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241 reviews for:
Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause
Ty Seidule
4.4 AVERAGE
241 reviews for:
Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause
Ty Seidule
4.4 AVERAGE
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
There are at least two things I really like about this book: The first is the decision to make it a memoir, and the second is its consistent reminder that memorials say more about the memorializers than about the memorialized.
As for the first point, it’s not that I’m a particular fan of memoirs (quite the opposite, actually). But it’s the way Seidule writes his memoir—in particular, the choice to expose himself by investigating his own racist past beliefs & actions—that makes the memoir powerful. Especially in the context of the history that this book interrogates, Seidule’s own journey from idealizing “Southern gentlemanship” to outspoken critic of the Lost Cause myth couldn’t be more relevant.
As a legitimate work of history, I also appreciate that the book doesn’t focus strictly on the Civil War and/or Lee himself. It’s so critical to point out that memorials themselves have a history, which can be even more powerful and relevant than the history they’re trying to mythologize. Seidule repeatedly points this out, and it certainly makes for a stronger book.
As for the first point, it’s not that I’m a particular fan of memoirs (quite the opposite, actually). But it’s the way Seidule writes his memoir—in particular, the choice to expose himself by investigating his own racist past beliefs & actions—that makes the memoir powerful. Especially in the context of the history that this book interrogates, Seidule’s own journey from idealizing “Southern gentlemanship” to outspoken critic of the Lost Cause myth couldn’t be more relevant.
As a legitimate work of history, I also appreciate that the book doesn’t focus strictly on the Civil War and/or Lee himself. It’s so critical to point out that memorials themselves have a history, which can be even more powerful and relevant than the history they’re trying to mythologize. Seidule repeatedly points this out, and it certainly makes for a stronger book.
For an academic argument with so many citations, the book was easy to read and follow. I was most impressed with someone standing up to admit they were wrong, rebuild their perspective based on facts, and share with the world. I don’t think we hear enough about people who have the guts to change.
challenging
informative
fast-paced
This was well written, well researched, and sifts through both personal and historic aspects that have shaped present day society. Heavily packed with facts and reflections.
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
a book written for conservative leaning dads who like reading about military history. i can see the value in starting this conversation with those people but I'm just not the audience so it didn't do a whole lot for me.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Colonisation
A must read. The South lost the Civil War but won the peace and why. Excellent book.
