Local author pens book at age 91

Some people just can’t quit! After being turned down by 43 literary agents, 91-YEAR-OLD Julian Hutchinson, of Sparta, has self-published his latest novel, Henry, through Kindle Press. Hutchinson said, “I had no choice. I Was running out of time! Who ever thought I’d live this long? Seriously, I just think a fascinating story should never be wasted.”   

Therefore, Henry, his 105,000-word, Civil War-historical novel, with religious overtones, is now available from Amazon, for $15 in paperback and $2.50 for the electronic version (e-book).

The storyline: Henry is a multilayered novel of imaginary, plus real people, living in the Civil War era. Revenge, betrayal and forgiveness are keystones of the plot. The story roves from the Blue Ridge Mountains and Civil War battlefields, to the Natchez Trace and Mormon Trail, ending in the Rocky Mountain foothills. Part One opens in 1862, with the young boys, Henry, aged 14, and Silas, 18, witnessing the wanton killing of their parents by a Union Army Major, whose unit is en route to the Shiloh battlefield. Seeking revenge, they join a Confederate unit. Between engagements, Henry is exposed to the horrors of racism, undergoes the bewilderment of his first love, experiences a religious awakening on the Natchez Trace and is perfidious to his brother, who, as a result, is emotionally shattered and vanishes.

Part Two features Silas journaling west, with a wagon train, to start a new life, and Henry’s pursuing clues to locate him and apologize. His quest follows the Mormon Trail, towards the Colorado goldfields. Along the way, the young hero becomes involved with a Methodist Circuit Rider, an Indian Princess and Pinkerton undercover agents. 

Hutchinson is best known locally as “Hutch”, spawning from his 60-year career as a State, Fort McCoy and consulting Forester, in addition to the 30 years spent in various live theaters. Hutch presently resides at Morrow Home Parkview, with his wife, Muriel Canfield.