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gellifromtheblock's review against another edition
4.0
My uncle lent me his copy of this classic novella. It does what good short stories do, pressing on big themes with economy. Here, the moral of the story—presented through the tragedy of Philip Nolan, sentenced today never hear of his country for the rest of his life after denouncing it—is to embrace patriotism, lest one face a lifetime of isolation. While originally written to support the Union’s efforts during the civil war, reading this today with the knowledge of the United States’ transgressions against POC and the Global South, feels strange. Still, it’s a worthwhile allegory too ponder on.
jbrito's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
hopebrockway's review against another edition
3.0
This short story was published during the Civil War and, because of this, it low-key resembles propaganda.
No offense, but this whole situation seemed a bit unrealistic to me. I mean, a man who, in his rebellious youth, was banned from stepping foot in his country and from even hearing of the United States ever again? It seems a bit too elaborate to me.
So Nolan lives out his life scuttling from ship to ship, always skirting around the U.S. but never setting foot on land again. He is also banned from hearing news from home. Any news pertaining to his former country is cut out of his newspapers. Like what?? Honestly who has the time and dedication to carry such a thing through?
At its heart, this short story is about patriotism and staying true to your country, no matter how flawed it seems. It discusses the idea of country identity and how, once stripped of that, life changes forever. It was quite sad to see Nolan spiral into depression once he realized the severity of his punishment. As I mentioned before, the whole situation seemed a bit unrealistic and unnecessarily cruel to me.
I do think that since this was written during the Civil War, this was written for the Confederates. Basically a "you better shape up or you're gonna be like poor Nolan here" threat. So that's fun.
Other then the aforementioned flaws, this story was quick and fairly easy to read. I was fortunate enough to read my great-great-great aunt's edition and I was enchanted both by her signature in the front cover (!!!) and the several pictures throughout.
No offense, but this whole situation seemed a bit unrealistic to me. I mean, a man who, in his rebellious youth, was banned from stepping foot in his country and from even hearing of the United States ever again? It seems a bit too elaborate to me.
So Nolan lives out his life scuttling from ship to ship, always skirting around the U.S. but never setting foot on land again. He is also banned from hearing news from home. Any news pertaining to his former country is cut out of his newspapers. Like what?? Honestly who has the time and dedication to carry such a thing through?
Spoiler
In the end, the poor man is so depressed. He is literally dying and they won't tell him anything. It was so sad to see old man Nolan almost crying when they finally spilled the tea about what happened to his country during this exile.At its heart, this short story is about patriotism and staying true to your country, no matter how flawed it seems. It discusses the idea of country identity and how, once stripped of that, life changes forever. It was quite sad to see Nolan spiral into depression once he realized the severity of his punishment. As I mentioned before, the whole situation seemed a bit unrealistic and unnecessarily cruel to me.
I do think that since this was written during the Civil War, this was written for the Confederates. Basically a "you better shape up or you're gonna be like poor Nolan here" threat. So that's fun.
Other then the aforementioned flaws, this story was quick and fairly easy to read. I was fortunate enough to read my great-great-great aunt's edition and I was enchanted both by her signature in the front cover (!!!) and the several pictures throughout.
joyfulme's review against another edition
4.0
Phillip Nolan cursed his country during a court martial, and the judge responded by banishing him, not just physically but also psychologically, forbidding any of his fellow Navy crewmen to speak or give news of the United States for the 50 remaining years of Nolan’s life that he would spend at sea. He “repented of his folly and submitted to the fate he had asked for.” He capitulates pleading with the narrator, “No matter what happens to you, no matter who flatters you or who abuses you, never look at another flag, never let a night pass but you pray to God to bless that flag. Remember, boy, that behind all these men you have to do with, behind officers, and government, and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to Her s as you belong to your own mother.” And that was Hale’s message to his readers. Be thankful for your country. It’s a timely message- one that some voices in our culture have deemed trite, old fashioned, and even racist. But the context that Hale gives to this thought is worth consideration: Your country is your home.
justinmartyr's review against another edition
This is a classic that really should be reread every so often.