The story begins with Jethro's father, Henry Creighton, refusing to enlist in the Union Army due to his pacifist beliefs. This decision isolates him from his community, which views him as a coward. Jethro, struggling to reconcile his father's stance with the escalating conflict, feels increasingly torn between loyalty to his family and the call to duty for his country.
As the war progresses, Jethro's life is further complicated by the death of his older brother, the arrival of a wounded soldier at their home, and the growing threat of Confederate raids. He experiences firsthand the harsh realities of war: loss, poverty, and the disintegration of the social fabric. Throughout it all, Jethro relies on his own strength and the unwavering support of his family to navigate the challenges of his time.
Through Jethro's journey, Hunt explores themes of pacifism, duty, family, and the enduring human spirit. "Across Five Aprils" offers a powerful and moving portrayal of the Civil War from the perspective of an ordinary young man, capturing the personal struggles and sacrifices that defined this pivotal period in American history.