The Man Without a Country

Rating:
Summary: Captivating short story
Review: Appearing at first to be a true story, this is really a tale of mythological quality. It tells about a man who swears off his own homeland and is banished from it in turn. For fifty-seven years he is doomed to sail with the Navy like a lost Odyssevs, never allowed to cast his eyes on his native land, and never allowed to hear any news from home.

This story was written during the Civil War, and is of course an attempt to remind Americans of their patriotic duty. It does, however, go deeper than this simple didactic point, and contains a more universal message about the value of loyalty and identity. By present standards it might perhaps be deemed overly sentimental, nonetheless I found "The Man without a Country" a fascinating and thought-provoking read.

Rating:
Summary: The Story of Learning to Appreciate Being an American
Review: I originally read this book in eighth grade, and recently had the desire to reread the book. The book was just as I remembered it. However, with a greater understanding of the world, I have learned to appreciate this classic even more. While an American may not agree with that the United States does, a perfect country or government has yet to be created. Philip Nolan made a statement in which he disowned his country in his younger days. It was a statement that he would quitely regret for the rest of his life. Even in exile, Nolan reflects loyalty to his country in his behavior. On his death bed, Nolan only wants to learn of what has happened to the country since he was exiled. He was able to die a happy man knowing how the country he loved had prospered.

The story is intended to made readers appreciate their country. Sometimes it may be difficult to agree with the government. In the end, one realizes that they love their country like a parent or their own child. Nolan had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Rating:
Summary: Dear old Nolan!
Review: Philip Nolan, a man who is sentenced to remain at sea for his entirelife, with the punishment to never hear nor see of the United States again. Hale captures patriotism and heroic efforts in one man as Nolan bravely tries to hide the fact he still loves his country, but shall never see it again. It makes you proud to be an American and live under the glory that our forefathers fought for. So many times have I read this story, and each time I can barely get past parts that bring a tear to my eye. Ultimately a great and powerful book for any reader who enjoys a story of love, agony, and pride.