Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Gods and Generals
Book Review: A well written book
Summary: 4 Stars
The books Gods and Generals is a well written book and nice to read. It is interesting written and tells a lot about the American Civil War. The only weakness of the book is that it switches between the charackerst Lee, Jackson, Hancock, and Chamberlain. This is very interesting but often occurs at the wrong times. Means that at some points of the book it is possible to get annoyed. Overall it is worth reading.Book Review: Above average
Summary: 3 Stars
I was going to try and not draw comparison's with "The Killer Angels," but the fact of the matter is that Gods and Generals isn't as great as it's touted to be.The usual excuse given is that it covers too large a time frame and too many battles, whereas his father's work with Killer Angels was focused on Gettsyburg and that week or so around it. Valid point. However, the writing of G&G is par at best. It has nothing to do with the time frame or amount of battles. I think he spends a little too much time in the prelude to war and then when it actually gets to the "good part" (the battles) it seems rushed. Antietam is hardly mentioned. The fight in the cornfield could have been the high point of the book just as the battle for round top was a high point in Killer Angels.
Simply put, G&G doesn't have that one poignant chapter that you can hang your hat on. I suppose the death of Jackson and assault on Marye's Heights at Fredericksburg give the best shot at this. However, as I mentioned, the writing is par, maybe above par at best. I've read better descriptions of the emotions, pain, confusion and horror by many non fiction authors (Foote and Catton to name just a couple).
That being said. If you are totally un-informed about the civil war and your knowledge of it is basically what you learned in high school, then you may find the book a little more fascinating. Basically because you don't have the knowledge to fill in the blanks and can make these leaps of time and place to keep up with the author. But once you've studied the real drama of Antietam, Manassas, 2nd Manassas, even the 7 days, it's tough to swallow.
And for the record, I read G&G before Killer Angels. So it's not like I was looking back with a tainted eye. In fact, after hearing all the great remarks of G&G, I was a little disappointed. It almost prevented me from reading Killer Angels. However, the reputation of KA, the fact that it won the Pulitzer, and many more highly tauted remarks drew me back in. If you don't believe me and haven't read KA, try reading the first 10 pages and you'll see what I mean about the difference in writing quality.
Book Review: Adam's Amazing Review of a Outstandingly Well-done Book
Summary: 4 Stars
Jeff Shaara has written one of the most historically well-done books on the market today. Gods and Generals is a tragic novel about the Civil War and the great events that take place during this dreadful period of time. Using multiple characters and several different points of view, he is able to bring you right to the battlefields of which our fellow U.S. soldiers have so bravely fought on to keep this country united as one.Shaara is an outstanding writer who uses many different varieties and styles of writing to describe the Civil War as it was over 140 years ago. One thing that you have to adjust to is his style of switching characters every chapter to give you a better perspective and understanding of things.
By portraying different Generals of the Confederacy and Union army, he his able to give you a more lucid view of the important events that took place throughout the years of the Civil War. Although Jeff Shaara is a well-known author, he has really done quite a job with this one. I recommend this book to anybody who has any interest at all in the area of US History or who would like to read a historical novel. This book has to be one of the best Civil War books that can be read by people of all ages.
Book Review: Adventurous yet Educational
Summary: 4 Stars
Jeff Shaara was absolutely brilliant in the making of this book. His breathtaking ways of making the reader feel as if one was on the battlefield is spectacular. Personally, I feel that history can be boring at times, but Mr. Shaara makes it a vivid scene. Gods and Generals is a compelling and fascinating history book of the Civil War.Gods and Generals was sectioned off into chapters of the leading figures of the Civil War, and their views on what was happening. Such as Colonel Joshua Chamberlain, a professor who taught at Maine's Bowdoin College who gave up a promising academic career to enlist in the Union army, then later went on to become one of the North's finest military leaders. Also an important figure for the North was Winfield Scott Hancock, a tremendous leader who was indispensable in any task appointed to him. Serving the South as probably the most essential general for them is General Robert E. Lee, who is forced to choose between allegiance to his country and loyalty to his home state, Virginia. As well as Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, a religious man with past fighting experience in Mexico. Thriving on the heat of battle, Jackson played a significant role in this book and in the Civil War. Although Jeff Shaara talks a lot about the grueling and the pain that went out into the battlefields of the war, he also tells the story of the wives and families who were forced to assume responsibility at home. Resulting in the stunning Battle of Chancellorsville, Gods and Generals was very fascinating and gave me a much better idea on the Civil War.
Gods and Generals kept me wanting to read on and on, it is definitely the most interesting history book I have ever read. Jeff Shaara is a very passionate writer and takes pride in his work. I suggest that if one wants to get a lot of information on the Civil War but still be entertained and over the age of twelve, read Gods and Generals by Jeff Shaara.
Book Review: Amazing Epic, Amazing History
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a Civil War buff so Ive got to say that both the Book and the Video appeal to me greatly. What makes this epic [ both in Book and Video] so great is how the Author brings the characters to real life: how they must have truly lived during this dark period of Americas history. I simply loved the character of 'Stonewall Jackson' What an amazing man! What really impressed me was how these great men prayed and communicated with God. They would just be sitting on their horse, stop an entire garrison, pray, thanking the Lord for His divine guidance. This Book brings out how that ''these were men of principle' coupled with unbelievable faith. Even my wife who doesnt care much in particular, for war books and films,treasures these in her heart This is absolutely one of my favorite Books and Videos of all time. Rev. Ken Griffiths author of 'Oh God, Change This Scene!