The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick is a funny, fast-paced
historical fiction adventure following one brother's quest to save another from serving in the Civil War. When Homer and Harold's ne'er-do-well uncle/guardian illegally sells Harold into the Union army in the last gasps of the Civil War, there's nothing for 12 year old Homer to do but run off in search of him. And so begins the nonstop adventure as he makes his way from Maine straight to the Battle of Gettysburg, weaving tall tales to get himself out of (and land himself smack dab in the middle of) sticky situations along the way. Along his quest Homer finds himself in the company of eclectic characters entrenched in elaborate schemes, including trying to help freed slaves as well catch them, peddling "medicine" to soldiers in a traveling circus, and rescuing flying contraptions that may or may not be useful in the war effort. As Homer gets closer views of the bloody battles and the mainly tragic results for the young men fighting, he knows it is a race against time to save his brother.
historical fiction adventure following one brother's quest to save another from serving in the Civil War. When Homer and Harold's ne'er-do-well uncle/guardian illegally sells Harold into the Union army in the last gasps of the Civil War, there's nothing for 12 year old Homer to do but run off in search of him. And so begins the nonstop adventure as he makes his way from Maine straight to the Battle of Gettysburg, weaving tall tales to get himself out of (and land himself smack dab in the middle of) sticky situations along the way. Along his quest Homer finds himself in the company of eclectic characters entrenched in elaborate schemes, including trying to help freed slaves as well catch them, peddling "medicine" to soldiers in a traveling circus, and rescuing flying contraptions that may or may not be useful in the war effort. As Homer gets closer views of the bloody battles and the mainly tragic results for the young men fighting, he knows it is a race against time to save his brother.
Rodman Philbrick of Freak the Mighty fame bring his distinct, sharp wit to this tale without avoiding the grittiness of war. This story does not tug at the heartstrings, nor does it attempt to, but instead uses its plucky and determined protagonist to give a broad overview of the various layers of this specific war, as well as the chaos and carnage involved in the battlefields. Philbrick also includes a hilarious and informative addendum featuring "Some Additional Civil War Facts, Opinions, Slang & Definitions, to be Argued, Debated & Cogitated Upon."
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
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I agree with Deb's comments on this one. This is a look at both civilian and military life during the Civil War that is not sentimental. Rather, it’s a page-turner of the misdeeds and adventures that Homer experiences while attempting to rescue his beloved brother that reaches its climax amidst the gore of the Battle Of Gettysburg. From Maine heading south, Homer regularly finds himself in the company of adults who are out for their own financial gain, blinded by love, or otherwise led astray. The series of funny, suspenseful, and sometimes dangerous episodes that leads to Homer charging through the Battle of Gettysburg expose human folly, greed, and the misery and scars left by slavery and war. All of this is told through narration that is frank, oftentimes funny, and full of some dandy turns of phrase.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I agree with Deb. Homer is a well drawn, distinctive character who by turns lives and fibs his way through some of the most historically significant issues of his time. Philbrick's latest work is full of fascinating period details and wonderful turns of phrase that bring humorous, personal moments to a grim period of American history.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I read this right after Crows and Cards so I couldn't help noticing the similarities (from the medicine shows right down to the appendices!) and drawing a comparison.
For me, Homer comes out on top. I thought he was sharper and more sophisticated than his counterpart in Crows (especially when it came to dealing with scam artists) and I thought Philbrick did a better job of bringing his supporting cast of characters to life, particularly Mr. Brewster, who made me curious to find out more about Quakers.