Book Review

Balestri, Avellina. Gone For a Soldier. Vol. One. All Ye That Pass By. Self-Published, 2024.

Revolutionary War histories often portray the British as a homogeneous people. In reality, during the American Revolution, Britons held vastly different national identities, religious beliefs, and cultural norms. Historical fiction can be a valuable way to discern the British people’s diversity. Avellina Balestri’s trilogy is a compelling example of historical fiction that deepens our understanding of those who opposed American independence. The veteran author of stories, poems, and essays offers insightful perspectives on British history and culture through a historically grounded novel.

The main protagonist is Edmund “Ned” Southworth, a fictional character from Lancashire in northwest England. Ned descends from a once-noble family that loses much of its wealth and power because of its religious practices. The Southworth family remained Catholic when most of Britain became Protestant. Religious persecution forced the family to hide their worship services and other elements of their Catholic faith. They were prohibited from owning weapons or serving in government and were shunned by the Protestant majority. They were labeled recusants for refusing to subscribe to the official government Test Act. Under this act, oath-takers specifically disavowed Catholic doctrines and were required to receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper according to the dictates of the Church of England. Throughout the novel, Balestri ably demonstrates that faith played a principal role in the lives of British people in the late 18^th century.

Beyond religious differences, Balestri explores a second theme – distinct British national identities. The author introduces historical and fictional figures with English, Scottish, and Irish backgrounds. The characters demonstrate the unique cultures and perspectives of each national identity. Through dialogue, Balestri has her characters narrate key events that knitted Britain together, such as the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion. The nationalist and religiously based uprising sought to restore Charles Edward Stuart, a practicing Catholic, to the British throne. A second example is Simon Fraser, a noted British general who joined the military to atone for his family’s participation in the Jacobite uprising. Another example is an idealistic sixteen-year-old who recites a religious allegory that supports his Anglican faith (p. 4-5).

The third theme is British culture and literature. Throughout the text, poems and songs highlight key aspects of that culture. Balestri’s characters are literate, educated, and interested in preserving and celebrating the foundational elements of their heritage. One example is a proud Northumbrian general in the British Army who recites the ballad of the border battles with Scotland by heart while with a Scottish officer (p. 73-4). Another example is a Royalist ditty sung by an intoxicated General Burgoyne, originally written to support King Charles I (p. 121). Lastly, the author includes a pre-Revolutionary American patriotic song, “Free America,” demonstrating an evolving North American cultural identity (p. 171-72).

The story begins with Ned, a young Catholic seeking his place in the world. His devout mother decries Ned’s dealings with Protestants, including a longtime boyhood friend who is the son of the local vicar. It becomes clear to Ned that practicing Catholicism will keep him isolated and without opportunities. As a result, Ned is torn between his fervent Catholic faith and his desire to be part of the rest of society.

By chance, Ned meets John Burgoyne on a local road. The British general and Member of Parliament from Preston was traveling to repay a debt owed to Ned’s late father. This chance encounter dramatically changed Ned’s life, offering an opportunity to experience a wider world. Readers learn more about Burgoyne than his often-criticized generalship. He had a complicated but loving relationship with his wife, despite many extramarital relationships. Their only daughter died at age ten, an event the author described as something the couple continued to mourn twelve years later. Between military campaigns, Burgoyne was an active playwright and theater supporter. He also liked to mentor young men.

Burgoyne took a liking to Ned and introduced him to life beyond rural Lancashire. Initially, Ned was appalled by the general’s risqué London lifestyle. Later, he came to better understand and respect Burgoyne. Eventually, Ned decided to follow Burgoyne and join his military family early in the American war. In this capacity, he took the Test Act oath, became an active-duty British lieutenant, and traveled to America to put down the rebellion. Initially, his responsibilities were non-combat as Burgoyne led a massive army invading New York from Canada through the Champlain and Hudson Valleys.

Those familiar with General Burgoyne’s Saratoga campaign will recognize many historically accurate events and participants. Ned is stationed at the rear of the invading army with the general. This view from the end of the army train is unique. Unlike most historical accounts, readers will experience what it was like to travel through a hostile wilderness as part of a massive army while attempting to provide gentlemanly comforts. Ned forms relationships with people from all parts of the British Empire. These relationships are tested and sometimes end because of wartime dangers. Being in the rear does not protect Burgoyne’s military family from attacks by Rebel Americans.

Today, we know how Burgoyne’s campaign ended. Rebel Americans surrounded Burgoyne and forced him to surrender near Saratoga, fifty miles from where he intended to capture Albany, NY. The humbled British general returned to Britain in disgrace and never again commanded on a foreign battlefield. However, the author’s story, focused on Ned and the people he meets, is much more interesting.

No spoilers! You will have to read Balestri’s novel to find out what happens to Ned during the American conflict. At the conclusion of Volume I, the historically adept author entices readers to delve into the recently published Volume II to follow Ned’s exploits as the American Revolution unfolds.

Balestri, Avellina. Kingdom of Wolves. Vol. Two. All Ye That Pass By. Self-published, 2026.

Readers interested in British history and the associated religious practices of its citizens will get the most out of the Anglophile’s novel. All readers will gain a better understanding of the hardships of everyday life and the ordeals of military duty during the American Revolutionary Era.