A Diary From Dixie by Mary Boykin Chesnut, Ben Ames Williams Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Diary From Dixie
Book Review: Correction please
Summary: 5 Stars
Dear Amazon,Please change the spelling of Chesnut to reflect only one "T" in the last name.
Thank you.
BC
Book Review: History From the Inside
Summary: 4 Stars
Mary Chestnut's diary received great exposure as a result of Ken Burns' documentary on PBS. It is well worth reading because 90% of the history we read of the American Civil War focuses on the military campaigns and the politics. Ms. Chestnut tells us more about the social impact of the war than we get from most authors. On top of that, she was a highly intelligent woman who was writing things in confidence that she would be unlikely to say outloud. She had a unique window into the workings of southern society and Confederate politics and she was completely honest in her evaluations. What we get here are very carefully worded opinions that no self-respecting southerner would have dared to admit in 1863. On the topic of slavery, Ms. Chestnut declares, "Ours is a monstrous system." Amid newspaper reports blasting Union General Grant for his brutal tactics and lack of finesse, Ms. Chestnut observes, "He has the disagreeable habit of not retreating before our irresistable veterans." All in all, hers is one of the most honest and well-written accounts of civilian life in the south during the Civil War.Book Review: Intimate account of war's effects on the homefront
Summary: 5 Stars
The keeper of this diary writes in an intimate and honest manner about herself and those around her, and about Southern hopes for victory or at least peaceful co-existence. The diary entries draw you in to her world. You feel like you are chatting with her in the parlor or at her desk as she relates the events of the day, what famous figures she dined or went riding with, etc. Very enjoyable and poignant to read. This was a brave woman who did her best under consistently deteriorating circumstances. I found her comments about her marriage particularly surprising and honest given the standards and social mores of the time. Her husband seems emotionally remote and she chides him for being so. Definitely not given to "hero worshipping," the author gives her honest opinions - good and bad - of just about everyone around her. I recommend this book, even if you aren't a Civil War buff.Book Review: Puts you in her shoes
Summary: 5 Stars
This narrative has the rare quality of allowing the reader to view the author's world through their glasses. The reader quickly slips into Mrs Chestnut's value system and truely appreciate the highs and lows of Confederate society, the wealth and hardship, privileges and privations of those who sat hearthside. Additionally, rare personal glimpses insights are provided on some of the movers and shakers of Confederate government, military and society. Such glimpes are delicious and slighly voyeuristic!A great view, not by a driver in history, but one along for the ride.
Book Review: The Civil War from the female perspective.
Summary: 4 Stars
At times, the outdated prose gets a little difficult to wade through, but overall this is a fascinating account of life during this turbulent time in our history. Another reviewer mentioned "The Private Mary Chesnut: Unpublished Civil War Diaries", which seems to be Mrs. Chesnut's actual diaries kept during the war and offer a much more vivid picture. I wasn't aware that "Diary From Dixie" was a rewrite until now. I did enjoy it immensely (when I'd look up from reading it seemed odd that it was 1999 and not 1865!) and look forward to also reading the previously unpublished version.