Dave Benson is mystified and driven by death bead visions and wishes of his dear mother. After her death he embarks upon what his partner Gary describes as ""Dave's Odyssey"" - a journey that takes him from the Heartland of America to the South, and back into time. Dave encounters far more than he could have imagined, including the paranormal, extraordinary discoveries about his roots, family secrets, as well as coming to terms with identity and orientation. A Fine Line of Distinction: In Search of Roots is a work of historical fiction base, however, on the historical facts of six of the author's wife's ancestors who fought for the Confederacy, and two of his own ancestors who fought for the Union. In the novel and in history seven of the eight men converged at the Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam) in September, 1862; five would survive, one would never admit it.