The Making of Joe Wild

The Revenge of Joe Wild is a young adult novel about a 12-year-old boy growing up in mid-19th-century Southern Illinois, accused of murdering his friend Ervan Foster. He flees the authorities and goes on the run, having adventures and fighting in the American Civil War. When he returns, he confronts his accusers and finds out the truth behind Ervan's murder, making peace with himself and the man who falsely accused him. The novel is set against the backdrop of the Civil War and deals with themes of racism, sexuality, and misinformation that are still relevant today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Santa Monica Press

The Revenge of Joe Wild is a captivating young adult novel that delves into the life of a semi-literate 12-year-old boy named Joe, growing up in the mid-19th-century Southern Illinois. An outsider who struggles to conform to societal norms, Joe finds himself at the center of a tragic incident when he is accused of murdering his friend Ervan Foster. Fleeing from the authorities, he embarks on a daring journey, vowing to return as an adult, uncover the truth behind Ervan's murder, clear his name, and seek revenge.

During his time on the run, Joe experiences a series of hilarious, perilous, and eye-opening adventures. He joins the Union army and participates in the American Civil War, gaining valuable combat experience and forming deep connections with his fellow soldiers. Upon returning to his hometown as a 16-year-old, Joe confronts his accusers, determined to clear his name. However, when he learns the shocking truth behind Ervan's murder, he must confront his own demons and find a way to make peace with the man who falsely accused him.

The Revenge of Joe Wild stands as a remarkable testament to the enduring power of literature. In the tradition of renowned 19th-century American authors such as Mark Twain, James Fennimore Cooper, and Stephen Crane, this novel combines humor, tension, and action to create a captivating story set against the backdrop of the Civil War. Themes of racism, sexuality, and misinformation, which were relevant in the 19th century, remain equally pertinent in the 21st century, making this novel a timeless masterpiece.

Through Joe's journey, readers are transported back to a bygone era, where the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people resonate with universal themes. The Revenge of Joe Wild is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Joe's determination to overcome adversity, his thirst for justice, and his quest for redemption serve as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for redemption and a chance for a new beginning.

Weight: 300g
Dimension: 128 x 202 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781595801111