When Will This Cruel War Be Over? By Barry Denenberg

When Will This Cruel War Be Over? By Barry Denenberg

Emma Simpson – Civil War child. It starts out that her brother is at war and is killed by one of the Yankees Sharpshooters, and losing her brother meant losing all holidays dear to her family. Her mom tries to see the good…but then her Father has to go off to war. Not long after Emma’s mother gets very ill, and Emma fears for the worse. The worse happens, her mother dies. Her Aunt then goes in her moms place, trying to do her best to raise Emma and her own children.

Her Father writes to her and tells her that he has received word for her mother’s passing, and he tells Emma of what is going on in the war. He tells Emma he is truly sorry and he hopes to see her soon. Soon after, the Yankees start appearing everywhere, there is little hope for Emma now more than ever. She has started talk more responsibility with the household chores, along with the slaves. She is glad her mother does not have to see the horrors of the war.

The Yankees start invading the nearby homes. Emma is horribly scared. The Yankees are killing people for the fun of it! Hanging them on trees and poles, while the people are hanging there dying, the Yankees stand there, and laugh, as if it is only for there

enjoyment!

On the very last (Christmas day 1864) page Emma says, “There is a black hole where my heart previously beat” All of the deaths she could not comprehend. Her last thought… “Is this an awful waste – This painful sacrifice – justified in Gods eyes?”

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Reviewed by Hailee D1P3