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A Successful Life in America
The Journal of Aaron McClare follows a congressman settling the estate of his stepfather in Ireland who discovers a hidden journal detailing his life and how he ended up on a plantation during the Civil War. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the nineteenth century, the conditions of the ordinary people in rural Ireland were harsh in the extreme with evictions taking place at the whim of the landlords. They had to either move to the cities or large towns to get work or in a lot of circumstances emigrate to America or Canada. I attempted to imagine what it would be like for someone arriving in a foreign country.
Your novel takes readers on a journey with Aaron as he documents his life in his journal. What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I had to undertake extensive research, mostly in history books and Google for the following:
(a) conditions on board the ships taking emigrants to the new world and what awaited them when they arrived there;
(b) life on the plantations in the Confederate states and how slavery affected the coloured population;
(c) life of a blacksmith in the Union army and research battles during the American Civil War to attempt to get correct timelines of the conflict;
(d) the aftermath when the civil war ended.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
I think the indomitable spirit of some human beings makes great reading. In the case of Aaron McClare, he rose from abject poverty, grief, and adversity to carve a successful life in America before returning home to the land of his birth.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The third book in the Silver Helmet trilogy entitled The Silver Helmet The Last Battle at Stalanger Fjord is with the beta readers at my publishers and I await the feedback on this one. I am working on a new story with the working title Part Of The Nation. It deals with the deportation of a section of the community and how it affects two families in particular.
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AARON MCCLARE WAS A BLACKSMITH IN HIS HOMELAND IN COUNTY ANTRIM BUT FINDS HIMSELF EVICTED FROM HIS HOUSE THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN.
AFTER TRAVELLING WITH HIS WIFE AND BEST FRIEND TO BELFAST IN AN ATTEMPT TO GET WORK IN THE SHIPYARD HE FINDS THERE IS NO WORK TO BE HAD. THE THREE TRAVELLERS DECIDE TO EMIGATE TO AMERICA TO FIND A BETTER LIFE.
DISASTER STRIKES ON THE VOYAGE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC WHICH FORCES HIM TO TAKE PATHS WHICH WOULD HAVE SEEMED INCONCEIVABLE WHEN HE FIRST SET FOOT IN THE NEW WORLD. A JOURNEY WHICH SEES HIM ENGULFED IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR AND ITS AFTERMATH.
The Journal Of Aaron McClare
In The Journal of Aaron McClare by George Lyttle, readers are introduced to American Congressman Craig Bentley and his wife, Lorna, as they settle the estate of Craig’s late stepfather in Ireland. During their visit, Craig stumbles upon a book—an old journal belonging to his stepfather, Aaron McClare. This journal, brimming with the chronicles of a life once lived, captivates Craig and becomes the focal point of the narrative.
The story unfolds as Aaron describes his humble beginnings in Ireland, where he trained as a blacksmith. Facing economic hardship, he, along with his wife and a young boy, relocate to Belfast in search of better prospects. However, opportunities remain elusive, prompting Aaron to embark on a perilous journey to the United States. His arrival in New York coincides with the outbreak of the Civil War, thrusting him into the tumult of the era and onto a Southern plantation that offers both employment and new challenges.
Lyttle’s novel excels in its portrayal of Aaron—a character crafted with enough depth and resilience to engage readers’ sympathies. His life’s narrative is marked by adversity yet punctuated by moments of action and romance, making his journey not just compelling but emotionally resonant. The prose is accessible, allowing the reader to breeze through the book in a matter of days, carried along by the intertwining of dialogue and description that skillfully captures the essence of Victorian life. While the novel captivates with its engaging narrative, it adopts a concise approach to pivotal events, inviting readers to ponder more deeply on Aaron’s experiences and the rich historical context of his adventures. This streamlined narrative style enhances the story’s pace, appealing particularly to those who appreciate a quick yet substantial read.
The Journal of Aaron McClare will appeal to readers of historical fiction looking for a story that offers insight and intrigue. It serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of formidable odds, making it a worthwhile addition to any historical novel collection.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0CQ58QVHX
LITERARY TITAN 