Gods and Generals: A Novel of the Civil War (Civil War Trilogy)

[...]Years ago I stumbled across The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, a historical novel about the battle of Gettysburg, and thought I would give it a chance. I have never forgotten it. The narrative was one of the finest I've read in the historical novel genre. Interestingly though, I didn't make much effort at the time to read the other books in the series, written by Michael Shaara's son, Jeff Shaara, Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure. After several years, I've finally taken some time to read the prequel to The Killer Angels, Gods and Generals, and it is a book I will not soon forget.Character is where Gods and Generals truly shines. The author takes sufficient time, in my opinion, to establish the central characters, such as: Robert E. Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Winfield Scott Hancock, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, among others. The best part about the book is that neither side, Federal or Southern armies, are painted to be totally evil or degenerate. Characters fight for home and family, nation and unity, principles and virtues, not for a blind rage to dominate or control. As a reader, you feel emotionally affected by each of their stories, regardless of which side they fought for. The beginning of the book is especially poignant as the Civil War begins in earnest and friends begin to siphon off into opposing camps. The subtext of the book--"The heartbreaking saga . . ."--is very appropriate to the realities presented in the book. Although it's not oppressive in its "heartbreaking," it did affect me in a very real and lasting way. I pondered often on the impact of the Civil War and felt sympathy for those who's lives were everlastingly changed by it.Perhaps the only criticism I could offer regarding the book is that it once or twice becomes too consumed by the nuances of military tactics. But those times were very brief and not terribly noticeable. Overall, it's an excellent book.The moments that truly matter in this book are the ones surrounding the complex characters you're introduced to. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's story is really the pay-off of this book, and it is genuinely moving. I would highly recommend Gods and Generals, and I am sure little time will pass before I read the third and final book in the serious, The Last Full Measure[...]

This a good historical novel--moving, accurate, and well-written. Although Jeff Shaara did not produce the masterpiece that his father, Michael, did with The Killer Angels, he did create a fine prequel to his dad's book on the Battle of Gettysburg. He even took the title of his book from a phrase in Killer, uttered by Joshua Chamberlain.Gods and Generals covers the lead-up to the American Civil War, and the war itself, from 1858 to 1863 (as Robert E. Lee's army moves up into Pennsylvania). Like all the Shaara novels, it focuses on a few primary leaders--in this case, Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Winfield Scott Hancock, and Chamberlain. The author tries to get inside the men's heads, giving us a fairly good idea of their characters. For example, Jackson and Lee continually talk and think about the will of God, and seizing opportunities presented to them by the Union commanders; Hancock about the incompetent generals above him; and Chamberlain about leadership and honor. Shaara also gives us a good picture of the strategy and tactics of many of the battles in this period, including both battles at Manassas, and those at Williamsburg, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville (with helpful maps provided). I also liked the way the book starts, with Hancock, Lewis Armistead, and others in the Federal Army in California, faced with the decision to stay with the Union or resign and fight for the South.I would have preferred more on James Longstreet, considering his key role in the Southern military leadership, but what was provided about him was interesting and informative. I also wished there had been more written about some of the other important battles, such as Antietam (a horrific disaster for the North). Of course, Jeff Shaara had to cover a lot more in his book than did his father in his, which was about only one battle.Overall, Gods and Generals is a good account of key figures and battles of the war, as well as some of the emotions of the period.

Brings noted figures from both sides of the war to life. You learn some of their history and come to understand why they chose to fight for their side. You are shown their strengths and flaws. The courage of the soldiers is unforgettable. Themovie brings the war to life but the book personalizes it a way you'll never forget.

Great book. Easy to read. Really enjoy diving into the major players of both sides of the civil war. This should be required in high school history classes.

Since there have already been over 210 reviews of this book, I will not go into details of the book itself, but my impressions.I did not know much about the details of the Civil War before reading this excellent book by Jeff Shaara. Shaara truly brings the details of the war and the people who fought it to vivid life, painting detailed visual pictures with his rich prose. This may be historical "fiction", but Shaara gets into the heads of his characters and gives the reader insights into the Civil War that could never be learned from a textbook. Shaara does this so well, letting the reader know what his main characters are thinking and feeling as they participate in history. Even though the book is 500 pages, it is still an absorbing read that holds one's interest to the very last page. You will not be disappointed in this book. Not only will you learn the details of the Civil War, but you will enjoy every minute doing it!I am watching Ken Burn's DVD series on the Civil War as I read Shaara's book, and I find it to be a complementary souce to Shaara's "Gods and Generals"; Burn's series providing the framework, and Sharra filling in the personal details.I look forward to reading the next two books in this series. If they are as good as this one, and I'm sure they will be, I will have many pleasent hours of reading and learning ahead.If you are interested in the Civil War and want a place to start, I highly recommend "Gods and Generals".Jim Konedog Koenig

Following the Sharpsville Robert E. Lee statue demonstrations, as an Englishman I determined to find out more about the US Civil War. I'm confused about the moral stance of the South in the light of slavery.While this book did not throw too much light in the issue I did learn a healthy respect for the key protagonists on both sides. I was particularly moved by Stonewall Jackson's relationship with the little girl who died of typhoid.The only fault with the book is the over detailed description of the battle scenes at the end which (sorry to our American friends) can become boring and confusing.

No comments needed

Really glad to have it. It completes the set

Cant' put it down, really well written.

Informative but fictional