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javedd1993's review
4.0
An excellent book, but it was a bit too heavy on its praise of Jackson while not giving enough attention to his flaws.
iymain's review
2.0
What a slog! I feel as though I dragged my own sorry self through the entirety of the Civil War. (I suppose that means the account was well written.) Jackson comes across as a hero of almost supernatural ability and a brilliant tactician. He has a dual nature: sweet, funny, and loving at home; cold, taciturn, and ruthless at work. At times it seems Lee and Davis just relied on Jackson to handle the whole war.
(Spoiler alert: Jackson dies, and the South loses the war.) ;-)
The final chapter in which Gwynn hints at the alt-reality of a triumphant South had Jackson not died gave me the heebie jeebies. Let us not forget that the man fought to preserve a way of life that included slavery. Yes, the North had its problems (lame-ass military leaders to name one), but I believe we have to Just Say No to a culture that denies the humanity of black people. Then again, based on the tiki torch wielding marchers in Charlottesville, it occurs to me that this may not be the moral absolute I take it to be. THAT's problematic.
My copy had several corrections penned in by a former reader. That detracted from the book as well. I could have glided right past it, but when I took the time to check their veracity, it was disappointing how frequently the author botched dates and locations. :-/
(Spoiler alert: Jackson dies, and the South loses the war.) ;-)
The final chapter in which Gwynn hints at the alt-reality of a triumphant South had Jackson not died gave me the heebie jeebies. Let us not forget that the man fought to preserve a way of life that included slavery. Yes, the North had its problems (lame-ass military leaders to name one), but I believe we have to Just Say No to a culture that denies the humanity of black people. Then again, based on the tiki torch wielding marchers in Charlottesville, it occurs to me that this may not be the moral absolute I take it to be. THAT's problematic.
My copy had several corrections penned in by a former reader. That detracted from the book as well. I could have glided right past it, but when I took the time to check their veracity, it was disappointing how frequently the author botched dates and locations. :-/
mardiggity's review
5.0
This was a great read. Andy and I inadvertently stalked Stonewall Jackson on our honeymoon trip to dc a few years ago and I've since been intrigued by Jackson. This book moved quickly and gave a great overview of this confederate leader. It was well written. Described the battles and made me feel like I was there. It gave info that I didn't know which is always a good sign. Gwynne did a great job!
covertocovergirl's review
5.0
A fascinating complicated man of intense faith. This biography was a page turner so to speak... I couldn‘t stop listening. A narrative rich in civil war detail. Highly recommend. Gwynne's writing style is fluid and wonderful. I didn't want it to end.
guillaumeguy's review
5.0
Great book if you are into the civil war and his most gifted and eccentric general: stonewall Jackson
uberbutter's review against another edition
3.0
Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne
672 pages
★★★
Stonewall Jackson was a very prominent Confederate General in the American Civil War. He was quite the tactical man and because of him, many early battles went to the Confederates. When he was killed in 1863, at the age of 39, he was mourned by not just the south but the north. It was also the time that the south started to decline and the north would start to kick some butt and take some names. Many believe that the south may have taken it all had Stonewall survived. Of course, that is speculation, but regardless, neither side could deny the power that was Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.
I have to admit, I know a lot about the Civil War. I took many college courses on it (I was a History major after all) but to say I know the ins and outs of the individuals that made it happen…I don’t. And I know even less about those on the Confederate side, so I was excited to pick up this book by S.C. Gwynne. I had read the author’s previous book, Empire of the Summer Moon, and it became a favorite – so I was hoping to feel the same magic with this one, but not so much. There really is A LOT of detail in this book, as you would expect with a nearly 700 pager, but it just seemed to drag at times. The author delves deeply into every major battle that Stonewall commanded and while interesting, by the 5th battle, it had become the same thing and I started losing track where we were in the scheme of things. I want to say I gave up and started skimming the battle scenes but alas, I read every page. Regardless, there is no denying this is a well-researched book and I did enjoy reading about the more personal aspects of this secretive General.
672 pages
★★★
Stonewall Jackson was a very prominent Confederate General in the American Civil War. He was quite the tactical man and because of him, many early battles went to the Confederates. When he was killed in 1863, at the age of 39, he was mourned by not just the south but the north. It was also the time that the south started to decline and the north would start to kick some butt and take some names. Many believe that the south may have taken it all had Stonewall survived. Of course, that is speculation, but regardless, neither side could deny the power that was Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.
I have to admit, I know a lot about the Civil War. I took many college courses on it (I was a History major after all) but to say I know the ins and outs of the individuals that made it happen…I don’t. And I know even less about those on the Confederate side, so I was excited to pick up this book by S.C. Gwynne. I had read the author’s previous book, Empire of the Summer Moon, and it became a favorite – so I was hoping to feel the same magic with this one, but not so much. There really is A LOT of detail in this book, as you would expect with a nearly 700 pager, but it just seemed to drag at times. The author delves deeply into every major battle that Stonewall commanded and while interesting, by the 5th battle, it had become the same thing and I started losing track where we were in the scheme of things. I want to say I gave up and started skimming the battle scenes but alas, I read every page. Regardless, there is no denying this is a well-researched book and I did enjoy reading about the more personal aspects of this secretive General.
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