The Last Full Measure by Jeff Shaara Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Last Full Measure
Book Review: A Truly Grand Finale
Summary: 5 Stars
I had read both "The Killer Angels" and "Gods and Generals" when I started reading this. As such, I was expecting an excellent book and a grand finale to the Civil War. Jeff Shaara doesn't fail to deliver and "To the Last Fell Measure" is an excellent book. It primarily follows Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Joshua Chamberlain. Naturally, Shaara would go through the months after Gettysburg rather quickly because Grant's Overland Campaign is going to be the primary sourece of action. I'm glad he did and he gives excellent views of the overland campaign. I could actually feel the frustration that Grant felt at lost oppurtunities that he felt were constant and Lee's desperation to turn back the overwhelming Union tide. I love how you can experiance it all and I enjoyed the time span from the fall of Petersburg to the surrender of Lee's army. Both sides are desperate with Lee trying to get supplies and Grant trying to trap Lee's army. I was sad when the book ended, but I compensated for this by getting other books by Jeff Shaara. To sum it all up, if you loved the first two books, then you will have to buy this book to complete the trilogy.Book Review: A Worthy Read
Summary: 4 Stars
This book should appeal to those who enjoyed The Killer Angels. The most difficult task for the history-lover is getting beyond the made-up dialogue in historical fictions such as this. The author's tight adherence to historical fact and chronology make this task easy; the novel therefore suceeds as both an interesting personal drama of the principal characters (first) and well-written and very readable history (second). The novel is strongest when it is analyzing the thought process behind a character's actions (e.g., Lee's moves during battle). I also commend Mr. Shaara on presenting a fairly balanced view that does not favor the merit's of either side's cause too strongly.Book Review: A most fitting conclusion
Summary: 5 Stars
After having read Gods & Generals and The Killer Angels, The Last Full Measure seemed to be the natural next step in concluding what was America's bloodiest war. I was expecting a somewhat predictable, and hence banal, scenario of Grant taking Lee to the woodshed as US forces are repeatedly bolstered while Lee's are repeatedly weakened. Well, suffice to say, it is anything but banal and predictable (despite, of course, the final outcome). One is introduced to the two dynamic, if not controversial, leaders of the latter half of the war that were instrumental in Grant's success: the impetuous, demanding, & fiery General Philip Sheridan and the unrelenting, aggressive, & uncouth General William T. Sherman. I would be remiss without having mentioned the most obvious new entry -- the only man ever able to match wits with Robert E. Lee: General Ulysses S. Grant. Was he a great strategist? Was he a raging alcoholic? How exactly was his relationship with Lincoln? - and with his subordinates (including Meade)?
All of these and many more questions are answered in this wonderfully woven tale that masterfully takes the reader from the bloody aftermath of Gettysburg to the trying siege of Petersberg all the way to the solemn occasion at Appomattox Court House. The incredible heroism of Joshua Chamberlain, the tragedies of JEB Stuart & A.P. Hill, the genius of Lee, the savagery of Sherman, & the vastly contrasting leadership styles of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis are all on full display in The Last Full Measure.
"War is for the participants a test of character; it makes bad men worse and good men better."
- Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain
Book Review: A wonderful work of Historical Fiction
Summary: 4 Stars
I am extremely impressed with the amount of work that the author has put into this effort. Rarely has such text provided me with the feeling of not just witnessing a hisoric event, but of actually becoming part of it.The ending chapters provided great insight and were quite emotional, while other chapters throughout the book rewarded me with many memorable passages.
I must reluctantly agree with the sentiment that Shaara went to the well once too often, and some of his writing was just too repetitive. For example, I started getting real aches upon reading for the umpteenth time how someone (especially Lee) got a knot in their stomach or a stabbing pain in their chest. It is certainly hoped that with his upcoming novels on the American Revolution, Shaara will resist the temptation to paint the same portraits over and over again.
A tremendous amount of research must have gone into this book. It is easy for any writer to simply repeat historical facts, but Shaara has managed to interpret them in fascinating fashion, and from a variety of viewpoints, as well.
The only thing that disappointed me was how the Cold Harbor slaughter was glossed over, leaving the reader unclear as to the tragic decisions and events that culminated in that horrific battle.
Still, the above are just nits--this is an excellent read, and Shaara is just a few steps away from that the coveted 5 Star status. Like Grant, I hope that he moves up the ranks to obtain supreme command of his chosen field.
Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
I have just completed reading this book, finishing the three: Gods and Generals, The Killer Angels and now this... the series is an amazing depiction of the men who fought for both the Conferate and the Union. I cannot remember the last time that I have so enjoyed a book to the point that I am now scanning the internet to find more books about the era. A great way to experience the most dramtic time of our history without being bogged down by the strategies - but seeing it from the human condition that these men fought and died in. Highly recommend not only this book, but all three as a wonderful introduction to the men who fought in the civil war, their own struggles and personal conflicts. You will not be able to put the book(s) down.