The Killer Angels (The Civil War Trilogy #2) by Michael Shaara

[gilda_elise]

In the four most bloody and courageous days of our nation's history, two armies fought for two dreams. One dreamed of freedom, the other of a way of life.
Far more than rifles and bullets were carried into battle. There were memories. There were promises. There was love. And far more than men fell on those Pennsylvania fields. Shattered futures, forgotten innocence, and crippled beauty were also the casualties of war.
The Killer Angels is unique, sweeping, unforgettable--a dramatic re-creation of the battleground for America's destiny.

Though seeming to have a more favorable outlook towards the Southern commanders (as bradygirl_12 noted in my review of Gods and Generals,) the book, nevertheless, gives an even-handed look at what both sides went through during one of the, if not the, bloodiest battle of the Civil War. The reader is lead, step by step, through those three days as seen through the eyes of Robert E. Lee and James Longstreet for the South, and Joshua Chamberlain and John Buford for the North. And I was never bogged down by details, as both armies moves are clearly presented.

Having just read Jeff Shaara’s Gods and Generals, it was easy to pick up from where the other book left off. I was returned to the men, to the battles, and to the conflict which was tearing the nation apart. The war would go on, but the battle at Gettysburg was a turning point. It was rather frightening to learn that, with a little luck, the battle could have gone the other way.

This is an exceptional book, exceptionally written.




Mount TBR 2018 Book Links

Links are to more information regarding each book or author, not to the review.


1. ReDeus: Divine Tales
2. 1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created
3. The Exodus Quest
4. Troy: Shield Of Thunder
5. Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph
6. Hyperion
7. Thin Air
8. Gods and Generals
9. White Seed
10. The Killer Angels

Comments

[bradygirl_12]

Excellent book! I love Civil War stories and this doesn't disappoint.

If Lee hadn't been so pig-headed and disregarded Longstreet's advice, the battle could've gone much differently. Fortunately he was stubborn and Chamberlain and his men were amazing. I've stood on Little Round Top and you can just feel the echoes of the past.

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

The Shaaras don't seem to disappoint. I'm working on the third book right now and really enjoying it.

I was really surprised at how much luck had to do with who won. As you say, it's fortunate the Lee was so stubborn and didn't follow Longstreet's advice. I'd never had any urge to see the Civil War battle sites, but I'd really like to see them now. And Chamberlain has become something of a hero to me. :-)