The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Killer Angels
Book Review: Great, Wonderful, Moving, Excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is truly one of the best books about the American Civil War ,fiction or nonfiction. I was already a Civil War buff when I read it the first time but it still blew me away. I had to read it again. And I have returned to it often, usually once a year. Shaara bring these characters to life. His depiction of Longstreet is great and very human, funny, and tragic. I like his very lifelike Robert E. Lee, his John Buford (so wonderfully realized in the movie 'Gettysburg' by Sam Elliott), and of course his now legendary portrait of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (also excellently played by Jeff Daniels in the movie). Shaara's descriptions of the characters thoughts and actions are sketched in a very absorbing fashion. It really is like he was there. This is a book I recommend to all Americans as this is our shared history and the book really depicts the triumph and tragedy of our Civil War through the prism of the Battle of Gettysburg.
Really one of the greatest novels on war ever written.
Highly recommended!
Book Review: High School Students Opinion
Summary: 5 Stars
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara is one of the greatest and most enthralling historical fiction books I have ever read. Michael Shaara spent seven years researching and writing this fantastic novel about the Battle of Gettysburg. At first he was turned down by publishers for two years until he was finally published. His book later won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
As a high school level reader, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. At first, it started off slow for one with the limited patience of a teenager, but quickly captures you. The detailed way Shaara describes the characters and scenes really gives the reader a feeling as if one was there. However, I would not recommend this to a reader that does not enjoy historical fiction. Most of the students in my class would not have an interest in this.
Overall Shaara paints a masterpiece recreating one of the key battles in the Civil War. He tells the story of this epic battle from both sides, the Union and Confederates. The book is so captivating that at one point in the story I was leaping with joy when my favorite character held off an enemy charge. If one would like to learn about the Battle of Gettysburg, this is the book to make it come alive.
Book Review: Historical Fiction at it's Best
Summary: 5 Stars
Ever wonder what it was really like those 3 days in July at the Battle of Gettysburg? Was it hot, what did the men wear, what did they eat, how did they pass the time, who were the leaders of the regiments? Good historical fiction brings characters to life. Great historical fiction like that of Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Shaara makes you believe you are there.
You've learned about the battle in school, now read Killer Angels and feel what is was like to be part of the battle. Read about Robert E. Lee, what his decisions were based on and why he was so beloved by his army. Be present as he struggles with decision after decision from his headquarters. Feel the frustration of Longstreet as he tries to convince Lee of another course. Learn about the flamboyant Pickett and the egocentric J.E.B. Stuart. Go to the Union camp and read about the 20th Maine Regiment and Chamberlain who with sheer determination hold the precious ground on Little Big Top with a bayonet charge. Imagine and feel Buford's decision to engage Rebel forces, knowing that he was seriously outnumbered but determined to save the only high ground in the area.
I was mesmerized and emotionally involved in the book from the beginning to the end. It isn't just a story of a battle, it's the story of our nation and the men who fought and died for what they believed in. A great novel!
Book Review: Laymans review
Summary: 5 Stars
An excellent book. Well written and captures your interest from cover to cover. I felt like I was there witnessing the battle of Gettysburg.Book Review: Michael Shaara's "Killer Angels"
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the definitive historical novel of the American Civil War, the "Gold Standard" all other contenders must measure themselves against. Told from the viewpoint of those who lived it, this novel puts the reader into the action at ground level. Icons of history like Lee and Longstreet become so human and real that the reader feels he/she has met them, knows them personally. A must for any lover of historical fiction.