Well, this was my own fault. When I read about a wounded Confederate soldier at Appomattox Courthouse, I foolishly thought Heather Graham’s novella Mercy Knows No Color was about a man who became a ghost. I read too many of her Krewe of Hunters books and forgot she wrote historical fiction as well.
Mercy Knows No Color is a short story with a message. David Mayberry was sounded, and knew if a black soldier from the 54th Massachusetts Regiment found him, he’d be dead. But, Michael O’Brien found him, and told him he’d carry him to the medical tent. When David questioned him, the black man answered, “I believe in a colorblind god who sees us as human beings. Mercy knows no color.”
Mayberry recovered, and followed his new friend back to Massachusetts where he and O’Brien’s family became friends for generations. Graham covers over one hundred years of history in this short story, concentrating on the country’s progress, despite some of its history.
I’m wondering if Graham self-published the story for its message. There are a few errors, a name wrong, and a couple mistakes here and there. There’s not much of plot. But, her message remains positive. “Mercy knows no color.” There are so many good stories happening in this country right now that show that, despite some despicable behavior. Graham wants us to remember that.
Heather Graham’s website is https://www.theoriginalheathergraham.com/
Mercy Knows No Color by Heather Graham. Slush Pile, 2026. 13p. (Kindle)
FTC Full Disclosure – I picked up a free ebook through Kindle Unlimited.
