A battle piece

The story opens on a moonless night in August 1776, with a restless Continental army quartered on Brooklyn Heights, eyes fixed on the dark hills beyond. Young soldiers from Maryland, New England and beyond argue about their commander, dreaming of a bold strike while questioning General Washington’s cautious plans. At the center stands the seasoned veteran Israel Putnam, his gruff humor a balm for the weary men, and Sergeant Abner Cotton, a gaunt New Yorker whose hard‑won conscience shines through his somber exterior.

Through Putnam’s orders and Washington’s careful positioning, the narrative paints the tense anticipation of the first major clash on Long Island, as both sides scout the jungle‑filled passes and the crucial Jamaica Road. The novel captures the raw fear, camaraderie, and uncertainty that defined the Continental troops just before the battle erupts, offering listeners a vivid, ground‑level view of a pivotal moment in the fight for independence.