A Rock for Ambrose by Loyd Hoke, Jr. Lorimer Press

Loyd Hoke, Jr.

Here is a Civil War story that explores life beyond the battlefield, one that tells a harrowing tale about one of the darkest times in U.S. history. Author Loyd Hoke left no stone unturned in his quest to complete a search begun by his grandfather, Lester Hoke. The Hoke family knew Lester’s grandfather, Ambrose, died during the Civil War but his body was never recovered. For years, Lester searched for his ancestor’s remains, but to no avail. Loyd, Ambrose’s great great grandson, continued the pursuit, searching the state of North Carolina, from Catawba County to Bald Head Island. Using family letters, state documents and his own gut instincts, Hoke discovered where his great great grandfather likely died. His story is heart-wrenching, one of deprivation, sickness and fear; but also one of great love.

Reviews:

Books about the Civil War so often center on epic battles and famous generals. A Rock for Ambrose gives us something different: the haunting story of an ordinary Confederate soldier who twice went absent without leave in a heartsick attempt to look after his struggling family back home. Based in part on archival detective work, Loyd Hoke's marvelous historical novel evokes in rich detail the frightening months of the Confederacy’s decline. "
- Peter J. Thuesen Author, Predestination: The American Career of a Contentious Doctrine

Based on the harrowing experiences of his great-great grandfather, Loyd Hoke offers a unique perspective of the grim realities of the Civil War for the common soldier…disease, famine and the plight of his family left behind."
- Mike Lassiter, Our Vanishing Americana

Loyd Hoke’s drive to finish his grandfather’s search for answers about his grandfather Ambrose’s disappearance during the Civil War opens a fascinating window onto American history. Without communications from their loved ones, adequate food, or pay, soldiers and their families were devastated and left desperate to survive. Hoke’s documentation of his family’s history and the hardship of the Civil War era make for a powerful and captivating book."
- Greg Greenawalt Author of Destination Charlotte: the book President, Colonel William Bratton Chapter South Carolina Society Sons of the American Revolution

Kudos and Asides

Congratulations to Anthony Abbott whose recent collection of poetry, If Words Could Save Us, was named co-winner of the 2012 Brockman-Campbell Award, which is given to the best book of poetry published in North Carolina the previous year.