Hot Springs Village author Nancy Hendricks will appear in character for a program spotlighting the role of Jewish people during the Civil War at 7 p.m. May 4 in Congregation House of Israel, 300 Quapaw Ave.
Her new book, "Terrible Swift Sword: Long Road to the Sultana," was recently released and will be the basis for her presentation. The Civil War story has been described as "Gone With the Wind" meets "Titanic."
The event is open to the public and will include a wine and cheese reception. Hendricks will be available to sign books after her program. Though there is no admission charge, any contributions will be donated to the Garland County Historical Society.
Along with a book tour, Hendricks will be on the road at national programs commemorating the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War in April 1865.
"So many average people were caught up in the cataclysm of war. One of them was Emanuel Burgauer, of Hot Springs, who fought for the South, was a prisoner of war and went on to be a founder of Congregation House of Israel," she said in a news release.
She said event attendees can see Burgauer's name on the wall of the social hall, which may bring the story even closer to home.
In the prestigious Kirkus Reviews, the book is described as a " ... riveting novel. Her solid research enables her to evoke the atmosphere of the times, from the mundane to the horrible. The story's characters, particularly the women, are well drawn, and the dialogue is true to life. She also effectively brings out the struggles of characters such as a Jewish peddler named Stieglitz. An often vivid, heartbreaking story full of great historical detail."
Hendricks said she was honored to be reviewed by the nationally renowned Kirkus. "I am so glad the review also noted that the book underscores kindness that appears in unexpected places. The story is inspiring and uplifting. It involves the role of faith in adversity, compassion in wartime, the miracle of enduring love, and the strength of the human spirit," she said.
Her book was researched 10 years and includes fascinating true details about topics including women Civil War soldiers, a Confederate attack on New York City, and the plight of Jewish families in the mid-South. Hendricks says the book will appeal to general audiences who like a good story, in addition to those interested in history, the Civil War and true-life inspiration.
She will be available for Civil War programs throughout 2015 at houses of worship, civic organizations and book clubs. Also author of "Senator Hattie Caraway: An Arkansas Legacy," Hendricks is well known for her portrayal of Caraway, the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. She has spoken at a number of area groups and travels nationwide with her program, "Hattie to Hillary: Women in Politics."
Hendricks is an award-winning author who received the Pryor Award for Arkansas Women's History, Arkansas Governor's Arts Award, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Award, and White House Millennium Award for her work.
Entertainment on 04/27/2015