Reviews

Shiloh by Shelby Foote

krobart's review against another edition

3.0

In Shiloh, the historian and novelist Shelby Foote has written an interesting fictional account that describes the battle from the points of view of several different narrators, some on the Union side and some on the Confederate. Each narrator has his own chapter. In these brief narratives you get a sense of the character while being able to trace the larger movements of the battle.

See my complete review here:

http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/shiloh/

ring01's review against another edition

informative reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

melmare's review against another edition

adventurous informative tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

greenwoodblacksmith's review against another edition

4.0

A great book by a great writer. Written in 1952 it is surprisingly really, REALLY graphic. The book tells the story of the battle of Shiloh in April 1862. Instead of following one character through the entire book each chapter is told from the point of view of a different person (or in one case a squad) from the Union and Cofederate armies. It usually takes me 1.5 to 2 weeks to read a book, but this one I finished in just over three night. Great stuff.

zcashman's review against another edition

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

bibliomaineiac's review

3.0

I enjoyed this book. But wasn't "wowed" by it unfortunately. The Civil War is one of my favorite topics to read about, and I was extremely excited to finally read my first Shelby Foote take on it. Unfortunately, I was left wanting "more" of something. The writing didn't keep me engaged, so it took me longer than a book of this length normally would have. I'll still read others by him, in hopes that maybe this was an anomally, or maybe it was my mood.

pepperfool's review against another edition

5.0

A clear, concise and through telling of one of the most brutal and bloody battles in the war between the states. Highly recommended.

kjgreads2's review against another edition

4.0

A beautifully written and moving account of one battle through many eyes.

lespenseesmouvantes's review against another edition

adventurous informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

kmdra06's review

4.0

A good examination of the battle of Shiloh and civil war-era fighting that is historically grounded and quick to read. The background monologues make the novel a bit funky but add valuable information.