My first step into what happened during the American Civil War and it is wonderful! Read it about 5 years ago and could not put it down. It has made me get other books on this subject so I can see what really happened instead of Hollywoods version. This version, from the other more factual books I have read, appears to be very close to what happened and is, I have to say, much easier to read than the cold factual versions. It is a good way of getting into the subject. ( )

It has been many years since I have been so profoundly affected by a piece of literature. I am no Civil War buff, and cannot remember why I picked up this book. However, I am eternally grateful that I did. Shaara's style is at once sad, foreboding, and so richly human. There is an honor in the prose that I could not escape; a truth which drew me further and further into the lives of the featured characters.

I am astounded by the depth of emotion felt by these military leaders. So often the soldier, especially officers, are portrayed without feeling. This war was utterly personal on so many levels. I was moved by General Longstreet's dilemma: refuse Lee's order and quit or send thousands of men to most certain death. An impossible choice for a career soldier.

Shaara's narrative genius did not stop at the depiction of inner dialogue and military tactics. Just when I thought the novel was going to stay out of the action, I was plunged into the thick of it. But description of combat was so rich and again personal that I felt like I was there; especially on day three of the battle. Chamberlain's experience of the Rebel's artillery bombardment had me mesmerized. And, General Armistead's lone chapter, describing Pickett's Charge, was arguably the most emotionally stirring of he novel.

These men had honor, loyalty, and heart. From Buford holding the high ground to Longstreet's guilt over leading Pickett's Charge to Chamberlain's final wisdom on the war and it purpose, this novel is very moving. I highly recommend you give it a chance. ( )

Very readable. felt like I was at Gettysburg ( )

This is probably the definitive Civil War novel. It won the Pulitzer Prize, and it really deserves all of its accolades. Shaara has made the battle of Gettysburg come alive and put it in human terms that are much more complex and nuanced than the usual black and white (or in this case, blue and gray) retellings of famous battles. Told from the points of view of major players on all sides, primarily General Longstreet for the Confederacy and Colonel Chamberlain of the Federal Army, Shaara’s narrative evokes tension, horror and sympathy for everyone involved. ( )

I'm not a big fan of historical fiction and I'm really not into war novels - but this was surprisingly interesting. I found myself drawn into the drama of the Battle of Gettysburg and came away grateful to Mr. Shaara for teaching me about this part of the civil war in such a captivating way. Sometimes bookclub selections are effective at getting me to read something I wouldn't have but which I should have! ( )