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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
Stayed up late to finish this book. I was surprised how Geraldine Brooks writes so comfortably about the burdens of war that are practically unbearable for those who endure it. Her portrayals of the American Civil War go beyond the tried-and-true obvious good-against-evil stories regarding slavery. She reduces it all to the human element, where the joy and horror exist within each person, changing every second. She shows how cruelty cannot be defeated sometimes, no matter how much a person struggles.
While reading, I have to admit, sometimes the horrible things that happen in quick succession seemed a bit gratuitous. The author refuses to lighten up on the protagonist. It seems like a demonstration. "Look, here's the horror. Now he is justified in being a total wreck..." I am inclined to believe that "real life," for lack of a better term, yes, DOES include "horror." But more often than not, events are actually mundane and matter-of-fact. I'm not a person who enjoys sensational stories anymore, I guess. The horrors stacked upon one another just made me disgusted with the human race-- not a good mental spot to be in, if someone actually wants to help other people, survive together, etc.
While reading, I have to admit, sometimes the horrible things that happen in quick succession seemed a bit gratuitous. The author refuses to lighten up on the protagonist. It seems like a demonstration. "Look, here's the horror. Now he is justified in being a total wreck..." I am inclined to believe that "real life," for lack of a better term, yes, DOES include "horror." But more often than not, events are actually mundane and matter-of-fact. I'm not a person who enjoys sensational stories anymore, I guess. The horrors stacked upon one another just made me disgusted with the human race-- not a good mental spot to be in, if someone actually wants to help other people, survive together, etc.
March is very moving. Yet another very personal aspect of the Civil War - very complex. Sometimes history seems impersonal and black and white. It is not. Excellent read.
"March" takes the perspective of the absent father in Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." It's an interesting exercise to consider what Jo doesn't know about her parents, and especially about her father's service in the Civil War. My favorite idea: That Mr. March spent part of the war teaching former slaves to read and write. Least favorite: That "Marmee" was Mrs. March's nickname all her life (vs. a term of endearment bestowed by her daughters). Most far-fetched: That the Marches were a stop on the Underground Railroad.
I guess I was hoping for the Louis May Alcott magic of one of my favorite childhood books, Little Women... but I was very disappointed. The story only took off in the last 100 pages and it took and agonizing 176 pages to get there.
Interesting to fill in the missing parts of the Little Women story. A bit saccharine for my taste, but a worthwhile read.
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Indelible, imperfect characters, history alive, and 100% deserving of the Pulitzer Prize.
