Perfect Tribute by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews is a captivating and heartwarming tale that explores the power of forgiveness and redemption. The story follows protagonist John Hathaway, a Civil War soldier who finds himself tasked with delivering a letter to Abraham Lincoln. As John travels to Washington, he is forced to confront his own demons and come to terms with the mistakes of his past.

What makes Perfect Tribute so compelling is the way in which Andrews weaves together themes of duty, honor, and compassion. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot unfolds at a brisk pace that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. Andrews' writing is evocative and richly detailed, bringing to life the uncertainty and turmoil of the Civil War era.

Overall, Perfect Tribute is a powerful and emotionally resonant novel that will captivate readers of all ages. Andrews' storytelling is both thought-provoking and uplifting, leaving a lasting impression on those who read it. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and stories of personal growth and redemption.

Book Description:
Part 1 of this brief historical fiction is a recounting of the day before and the day of Lincoln's delivery of The Gettysburg Address. Part 2 is an imagining of the late afternoon of the following day. It is a moving tale that illustrates once again the greatness of the speech and of the man who wrote and delivered it. Andrews' best remembered work, "The Perfect Tribute" was adapted into a 1935 MGM short film and a 1991 television movie starring Jason Robards as the president.