While the strife of the Civil War is over, the conflict in Monaville, Texas is just beginning -- and John Ross Wilhite seems to be in the middle of it all. For John Ross, the world is a confusing place. The slaves have been freed, but only some of the occupants of Monaville seem to accept that fact. The Klan is growing in number and political power, but John Ross doesn't understand what the fuss is all about. The General, his revered grandfather, seems to be on the wrong side of the law. And everybody is just a bit too interested in his friendship with Miss Afron.

But John Ross doesn't have the luxury of youth any longer, as tensions mount and the most respected men in town become the most fearsome - for good or ill. With richly drawn characters, poignant stories, and a gut-wrenching climax, The General and Monaville, Texas delivers a powerful tale of secrets, politics, and discord in the Reconstruction south - and the coming of age of a boy and a town.