Synopsis
Writer James Funk turns the spotlight on Charleston, SC, and the city comes out as the 'hero'. This historical non-fiction has all elements of a 'must read' for anyone interested in the city's glorious 300-year history, like the city's 3 million annual tourists, or history buffs, or anyone just interested in life in the old South. It is an easy read, employing story-telling at its best, by weaving past with present in a refreshing, new and creative approach.It can be argued that Charleston has been the most influential city in America during early years of this country's history. Charleston has survived shelling of two great armies, and their occupation ...first, by the British during the Revolution, and later by Federal forces during their siege and occupation in the Civil War. Fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and deadly disease have also devastated the city. But, time and again, its citizens have rebuilt, until Charleston stands today as a national treasure. It is that strength of character and resiliency of its citizens that makes 'heroes' of this story.History textbooks place more emphasis on events occurring in places like Philadelphia, Boston, Lexington, Yorktown, and Gettysburg. But, James Funk sets about to change some of that, and expand people's knowledge of the influential role Charleston played in the Revolution and Civil War. He does that by avoiding dull and monotonous recitations, as found in most history textbooks. Instead, events are painted in real-life terms from the unique perspective of individuals on the scene, asking the reader to 'imagine' what it was like.The adventure begins when 'Marilyn and Jim' arrive as new residents of the city and learn of the city's rich history by visiting historic areas and 'imagining' what it was like to 'live' those events. The story moves quickly, made lively by known twists of irony, anecdotes, and humor. Story's cadence is changed, avoiding the monotonous beat of most historical 'textbooks', as the author interweaves trials and tribulations, and funny moments, as he and his wife restore a c. 1850 'carriage house' that was home to the famed TV personality and journalist, Charles Kuralt, as he wrote of Charleston in his best selling bookCharles Kuralt's AmerIca.Charles Kuralt wrote of Charleston in March. He wrote of a "cocky mockingbird perched in the next door garden"..."on a real moonlit night on Montagu Street". He went on to say, "The mockingbird and I resided together in style, he in his tree, I in a rented three-story 'carriage house". That is the carriage house at 29 1/2 Montagu Street that 'Marilyn and Jim' later buy and restore, as described in the book.James Funk piques interest in a wide audience. He draws on extensive education and diverse career to entertain readers with a refreshing, new and creative approach to storytelling. He suggests ..."perhaps, just perhaps, Charles Kuralt and his favorite mockingbird are still here to help me" write this story.James Funk's career has spanned 35 years, since completing undergraduate education in electrical engineering at Northwestern University, and then a master's degree in business at Stanford University. His experience is as an executive in the automotive industry with Ford Motor Company, and as a builder and restorer of residential homes. He also has been a golf course owner, builder, and operator.Jim and his wife, Marilyn. reside in Charleston, South Carolina.
From the Author
What gave you the idea to write the book?
I read Frances Mayes' book "Under the Tuscan Sun", the story of she and her husband moving to Italy, and their restoration of an old Tuscan villa. I thought a good story could be told of our purchase of a 150-year old 'carriage house' made special by Charles Kuralt's reference to it as he visited Charleston.
How long did you work on writing the book?
Off and on, I worked on the book for about three years.
Why include the history of Charleston, SC?
The city's 300-year history fascinates me. It seemed a story could be told as 'Marilyn and I' discovered the city after moving here, and used our minds to recreate events and 'imagine' how they must have taken place. This method of story-telling seemed to give history a more human quality, unlike the antiseptic approach of most history textbooks.
What did you learn as you researched the city's history?
Charleston is visited by 3 million tourists each year, from all over the world. I think most are surprised to learn of the city's prominent role, not just in the Civil War with Fort Sumter in its harbor, but also as 'crown jewel' of British colonies during colonial times and as a leader of the Revolution.
Most surprising aspect of the story, however, is repeated ability of the city's citizens to bounce back, time and again, from devastation and adversity ...occupation by two great enemy armies, hurricanes, earthquake, fires, and raging disease. Their tenacity and fortitude are the real story ...they are the 'heroes'.
Will there be more books?
Yes, I have just completed my first novel, a romantic historical fiction based during the Civil War, entitled LONG WALK HOME. It will be published shortly.
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