The Photographers Boy-Stephen Bates

In Depression-hit 1930s' New England, Jim, a teenager, has always looked on his ancient grandfather Alfred as a hero for fighting in the American Civil War, but is appalled to discover the truth is different: that the old man ran away from his only battle and became a photographer’s apprentice, engaged in journalistic tricks instead, cynically scavenging battlefields to exploit tragedy by photographing picturesque corpses. Only one man knows Alfred’s secret and he is the grandfather of the boy’s star-struck girlfriend, Annabelle, who has her own ambition: to star in Gone with the Wind.

Jim agrees against his better judgement to drive his grandfather to the 75th anniversary reunion of the battle of Gettysburg in July 1938 and they, Annabelle and the old man’s drinking companion Simeon Trumper drive there in a decrepit Model T Ford. During their journey Jim discovers the old man’s secret treasure which he hopes will both redeem his honour and recoup the family fortunes: a unique glass plate picture of the dead Abraham Lincoln after his assassination, taken clandestinely as the President lay in state in defiance of all the authorities' instructions. Alfred has kept it secretly in a box under his bed for more than 70 years, but thinks he might be able to sell it and gain prestige for having taken it.

Arriving in Gettysburg for the great reunion, they encounter Alfred’s nemesis, Annabelle’s grandfather. Their confrontation culminates in the two old men fighting each other with the only weapons to hand, knives and forks, starting a general mêlée of ninety year-olds re-launching the civil war. In the scuffle the glass plate is irredeemably smashed. Exhausted, but triumphant, having fought and won at last, Alfred collapses and dies, leaving his grandson to return home having learned the truth about love, honour and integrity – and wiser about the terrible events of the war that the old man had indeed witnessed in all their horror.


This was a very good book. I enjoyed how it could easily go between different time periods seamlessly. I love books steeped in history and this one won my heart. Great job.