James D. Nealon
James D. Nealon is a retired Foreign Service Officer whose ten overseas postings included Ambassador to Honduras. He grew up in Northern Virginia steeped in Civil War history. While in college at Brown University he discovered Irish History and the Fenians, and went on to study Irish History in graduate school at Boston College. He has published and lectured extensively about foreign policy and immigration. Jim now spends his time writing (his first novel, Confederacy of Fenians, was published in 2022) and he has just finished a screenplay. He is also an avid bicyclist and rode his bike across the U.S. in 2019. He is a lifelong birder, loves to flyfish in New Hampshire’s streams and rivers, and makes decent red wine in the garage. He lives in Exeter, New Hampshire with his wife Kristin. They have four adult children.
Praise for Confederacy Of Fenians
Nealon’s “Confederacy of Fenians” was a delight to read. It kept me on my toes – twist after twist. By halfway, I was unable to put it down except when my spouse said, “Time to go. . . We have to go. Now!” Pick it up and you won’t put it down. Thank you, Mr. Nealon for a thought provoking travel on a “what if” journey through history. –Michael Miller, author of High Bridge
I’m new to the “alternative history” genre and was pleasantly surprised by Mr. Nealon’s “Confederacy of Fenians.” I thoroughly enjoyed the premise and all the enthusiastic debate it generated among friends and colleagues. I thought the author was particularly successful at weaving together the histories, motives, and views of four divergent characters into a convincing story. In sum, Mr. Nealon’s book is a well-thought-through page-turner, which I’m delighted to recommend. –Jamie Bowman
How do you capture the sweep of an alternate history of the Civil War? James D. Nealon has done a superb job of using individual voices scattered from the Quebec to the Confederate States to both drive a compelling narrative and make it believable. Nealon explores the all-too-human motives (and grudges and prejudices) that can turn the tide of war and change the course of history. Not just for history buffs. –Chicago Hugh