Salvation

The sequel to Purgatory is a mostly satisfying romantic adventure. In the earlier installment, Pvt. Ian Campbell deserted the Confederate army, abandoning family and cause, to rescue his Yankee lover, Drew Conrad, from the abuses he endured as a prisoner of war. During the chaotic spring of 1865, the mismatched comrades flee to the presumed safety of Ian’s home. Though most of the setting is meticulously accurate, Mann indulges a bit too much in the romantic notions about the Confederacy and never confronts the unhappy lives of black Southerners; the lone black character is a charming lady, recently freed by her caring masters, who remains on the homestead out of devotion and love. Readers aware of how much Mann omits on that front may find it difficult to sympathize fully with the white protagonists, despite the very real persecution they experience as gay men. This is a flawed but nonetheless fine celebration of queer history long left unsung. (Aug.)