Review by dissettedanielle -- “I Am a Soldier, First a...
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dissettedanielle
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Review by dissettedanielle -- “I Am a Soldier, First a...
[Following is a volunteer review of "“I Am a Soldier, First and Always”: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock" by James Harold Kelly.]
"I am a Soldier, First and Always": The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock by James Harold Kelly is an impassioned portrait of the logistics and emotions of war. Centered on a respected general and his pathway through the Civil War, the book highlights the perspectives of opposing armies as they navigate these historical events. Both the wonders and horrors of war are captured among the despair, death, and hope rendered by Kelly.
A critical factor in the experience of a reader of this genre is the convincingness of the story. Kelly demonstrates a thorough education on and ardor for the subject of the Civil War. This makes for a level of detail and fastidiousness which captivates the reader entirely. I felt as if I were witnessing the history play out in front of my own eyes as I devoured his writing. Ranging from the outlining of battlefield strategy to the devastating burden left on the home front, each and every moment is credible and impactful.
I would recommend this book to those who have a preexisting interest in war history. Without, the content may seem daunting. I would recommend that readers with an aversion to violence pass on this one, as there are many graphic depictions of death and dismemberment. I appreciate that none of the violence is needless, but instead serves as an accurate representation of the darkness of this history.
It is difficult to pinpoint what I like most about the book. Kelly's extensive academic research supports a profoundly realistic tone. He writes a richness within the characters that rounds out the full context of the story. Every soldier reflects the mindset of the time. The relationships between them and their superiors feel genuine. I love that even minor characters are portrayed as multidimensional. The steady presence of the general's thoughts and prayers for his wife and children back home is where I find my strongest personal connection to the book as a whole. The most powerful moment for me is a particularly poetically illustrated death in battle.
I did not dislike anything about this book. The demonstration of the depth of the characters engages the reader in each event. It cannot be emphasized enough how thorough the consideration of historical elements is throughout the writing. Kelly's voice is brilliant and articulate as he manages to capture an impressively wide scope of the time period and its occupants. For these reasons, I give a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
“I Am a Soldier, First and Always”: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"I am a Soldier, First and Always": The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock by James Harold Kelly is an impassioned portrait of the logistics and emotions of war. Centered on a respected general and his pathway through the Civil War, the book highlights the perspectives of opposing armies as they navigate these historical events. Both the wonders and horrors of war are captured among the despair, death, and hope rendered by Kelly.
A critical factor in the experience of a reader of this genre is the convincingness of the story. Kelly demonstrates a thorough education on and ardor for the subject of the Civil War. This makes for a level of detail and fastidiousness which captivates the reader entirely. I felt as if I were witnessing the history play out in front of my own eyes as I devoured his writing. Ranging from the outlining of battlefield strategy to the devastating burden left on the home front, each and every moment is credible and impactful.
I would recommend this book to those who have a preexisting interest in war history. Without, the content may seem daunting. I would recommend that readers with an aversion to violence pass on this one, as there are many graphic depictions of death and dismemberment. I appreciate that none of the violence is needless, but instead serves as an accurate representation of the darkness of this history.
It is difficult to pinpoint what I like most about the book. Kelly's extensive academic research supports a profoundly realistic tone. He writes a richness within the characters that rounds out the full context of the story. Every soldier reflects the mindset of the time. The relationships between them and their superiors feel genuine. I love that even minor characters are portrayed as multidimensional. The steady presence of the general's thoughts and prayers for his wife and children back home is where I find my strongest personal connection to the book as a whole. The most powerful moment for me is a particularly poetically illustrated death in battle.
I did not dislike anything about this book. The demonstration of the depth of the characters engages the reader in each event. It cannot be emphasized enough how thorough the consideration of historical elements is throughout the writing. Kelly's voice is brilliant and articulate as he manages to capture an impressively wide scope of the time period and its occupants. For these reasons, I give a rating of 4 out of 4 stars.
******
“I Am a Soldier, First and Always”: The Distinguished Career of Winfield Scott Hancock
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress by Gustavo Kinrys, MD
