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Seeing the Elephant: One Man’s Return to the Horrors of the Civil War is a work of historical fiction focused on American history and was penned by author T. W. Harvey. Based on very real attitudes, events and emotions from authentic letters penned during the time period itself, the author has developed the tale of Lieutenant Thomas S. Armstrong into a compelling personal narrative of how it truly felt to be there in wartime. Featuring many different manoeuvres, conflicts and everyday situations from the perspective of a Union Army Soldier, this down to earth and realistic novel takes on the war from the average man’s perspective.
 

The deeper you read into this epic, vastly detailed work, the more involved you become with the work of author T. W. Harvey and the discovery of his great-grandfather’s collection of letters. That personal yet distant relationship between the two men lends emotional credence to the work itself, which is well-paced between descriptions of the real events taking place and moments of emotional downtime for Lieutenant Tom as he processes the true horrors and deep scars of what he has witnessed. The novel is detailed enough for Civil War non-fiction fans to delve into its soldier’s-eye perspective deeply, yet filled with action, suspense and an emotional character arc for Tom and his compatriots which stand up to any modern warfare fiction of today. Overall, Seeing the Elephant: One Man’s Return to the Horrors of the Civil War will please many a wartime reading fan and is highly recommended.

Reviewed By:

K.C. Finn

Just finished reading a fascinating book written by the husband of a long-time good friend, Paula Harvey, Tom Harvey. And I remember when his parents, friends of John from Ohio Wesleyan University, moved from their house in Cleveland Hgts. And talk of finding the letters from Tom’s great Grandfather about the Civil War. So much interesting history. Thanks Tom, great job!

Barbara Bub Peckinpaugh

Matlacha Isles, FL

April 5, 2019

Tom…

Your book came, and we were overjoyed. Everything looks, feels, and reads very well. It is a great publication. He did ‘see the elephant.’ That phrase was so graphic and true to the facts. Tom Armstrong experienced nearly every phase of the war, as a civilian and a soldier. His prisoner days covered every possible development.

Tom, we are so glad the letters survived…now your good, full, and great work.

What a full life, and you have dug around and set it in the historic reality that existed. Very proud of you. (Thanks for letting us work a bit with you.)

All best regards…

Betty and Dick

Dr. and Mrs. Richard Smith

Dr. Smith: Professor Emeritus of History

Ohio Wesleyan University

March 14, 2019

Dear Tom,I have just finished reading “Seeing the Elephant”, which Marcie and Doug had given me for Christmas. What a fantastic story!

I started reading it about a week ago. I am not much of a reader – dyslexia makes it difficult for me. So, I don’t read a lot. But this book kept me hooked from early on, and I had trouble putting it down. Knowing you and that this is the story of your great-grandfather made it all the better. I was in tears from about page 440 on, realizing the joy of Tom’s family and he must have felt with his homecoming and then end of the war.

I am sure that one day, when Ella, Calvin, and Violet are old enough to read the story of their great-great-great grandfather, they will gain an appreciation of their roots and the sacrifice Tom Armstrong and others from Ohio made to preserve the Union.

I am looking forward to talking with you about the book when I see you next. Thank you for sharing TSA’s story!

Regards,

Don Simpson

San Angelo, TX

PS: Are you named after TS? 

February 9, 2019

Hi, Paula…

Just wanted to tell you I finished reading "Seeing the Elephant" a couple !of days ago.  I really liked the book!  It was a very interesting true life story and really held my interest.  I particularly enjoyed the fact there were so many familiar locations and towns so well known to me.  The description of Winchester was very accurate and complimentary to the area.  What a fascinating life that Tom Armstrong had.  Tell Tom, I can't wait till his next book is finished .   

Ginny Brown

Keyser, WV              

February 22, 2019