My newest release, THE HANGING OF DR. HANSON (Savant 2014), already
began receiving wide spread interest and acclaim even before it was released.
It's the tale of Dr. Hanson Bumgardner, better known as "Dr. Hanson."
The story is set in the tumultuous mid-1800's when historic forces were driving
the United States of America towards what seemed to be certain self-destruction.
Hanson Bumgardner is an historical figure. Researching his
life, especially on the Western plains and during the Civil War, was engrossing.
In the process, I discovered many fascinating facts and tidbits about life
during those times, too many, in fact to include them all in the novel.
People's lives may have been different back then, but their thoughts, needs,
desires and motivations are surprisingly contemporary. That's partly what makes
this work so accessible to the modern reader. One can relate surprisingly
easily to the character's struggles, joys and sorrows.
Hanson's tale is quite captivating as he strives to discover
his life-calling. However, he toils in one of the worst eras of American
history, which constantly adds to his confusion and nudges him along a path that
ultimately leads to his doom.
THE HANGING OF DR. HANSON (Savant 2014) is a story about human
basics: life and death, war and peace, love and loss. It's about how, despite
the best of intentions, humans so often seem to be led astray. To make it more
dramatic and realistic, Bumgardner himself is quoted from his ninety-minute
soliloquy on the gallows, as he recounts his amazing life story while
attempting to bide for time, hoping for a miraculous last minute rescue or
reprieve.
I believe this, my latest novel, will appeal to almost every
type of reader. It is a timely Civil War tale that
chronicles of one person's very real ordeal as he copes with the technical,
political and emotional turmoil of nineteenth-century life. It's strongest
appeal, I believe, is that Dr. Hanson Bumgardner's life struggles will seem
quite at home in our currently tumultuous times.
Bentley Gates
Award-winning Author of
THE HANGING OF DR. HANSON (Savant 2014)
THE BAHRAIN CONSPIRACY (Savant 2010 -- Amazon Kindle Bestseller)