The Long Roll

"The Long Roll" by Mary Johnston is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, the story captures the sentiments, struggles, and moral dilemmas faced by the people of Virginia as tensions escalate between the North and South. The narrative likely follows several key characters, including Richard Cleave and Judith Cary, who navigate personal and patriotic challenges as their nation heads toward conflict. At the start of the novel, the small town of Botetourt is filled with excitement as the Botetourt Resolutions are read aloud, expressing the community’s determination to protect their rights amidst the growing sectional strife. The speech highlights Virginia's historical role and sets the stage for a burgeoning sense of conflict, with characters reflecting on their allegiances and the implications of approaching war. The contrasting perspectives of the local citizens, including young men looking toward potential enlistment, further illustrate the emotional turmoil of the time, as they ponder the weighty consequences of their decisions in this deeply divided nation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mary Johnston was an American novelist and women's rights advocate from Virginia. She was one of America's best selling authors during her writing career and had three silent films adapted from her novels. Johnston was also an active member of the Equal Suffrage League of Virginia, using her writing skills and notability to draw attention to the cause of women's suffrage in Virginia.