The book is a Civil War epic that follows the fates of five brothers throughout the course of the war. Each character immerses you in a different angle of the vast experience. By placing several of the brothers in real units, the reader is able to see the daily life of soldiers and the terror of combat both on land and sea. They try to survive battles, shipwrecks, being lost behind enemy lines, helping runaway slaves, leaving slaves behind, international political intrigue, and the passion of romance. One of the brothers struggles with his inner realization of being a gay man in a century that did not allow for coming out, while the topic of race haunts each character. Only one of the brothers will survive the war, but the identity of the surviving brother is a mystery. Peter serves as a staff officer to General Grant, while Luke works in the telegraph office in Washington (frequently interacting with President Lincoln). The father rises to Congress and participates in the dramatic political and international aspects. The story drives through the incredible drama of these times.