MY BROTHER SAM IS DEAD by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

MY BROTHER SAM IS DEAD by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Bibliographic Data:

Collier, J.L. & Collier, C. (2005). My brother sam is dead. New York: Four Winds Press. ISBN 0590073397. 437 pages.

Summary:

Readers of this novel will experience the Revolutionary War from Tim’s perspective as he is torn between his brother, Sam, who fights for the Rebels and his father who remains a Loyalist.  As Tim endures the family division, he tries to make sense of which cause to side with as well as longing for a purpose of his own.  When his father is taken to prison ships, Tim must find a way to become the man of the house while hoping Sam will come home to help.  Sam never makes it home but instead dies for Tim and his mother’s freedom.

Analysis:

 

Never before have I read historical fiction and gained such an accurate mental picture as I did in My Brother Sam is Dead by the Collier brothers.  Their depiction of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a teenage boy brings history to life and makes it more accessible to those who read it.  Winner of the Newbery Honor Book Award (American, 1997) in 1975, aspects such as setting, believable characters, real emotions, worthy issues, and historical prevalence add up to a book valuable to young readers. 

 

Nilsen and Donelson (2009) state that the setting of a historical novel must be integral to the story (p. 244).  In the case of this novel, the authors give descriptive details about the place and time in history.  The main location, Redding, is described in the beginning of the war and how it changes during the war including the mood and neighborly attitudes, financial conditions, and safety.  The surroundings are also described such as the family-owned tavern, the oxen cart, weaponry, living conditions, and uniforms worn by both sides. 

Though the historical setting is important, it is Tim, the main character, who connects with readers.  He is a teenager and nearly worships his older brother Sam.  Sam is in college, attends parties, studies for a career, and to Tim he is living the dream life.  When he comes home, he tells Tim exciting stories and refers to “telling points” which leave lasting impressions on younger brother Tim.  When Sam joins the Rebel army, the brother’s relationship will go through stages of change as they become adults and make their own choices.  Throughout the novel Tim both envies and loathes Sam’s choices.  Readers will also relate to Tim through his father who remains a Loyalist and disagrees with war.  Their father is harsh on Sam and his treasonous behavior.  I picture him as a gruff man, typically distant and quiet, speaking only to shout his disagreements.  The boys’ mother’s role in the novel is that she is against the war, against death, and fears she will lose everything and everyone.  When their father is taken to a prison ship where he will eventually die, Tim is left to run the home and tavern and make decisions for not only his self, but also his mother; a characteristic young adults admire and delight in. 

Though set in the 1770s, emotions in the story are relevant to today’s young adult readers as well.  Tim idolizes his older brother, stands up for his father, craves a purpose of his own and is angry at Sam for leaving and choosing friends instead of family.  He is also confused at which side of the war he agrees with, he is curious about war-related information, and jealous that Sam went to college and war while he remains at home to care for the homestead. As is the case with war, Tim will also experience sadness, grief, loneliness, but also restoration. 

    

Due to the War on Terror characterizing the beginning of the 21^st century, today’s young adults will be able to relate to some of the war themes in this novel such as time away from family, death, and dying for freedom.  What readers may not understand is the war in one’s own backyard.  The authors provide readers with a different viewpoint; one of war on the homeland; something that has not been experienced since the mid 1800s (History.com, 1996). 

A good book for history classes as well as enjoyment because of its noble themes and realness, this book does lack the feel good “happy ending.” In the end, Tim is able to move on, move away, obtain a career, and care for his mother who still speaks joyfully of Sam.  I must admit, when I first started the book I was hoping the title was deceiving and there would be some sort of twist.  To my disappointment, war played out in the novel as it often does in real life. 

Before this book, I had a narrow picture of the American Revolutionary War.  After an engaging and emotional book, I am more educated about the conditions, feelings, and motives.  Readers will close this book having a better understanding of this time period in our nation’s history.  In the future, when I hear someone speak of the Revolution, I will picture Tim and his brother Sam!

Reference List

American Library Association. (1997). John newbery medal. Retrieved on July 20, 2012 from http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/15/winners/1975

History.com (1996). American civil war. Retrieved July 24, 2012 from http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war  

Nilsen, A. P. & Donelson, K. L. (2009). Literature for today’s young adults (8^th ed.). Boston: Pearson.