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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
As someone who has never taken to American history, this book was totally magical for me. It brought to life this 3-day battle and deeply humanized the key men on both sides, capturing their weaknesses, idiosyncrasies, insecurities... people and things they loved... their deep sadness and fear at times... why they were fighting the war. I was close to tears several times throughout the book. It definitely helped to be reading it knowing that I would get to stand where these men fought and died in less than a week! I don't know that it's possible to fully grasp the scope of the battle until you stand and look across the vast Pennsylvania fields and ridges and hills where it took place. The scale is just massive. Fantastic book and one that will stay close to my heart.
I can't quite put my finger on what I liked so much about this book. The writing was sparse, but the characters were really brought to life. I didn't want to put it down. The most fascinating thing is how this book presents "The Cause," that is, why these men picked up arms in the Civil War. Both the "Yanks" and the "Rebs" are very well represented and presented.
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
I have seen the movie "Gettysburg" several times and have known for a while that this is the novel the movie is based on. I really enjoyed reading the novel and was surprised at how closely the movie followed it, with a few minor exceptions (one being that Chamberlain reports to General Sykes in the book and merely passes by General Hancock, whereas in the movie he reports to Hancock and there is no mention of Sykes). I am somewhat of an expert/student of American history, especially from the Civil War era, so this type of historical fiction really appeals to me. I have read Jeff Shaara's four novels on major Western Theater Civil War battles and want to read "Gods and Generals" and "The Last Full Measure." Also, I intend to read Ralph Peters' Civil War novels. Overall, this is one of (if not the) the best Civil War novels I have read so far.
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Incredible read, soooooo many quotes. A lot of highlighting I would do if I bring myself to use a highlighter in a book. If you haven't read this, read it. now.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Um ... that’s how you do that.
Shaara shows the war from both sides, high ranking officers and young boys. The confusion, the tediousness, the fog of war ... all of it is here and accessible and so well done.
Shaara shows the war from both sides, high ranking officers and young boys. The confusion, the tediousness, the fog of war ... all of it is here and accessible and so well done.
One of the best books I have read in the past ten years. I could not put it down, and it gripped me with each story, though I knew the outcome. Incredible writing. I cannot recommend it enough if you enjoy learning about history.