I was not sure what to expect and continued to feel the same as I read this incredibly inventive, sometimes confusing, sometimes delightful story. The fusion of modern day sentiments and social issues with Civil War era settings and language and issues of race and war was really unique. Honestly I fought my way through the prose on more than a few occasions but would then find a phrase or sentiment that would really delight me. So I recommend this cautiously as worth reading and encourage the reader not to give up as it's worth reading through to the end.

Absurd and brilliant - Just when I thought I'd tire of the dialogue and direction, the author flipped the story (whether to other characters, a play within the story, a letter written to another in the story, a diary entry, newspaper article, etc). I kept my heart light, because some of the topics can be dark (finding humor in trauma, and an inner dialogue in which I wasn't sure if I should be laughing or crying). The ending was abrupt, and I wish it had wrapped up a little differently, but I was fascinated by the storyline, development of characters, jabs at history, and dry humor. I've never read anything by this author (Dayle) and am hooked in his style (if you've ever read anything by Christopher Moore, I would say this story is a bit like his style: brilliant, humorous and also absurd, thus the need to keep your heart light while reading). I wasn't sure if I hated or admired the main character, Anders, and grew to like him more and more as the story drew on. Please give this story a try! I think if you go into it with casual enjoyment and an open mind for structure, you'll be pleasantly surprised. 4/5 stars for me, and thank you to NetGalley and the publisher (Henry Holt & Company) for the ARC.
A few favorite words I loved:
- "The new information settled into Anders's mind, with a refreshing lack of trauma. For once, the madness came without pain. He could cope with a world that made little sense, as long as it wasn't actively antagonistic."
- "<i>Less</i> is worse than <i>free</i>. <i>Free</i> is a gift. <i>Less</i> is submission. I'm tired of submitting."
- "I've been lying a bit lately, and worried it'd mess up my truth."

I received a copy for review purposes. All opinions are honest and mine alone.


Fleeing his abusive mother, white, 15 year old Anders, declares himself an octoroon and joins the negro army. This flag twirling, intelligence soldier actually began in the Union army but after being captured was quick to change allegiance and now serves the Southern Freedom. Building a life, friends and family along with commentary about the Civil War from those serving in Anders’ squad is the bulk of this story.

HOW TO DODGE A CANNONBALL is highly satirical, often literary and erudite for reasons that confounded me, so much so, that I often found it difficult to read. It reached well beyond the educated, black, theater loving character. There were some moments of humor and political double entendres to mine but it was work to do so. There’s regular use of racial “no-no’s” for white folks and the white equivalent, (ofay), that I’d never heard before, plus a full complement of expletives.

It’s difficult for me to enjoy novels when there isn’t at least one character to follow who experiences some kind of growth or change that is worth the time invested in reading the book. Unfortunately, these characters fell flat for me. I can empathize with their story and horrible treatment by white men historically but specifically within this story, they make little overall progress📚

Read and Reviewed from a NetGalley eARC, with thanks