Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Echoing many other reviews of this book - who knew that a novel told from the perspective of officers at the Battle of Gettysburg would be so gripping and emotional? I couldn't put it down until sleep forced me to. But even then - when I woke up at 3 AM and couldn't go back to sleep right away - the light was on and there was no more sleeping until the last page was finished.
I started this book with high expectations. It exceeded them.
**I listened to the first third of the book on audio. And although the narrator was excellent, it didn't engage me nearly as much as actually reading the last two-thirds.**
I started this book with high expectations. It exceeded them.
**I listened to the first third of the book on audio. And although the narrator was excellent, it didn't engage me nearly as much as actually reading the last two-thirds.**
I couldn’t get through this about 10 years ago... this time I got through it (thanks to Audiobooks....) but I found my mind wondering.... maybe I’ll try again in another 10 years and be in to it....
I've always had a hard time keeping the details of the Civil War straight in my mind: the locations of the battles, the characteristics of the generals. Shaara manages to pack a ton of people, places, and tactics into a modestly-sized novel without it ever feeling confusing. On the contrary, this was a remarkable portrait. I loved the changing viewpoint here; being able to see things from both sides was a large part of the book's charm. This has set the bar for Civil War fiction in my mind.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this a second time after going to Gettysburg. Kind of freaky how he seemingly gets into all of the "characters" heads.
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
So good. The Battle of Gettysburg has never been a historical event I've been interested in, but Shaara writes so compellingly about the characters, their motives, and their feelings on the war. The tactical maps are also a great accompaniment to the story throughout - they helped me visualise what was happening on the ground. Amazing read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racial slurs, Racism, Slavery
My husband’s been nagging me to read this book for many years. I finally did, and damn, it’s so good. I hate when he’s right. I don’t know how to adequately describe it, so I won’t try. Absolutely worthy of the 1975 Pulitzer. It’s a shame Shaara didn’t live to see its commercial success.
Stephen Hoye’s audio narration is emotional and absolutely fantastic.
Stephen Hoye’s audio narration is emotional and absolutely fantastic.
dark
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Definitely a Civil-War-novel classic. Maybe glorifies war a touch, but there are lots of strategery (sic) maps, and that's always a plus for me. It's also interesting that the Rebs didn't consider themselves defenders of slavery. Not sure I believe it, but interesting.
PULITZER PRIZE WINNER: 1975
===
I honestly did not expect to enjoy this one as much as I did! Books on war can be pretty hit or miss for me as they often feel quite boring, but despite the fact that this book was written based on soldiers' accounts of Gettysburg, there wasn't too much actual battle scenes and they never seemed to drag. Which is surprising considering the entire book takes place over only a couple of days. But you get multiple POVs from various people along both sides of the battle, and I thought the author did a really brilliant job bringing the war, battle, and characters to life. I can see why this is called "the classic novel of the civil war" as it's certainly one of the most engaging books on the topic I've read.
===
I honestly did not expect to enjoy this one as much as I did! Books on war can be pretty hit or miss for me as they often feel quite boring, but despite the fact that this book was written based on soldiers' accounts of Gettysburg, there wasn't too much actual battle scenes and they never seemed to drag. Which is surprising considering the entire book takes place over only a couple of days. But you get multiple POVs from various people along both sides of the battle, and I thought the author did a really brilliant job bringing the war, battle, and characters to life. I can see why this is called "the classic novel of the civil war" as it's certainly one of the most engaging books on the topic I've read.