One of the remarkable aspects of war heroism, both in literature and reality, is often the overlooked contribution of women who, in juxtaposition with their male counterparts, display a crucial form of strength essential for achieving victory in any military operation. From figures like Homer’s Penelope to Dolley Madison to Taya Kyle, a formidable new addition emerges: Constance Thompson, the protagonist of Laird Hunt’s poignant novel Neverhome. She assumes the identity of a man, Ash, to fight for the Union army in place of her husband from Indiana.
Laird Hunt, known for his Midwestern tales in previous works, ventures into new territory with Neverhome, offering a narrative that transcends its regional roots. The historical context and the protagonist’s transformation drive the story beyond its setting. Disguised as a man, Constance embarks on a journey far from her home, both literally and metaphorically, never fully returning to her former life or identity. Another female soldier she encounters expresses a similar sentiment, “I made it back, sure enough, but never felt I’d made it home.”
The heart of the novel delves into Constance’s evolution as she assumes the male role. Her first-person narrative injects the story with liveliness and intrigue as her dual personas unfold. Over two years, she traverses the South, resorting to violence in self-defense and for the Union cause. The extent to which her brutality and cunning are intrinsic versus situational remains ambiguous. Her terse language and fragmented recollections hint at an innate strength. She describes her husband as “made out of wool” while she sees herself as “made out of wire.” Her encounters and interactions with other men, including her colonel, reveal a natural, assertive demeanor that garners her fame on the battlefield.
Despite her tough exterior, Constance also possesses a softer side, showcasing her keen observations and poetic reflections on the world around her. She maintains a connection with her deceased mother, imbuing the narrative with a supernatural element. Memories of her mother’s strength, depicted through powerful legs emerging from a bath, offer insight into Constance’s resilience. Meanwhile, she grapples with the absence of feminine aspects in her transformed world.
As the story unfolds, Constance’s return home further blurs the lines of her identity. A confrontation with Confederate soldiers leads to a decisive act of violence, reminiscent of Odysseus’s actions against the suitors. Embracing her masculinity fully, Constance demonstrates the resolve needed for an uncertain future. However, her journey also highlights a different form of constancy within – a determination to survive while grappling with her vulnerabilities and the quest for a true sense of homecoming.
