Published Books

REVIEWS:

Author J. Michael Joslin has done a wonderful job of research in writing his latest book “I Fear We Shall Never See Home Again.” He has a unique way of creating imagery and dialogue that puts the reader in the shoes of his characters. His descriptions of action sequences are vivid and robust. A stickler for authenticity and detail, Michael has recreated the life of a Civil War soldier in camp, battle, and prison, and the explosion and burning of the steamboat Sultana in a way that educates and entertains the reader and leaves one wanting more. An excellent work of historical fiction based on true events and true characters. – Gene Eric Salecker Author, Disaster on the Mississippi: The Sultana Disaster, April 27, 1865, and historical consultant for the Sultana Disaster Museum, Marion, AR.

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This book is fiction based on fact. The story uses real people, places, and events. It is about 5 friends from the City of Coldwater in southern Michigan and their story as soldiers of the 18th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. Author J Michael Joslin spent years doing research to ensure that the story held true to what the men had to endure. Their training, the battle, internment as prisoners of war, and finally their part in the greatest maritime disaster in American history, the explosion of the steamship Sultana on the Mississippi River. My wife and I were lucky enough to be able to visit the Cahaba (Cahawba) prison site 4 years ago with the Sultana Descendants Association. In reading about the prison and what the men had to endure I could picture the areas in my mind. We were also with the Sultana Descendants group when they visited Helena, Arkansas where the T.W. Banks photo of the overloaded Sultana was taken. Our trip there was in April when the Mississippi was flooded. Seeing just the tops of trees and feeling the coldness of the water really brought home the suffering that was cast upon the passengers of the Steamship that fateful April night in 1865. Mr. Joslin states in the book that the story is not about the depth or detail of the sinking of the Sultana itself, but it is about the soldier’s story. I do recommend the book as I found it easy and enjoyable to read. Who knows, it might just spark someone’s interest in reading and finding out more about the worst maritime disaster in American history – one that it seems very few people have ever heard of or know anything about. – Robert Griggs, a member of the Sultana Association and of the SUVCW.

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A well-written and well-researched historical novel centering around 5 young men who joined the fight for the Union, and found their existence at the mercy of their Confederate captors. The author gives exceptional, historically correct details about life in the Cahaba Prison, and the young soldiers’ ultimate release to return home on board the ill-fated steamship, Sultana.
Great reading for historians as well as any reader looking for a good historic novel. CJ girlfriend.

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J. Michael Joslin, your book and story are awesome. My brother and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done, my friend. Hopefully, as the museum is completed and hopefully, the story of the Sultana begins to become familiar to people, your book sales will increase. I would think that you should be able to find a screenwriter in our area via Facebook or other social media. Good luck! Skip Markland