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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
Okay, I am very likely in the minority here, but then again, I am probably not the intended audience for this. War maneuvers in books is just not my cup of tea. It's why, as much as I loved the Fellowship of the Rings trilogy, I had a really hard time getting through the third book. I just can't picture a battle and easily grasp the strategies behind it partly because I am directionally challenged. So I just don't get it when it comes to talking about all the ins and outs of a battle plan. What I did love about this book was in how human the author made the characters. Perhaps not surprisingly, I've always thought about Lee as the rebel who was fighting for the right of the south to own slaves, which is evil in my book. And depending on who you talk to, he is the one who was ultimately responsible for the south losing the war. But Shaara really made him, if not more accessible, at least more understandable. I had no idea he was so well loved but his men would have done anything for him, including laying down their lives (which many of them) for his ideals. The general feeling I got from the author was that his idealism was possibly the main reason why so many soldiers lost their lives and that towards the end, he just didn't pay attention to or listen to his main advisors. At one point, I felt so sorry for Longstreet as he failed to convince Lee of an alternate course of action that may have saved more lives. As much as battle books are not my cup of tea, I thought the author did a great job of trying to bring back some humanity into this bloody war as he talked about how the key players related to each other. So I'm glad I read this book, and I definitely learned more than a few things. I think this is a book that I probably have to pick up again in the future and give it another listen. Maybe I'll pick up more nuances in the future. So, well done to the author--I definitely didn't hate this book, and I learned some things AND I might give it another chance in the future.
Okay, I am very likely in the minority here, but then again, I am probably not the intended audience for this. War maneuvers in books is just not my cup of tea. It's why, as much as I loved the Fellowship of the Rings trilogy, I had a really hard time getting through the third book. I just can't picture a battle and easily grasp the strategies behind it partly because I am directionally challenged. So I just don't get it when it comes to talking about all the ins and outs of a battle plan. What I did love about this book was in how human the author made the characters. Perhaps not surprisingly, I've always thought about Lee as the rebel who was fighting for the right of the south to own slaves, which is evil in my book. And depending on who you talk to, he is the one who was ultimately responsible for the south losing the war. But Shaara really made him, if not more accessible, at least more understandable. I had no idea he was so well loved but his men would have done anything for him, including laying down their lives (which many of them) for his ideals. The general feeling I got from the author was that his idealism was possibly the main reason why so many soldiers lost their lives and that towards the end, he just didn't pay attention to or listen to his main advisors. At one point, I felt so sorry for Longstreet as he failed to convince Lee of an alternate course of action that may have saved more lives. As much as battle books are not my cup of tea, I thought the author did a great job of trying to bring back some humanity into this bloody war as he talked about how the key players related to each other. So I'm glad I read this book, and I definitely learned more than a few things. I think this is a book that I probably have to pick up again in the future and give it another listen. Maybe I'll pick up more nuances in the future. So, well done to the author--I definitely didn't hate this book, and I learned some things AND I might give it another chance in the future.
Granted, I read this at 15. I really dislike the majority of American history and I hate that high schools harp on The American Revolution for an entire school year. THERE'S MORE HISTORY OUT THERE.
A fantastic novelisation of the events that lead to and unfolded in the Battle of Gettysberg. Very emotional and powerful ending, although it is hard to exclude that this may have been greatly enhanced by Stephen Hoye's excellent narration in the audio book version.
This is a solid book (great writing!), but I didn't think it was spectacular. While there is some great insight provided regarding decisions made by Lee, I feel like if I'm going to read historical fiction, I would like a little more character development...a little more emotion...a little more Gone with the Wind.
I know! I'm such a girl...but I really think this is a book really meant for guys. It's not that I think women won't enjoy it, but I think it appeals to the less-emotional state of men. Does that make sense?
I appreciate the holes the novel fills by trying to explain strategic aspects of the Civil War, but the maps included confused me more than helped me. And all the names! Hard to keep it all straight...
With all of that said, I'm glad I read it...but more than anything it makes me want to read [b:Gone With the Wind|18405|Gone With the Wind|Margaret Mitchell|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166913011s/18405.jpg|3358283], some [a:John Jakes|5768|John Jakes|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1208964729p2/5768.jpg], and even a little [a:Ken Follett|3447|Ken Follett|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1284590179p2/3447.jpg].
I know! I'm such a girl...but I really think this is a book really meant for guys. It's not that I think women won't enjoy it, but I think it appeals to the less-emotional state of men. Does that make sense?
I appreciate the holes the novel fills by trying to explain strategic aspects of the Civil War, but the maps included confused me more than helped me. And all the names! Hard to keep it all straight...
With all of that said, I'm glad I read it...but more than anything it makes me want to read [b:Gone With the Wind|18405|Gone With the Wind|Margaret Mitchell|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1166913011s/18405.jpg|3358283], some [a:John Jakes|5768|John Jakes|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1208964729p2/5768.jpg], and even a little [a:Ken Follett|3447|Ken Follett|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1284590179p2/3447.jpg].
Historical fiction that offers superb detail about The Battle of Gettysburg. (The movie "Gettysburg" was based on this novel.) The writing is brisk and keeps you coming back for more as it never gets boring. It really makes you understand what each day was like--the terror the soldiers must've felt during the battles, the gruesomeness of war, and why certain decisions were so important.
A really interesting novel about some of the key figures at Gettysburg.
Wow. Just wow. Deserves its praise and Pulitzer. There are books that tell you a bit of history. And then there are books that get so deep into your soul that what you know about history changes. This book is the latter. I read it and my grasp not only of the battle of Gettysburg but of the very principles of the Civil War itself were shifted. Absolutely great read.
Remarkable account of the Battle of Gettysburg as seen through the eyes of both Union and Confederate leaders. Before reading I wasn’t entirely sure who even won this most important of battles, but now I feel as if I have spent four days at the scene. I now want to read the others in this trilogy. Usually not a fan or military fiction but this was more than that.
I just visited Gettysburg and picked this book up at the visitor's center bookstore. Having just toured the site, this book brought to life the people behind the battle. Recommend for those who enjoy military or Civil War books.
This book began my love for the Civil War when I read it 15 years ago. Absolutely brilliant book.