Tapping into the hot topic of immigrants, author Roger Higgins' timely book Billy Gogan, Gone Fer Soldier follows the life of an orphaned Irish lad who immigrated to America in 1844. In his previous book, it was a fight for survival as Billy Gogan lived in America's first and most dangerous slum. Now, trading in the awful life in The Five Points for a similarly brutal life as a soldier, Gogan must once again prove what he's made of. This riveting tale of historical fiction is told in the first-person point of view, which lends an immediacy to the story that will reverberate with readers. It is the story of what all immigrants are in search of: a better life.
"A hypnotizing tale that defines the origin of not only Billy Gogan but of each of us at our point of entry, past historical or recent, into America. A brilliant tour de force!"
– Grady Harp, Amazon Top 100 Reviewer, Five Stars
The novel is written as a memoir, with 85-year old William P. Gogan, now a retired general, dictating his story so that his adventures will be carried down. The year is 1844. Gogan is the tender age of 16, destitute, and orphaned. To survive, he enlists in the U.S. Army. There, under the cruel leadership of Sergeant Hoggs, he is once again faced with the unyielding darkness of a human soul. Having just escaped the deadly hands of his nemesis in Gotham, and mourning the recent loss of his best friend in New York's awful fire, Gogan's goal is to make a place for himself as a new citizen of America.
Filled with historical characters such as Ulysses S. Grant, who befriends young Gogan, Higgins does a tremendous job of telling us a compelling story of history through the eyes of his young Irish lad. Filled with racism, danger, love, lust and war, it's stuff your teachers never taught you in the classroom.
"I wanted to explore the Mexican-American War and the army from the point of enlisted men, but I wanted somebody who had the education and perspective to be able to comment on things," says Higgins.
The result is a great history lesson full of fascinating characters and page-turning adventures.
"Roger Higgins has produced an excellent story, well researched, wonderfully detailed, and totally compelling reading."
–Susan Keefe, Midwest Book Review
Higgins, lawyer by day, is a big history buff and writes to share his love and knowledge of early America. "If you come to America, you can make your way," says Higgins. "That is absolutely what we're taught in school. But that has not necessarily been the case for everybody or for many groups. It took the Irish two or three generations to really to take hold."
"The author's research is impeccable. Highly recommended."
–The Historical Novel Society
The book dialogue is interwoven with an Irish brogue, adding realism to its characters and content. There is also a glossary of Irish terms. For more, Higgins' interactive website is a treat for both adults and children. Explore it to discover more of Billy Gogan's world, and to learn about American history. Don't miss the book trailer, narrated by a man with an Irish accent at this link: http://bit.ly/BillyGoganTrailer and on the author's website: http://billygogan.com/. Pick up this book today!
Critical praise and awards for the prequel, Billy Gogan, American:
Bronze IPPY Award for Military Wartime Fiction 2019
IAN Book of the Year Award: 2018 Winner Action/Adventure
2018 IAN Book of the Year Finalist
Hollywood Book Fest: 2018 Honorable Mention
New York Book Festival: 2018 Honorable Mention
Readers' Favorite: 2018 Honorable Mention in Adventure Fiction
International Book Awards: 2017 Finalist, Historical Fiction
Billy Gogan Gone Fer Soldier ISBN 1609521374, 2019, Traveler's Tales/Solas House, 416 pages, $16.99 paperback and $16.99 on Kindle, $39.95 hardcover on Amazon
About Roger Higgins
Roger Higgins immigrated to America from England when he was 6 ¾ years old. After wearing his British school uniform to class on the first day, he decided it was better to try to look more American. Higgins grew up and joined the Navy, then retired to become a lawyer. He dabbles in law, while writing books to his heart's content.
The first book Billy Gogan, American is available on Amazon He is currently working on the third book in the Billy Gogan series Billy Gogan Sheltered by the Enemy. Higgins and his wife live in Chicago, IL and are the proud parents of four wonderful and successful grown children.
Media Contact: For a review copy of Billy Gogan, Gone Fer Soldier or to arrange an interview with Roger Higgins, contact Scott Lorenz of Westwind Communications Book Marketing at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on twitter @abookpublicist
About Roger Higgins
Author
Billy Gogan
Gone Fer Soldier
Roger Higgins immigrated to America from England when he was 6 ¾ years old. After wearing his British school uniform to class on the first day, he decided it was better to try to look more American. Higgins grew up and joined the Navy, then retired to become a lawyer. After working in various law firms as an associate and later a partner, he opened the Law Offices of Roger Higgins in 2012. Now he practices law, while writing books to his heart's content.
When he is not working or writing, Higgins offers his law services pro bono, enjoys learning about history, and loves Rugby. In his younger days he played rugby at San Diego State, then later with the Ancient Aztecs, and the Chicago Grey Lions. He still loves to play when he gets a chance.
The next book in the Billy Gogan series Billy Gogan Gone fer Soldier will be published later this year. He and his wife live in Chicago, IL and are the proud parents of four wonderful and successful grown children.