Reviews

Confederates by Thomas Keneally

angus_mckeogh's review against another edition

3.0

As seems to be the pattern recently. Perhaps better than just okay, but on the same token not phenomenal enough to warrant extra stars. So dead center in the ratings. This was a strange one. An Australian author writing about the American Civil War from a Southern/Confederate viewpoint which was thereafter nominated for a British award. I can see why it didn't ultimately come away with the award, but it was entertaining and did a great job of conveying the hopelessness and hollowness of "The Lost Cause." Moreover, for those looking for a rip roaring novel about Stonewall Jackson you'd be better served reading something else; herein he's more of an aside and factors in very little to the main narrative.

maplegrey's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

charliek_1970's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Fantastic read. Famed for the Booker Prize winning Schindler’s List, this book is just a great read. Well researched and also shortlisted for the Booker Prize even though it didn’t win, it doesn’t mean it didn’t deserve it. 

welshrebel1776's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny relaxing sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5