"A Tugging String" by David Greenberg, published in 2008, is a historical fiction novel set during the American Civil War era. The story follows two young boys from different backgrounds, one a slave and the other a plantation owner's son, who form an unlikely bond despite the societal norms and pressures of the time.
As the Civil War rages on, the two boys find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict, with the slave boy fighting for the Union and the plantation owner's son joining the Confederate army. The novel explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the complicated legacy of slavery in the United States.
Greenberg's writing is descriptive and vivid, bringing to life the sights and sounds of the Civil War era. The novel is notable for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters who are struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing world.
Overall, "A Tugging String" is a thought-provoking and compelling novel that sheds light on an important moment in American history.