But Lieutenant Kerry’s luck changes when he runs into Sergeant Ike Jefferson and says, “The last time I saw you, I had you bent over a barrel and I was whipping you.” Ike is not only Beau’s best friend (or worst enemy, depending on the day), he’s Beau’s former slave — and Ike knows there’s a $5000 price on Beau’s head.
Caroline Dietrich has vengeance on her mind. Married to Colonel Wesley Dietrich, the Union fort commander, Caroline believes the best path to getting revenge against the Yankees, her husband included, is seducing her husband’s officers. Especially Beau.
From the killing fields of the Civil War, to the savagery of the Indian wars, the characters are also battling each other and searching for what it means to be human.
The Stamp of Heaven is a unique study on the human condition during times of conflict, including war, domesticity, dissent among military ranks, and internal strife. This story is not the typical western or war novel that mainly focuses on battle after battle or conquering the Wild West. Instead, The Stamp of Heaven delivers exceptional characterization and insight into the workings of the human mind ravaged by guilt, inadequacy, regret, hatred, and prejudice.
The main character, Beau Mitchell, is quite the enigma. He is honor bound, yet he has not always been honorable; he is likable, yet he is hated by some and rejected by others; he is Beau Mitchell, yet he is also Beau Kerry. Rather than being confusing, this duality is realistic because many people have both friends and enemies, and many take on a different identity for various reasons. However, Julia Robb is adept at presenting this one character almost side by side with himself, to the point where even he struggles with his own duality and his quest to be noble and true, even as he runs from his faults and past choices.
Ike Jefferson is another example of Julia Robb’s excellent characterization. Ike is Beau’s former slave, and he exemplifies human’s inability to forgive and forget and the long-lasting and far-reaching effects of holding a grudge. Of course, Ike is justified in his anger, and the author allows the reader to ‘hear’ his story and feel his pain and hurt and see him slowly shed his antagonism toward Beau as the plot progresses. This relationship is both agonizing and beautiful in its transition and development to the last heart-wrenching page.
A word of caution for sensitive readers: While the racial slurs and some harsh language/scenes can be difficult to read, they fit with the time, place, and characters. However, the overall story is saturated with high emotions on many fronts as the characters battle with each other and within themselves. A perfect example of such internal conflict is Walter Gaines. This man embodies jealously and hatred, to the point where his self-destructive actions culminate in that completely unexpected climactic moment. The contrast between Beau and Gaines is purposeful and shows how one can rise above his past and become a hero, while another allows himself to smother in his own self-loathing and cowardice.
This is but a glimpse of the unique personalities in The Stamp of Heaven. This short novel is filled with other well-developed characterization that shows just how hard it can be to forgive; to let go; and to understand another’s and maybe even your own pain, remorse, bitterness, love, respect, and mercy.
Enter the giveaway below for a chance to win a signed copy of The Stamp of Heaven by Julia Robb.
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Thank you so much for your thoughtful review.
You’re welcome! It’s entirely my pleasure!