having hope can keep a person going, even when things seem insurmountable. Demack’s story is one of timeless lessons and optimism in the face of an unknowable future." - Elizabeth Zender, Independent Book Review
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Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798891325609 |
| PRICE | US$16.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 294 |
