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A review by tabithar
Ghost Riders by Sharyn McCrumb
4.0
This primarily nonfiction work ties the stories of 3 semi-prominent Civil War persons to a modern day story. By the end, there are some loose ends (like the backstory with Sheriff Arrowwood that never quite made it full circle but perhaps purposefully). From one hand this is a solid 4 star story with the elements of history fleshed out to be imaginable people rather than history text. I like the interview style method and the flip flopping points of view. The modern day story with the actual ghost riders made little sense other than to serve as a warning/confusing entity. From the perspective of judging the book with the modern day story, it would be a 3 or possibly less. It seemed to serve the purpose well of connecting to other books within the Ballad series (Frankie Silver and Tom Dooley). I've read both the others and reviewed them previously.
I'd recommend this book to those who'd like a different perspective on the Civil War. The reaction of Southern Appalachian neighbors feeling torn over protecting friends and family vs. being FORCIBLY Conscripted to fight a war they didn't agree with occurring. The author has a note at the end discussing her research for this book and efforts to have the volume vetted by multiple historians to assure accuracy. The work done for the historical parts was evident and well done.
Had the connection to the modern day story been as connected as the historical parts, this could've been a 5 star book, I think. The modern day tie-in/warning about digging up/reliving/glorying in the past being dangerous was well intended and I can agree somewhat. Especially the idea of glorying in something while admitting you really don't understand it. I think its important to remember and be reminded of the past so that you can prevent its repetition. However, too often, its true that people misplace glory where there should be sober awareness and sadness and vice versa.
I'd additionally recommend this as a decent book club type read, especially if people are interested in Appalachian history.
I'd recommend this book to those who'd like a different perspective on the Civil War. The reaction of Southern Appalachian neighbors feeling torn over protecting friends and family vs. being FORCIBLY Conscripted to fight a war they didn't agree with occurring. The author has a note at the end discussing her research for this book and efforts to have the volume vetted by multiple historians to assure accuracy. The work done for the historical parts was evident and well done.
Had the connection to the modern day story been as connected as the historical parts, this could've been a 5 star book, I think. The modern day tie-in/warning about digging up/reliving/glorying in the past being dangerous was well intended and I can agree somewhat. Especially the idea of glorying in something while admitting you really don't understand it. I think its important to remember and be reminded of the past so that you can prevent its repetition. However, too often, its true that people misplace glory where there should be sober awareness and sadness and vice versa.
I'd additionally recommend this as a decent book club type read, especially if people are interested in Appalachian history.