Editorial Book Review
Her Last Full Measure by Gail Combs Oglesby is a compelling work of historical fiction that captures the harrowing experiences of women during the American Civil War. The novel follows Millicent Wagner, whose life is upended when her husband, Matthew, enlists in the Union Army to support the abolitionist cause. Left to care for their five children, Millicent faces extraordinary challenges, both emotional and practical, as she takes on roles traditionally reserved for men, running her household and keeping her family afloat in a world transformed by war.
Millicent’s journey is one of remarkable resilience. As her husband fights on the battlefield, she battles her own war at home, dealing with uncertainty, loss, and the shifting social norms of the time. Oglesby’s portrayal of Millicent is a tribute to the strength of women who held their families together in the face of overwhelming adversity. Through Millicent, the novel explores themes of courage, inner strength, and the emotional toll of war on those left behind.
The writing is both poetic and poignant, particularly in the letters exchanged between Millicent and Matthew, which heighten the emotional tension. It is immersive and well-paced, and Oglesby skillfully interweaves historical events with Millicent’s personal growth, making for an emotionally charged narrative that honors the women who lived through such trying times.
Her Last Full Measure is a deeply moving novel that reminds readers of the human cost of war and the quiet heroism of those who endure it from the home front. It deserves high praise for its rich historical context, memorable characters, and thoughtful exploration of love, loss, and resilience.
Her Last Full Measure by Gail Combs Oglesby is award the 'X Marks the Book' Highly Recommended Award from Xanadu Book Awards - HISTORICAL CATEGORY
About the Author
Gail Combs Oglesby was born and raised in the western Detroit suburbs and lived for many years in California, and Texas.She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of San Francisco in Human Resources, as well as a Doctorate in Business Administration from California Coast University. For over thirty-five years she worked in leadership roles in the Human Resources function in a variety of industries and from that experience published, “HR Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Finding and Getting a great job” which can be found on Amazon.
When not working, the passion that has bewitched her for the last fifty years has been genealogy. Originally the spell was cast while trying to solve a family mystery, which took nearly forty-years to uncover. Through that work she developed a deep admiration for what our ancestors, especially the women, have endured so that we could be here today. It is now her mission to bring their experiences to life through her writing and to celebrate the ordinary women whose accomplishments were anything but ordinary. Her debut novel "On the Wings of the Red-Tailed Hawk" is available now. “Till I Come Home” her next novel in the series will be out November 2023.
Gail is open to book signings, speaking engagements and author panel discussions. She can be reached at GailOglesby.com
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