REVIEW: Junius and Albert’s Adventures in the Confederacy

An historical novel by Peter Carlson

Few Civil War histories seem suitable for toes-in-the-sand beach-reading, but Junius and Albert’s Adventures in the Confederacy manages to fit that bill with wondrous delight. Weaving the tale of two war-weary journalists who find themselves captured and thrown into a Confederate prison, Peter Carlson sheds new light on a time period perhaps overly examined and scrutinized, especially in this sesquicentennial era. The titular characters, Junius Browne and Albert Richardson, encounter a slew of interesting individuals along their journey, and are aided in their escape by a band of altruistic heroes, both black and white. As the story unfolds, the reader gains new insight about Southern society and the intricacies that lie within.

Carlson, a former journalist himself, unfurls the story – equal parts adventure, buddy comedy, and war history – with true genius. The characters (sometimes resonant of Bill and Ted, other times Felix and Oscar), are endearingly mischievous and courageous. Their tale, whether embellished post-war or not, will find the reader feverishly turning the pages and longing for more, right until the final twist. You need not be a scholar or history to frolic along with Junius and Albert’s Adventures in the Confederacy.

– Jennifer Lively, Main Library, Charleston, S.C.

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