Perry Fox, a resident of Eden, has published his debut novel, Lincoln’s Double: Friend or Foe, a work of historical fiction that draws on his family history. The novel is inspired by Fox’s grandfather, a 6’5″ Confederate soldier who bore a striking resemblance to Abraham Lincoln. Fox has crafted a narrative that imagines an alternate path for his ancestor, weaving a tale of a botched kidnapping, an unlikely friendship with the president, and a desperate race to stop an assassination.
The book’s publication matters because it offers a fresh perspective on one of America’s most defining eras, moving from the simple farms of Florida to the high-stakes political arena of Washington, D.C. By blending family lore with historical events, Fox explores the “what ifs” of history, inviting readers to consider how personal connections and chance encounters might have altered the course of the Civil War and Lincoln’s presidency. The novel also highlights the enduring power of family stories, as Fox explains that writing the book was a way to connect with a grandfather he never met.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the stories my father told me about his own father,” Fox says. “Writing this book was a way for me to connect with a grandfather I never got to meet and to explore the incredible ‘what ifs’ of history. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with my community.”
Fox’s debut adds a new voice to the historical fiction genre, one grounded in personal heritage and local pride. The novel’s release positions Eden as a home to a new storyteller, and its themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice resonate beyond the page. For those interested in the Civil War era or family sagas, Lincoln’s Double promises a compelling journey through a pivotal moment in American history, seen through the eyes of a character who straddles both sides of the conflict.
