R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on + 1442 more book reviews
The Black Flower by Howard Bahr is an awesome novel of the Civil War. The author does such an outstanding job of painting a picture of this sad historical event that it left me breathless at times. The primary key character is Bushrod Carter, a private in the Confederate Army, whose experiences mirror those of so many who went to war in this period. His best friends are Jack Bishop and Virgil C. who fight by his side. He sees his friends disappear, die and leave him standing alone.
The author's first novel, it is so well written that the book is hard to put aside. Published in 1997, it was nominated for the Stephen Crane Award by Book-of-the-Month Club, the Lincoln Prize from Gettysburg College and the United stated Civil War Center Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction. The book is so good I have difficulty understanding why I see few reviews. Perhaps many readers search for a book to make them happy. I like happy book, too, but I also enjoy books that give me glimpses of another life at another time like this one did. So if you are searching for a happy book, this is not one of them. It's realistic, sad and portrays humans in all their many facets - the brave, the cowardly, the cruel, and the gentle. I was so glad to read a book that gaves me a well written honest portrayal of what happened during this chaotic time.
The author's first novel, it is so well written that the book is hard to put aside. Published in 1997, it was nominated for the Stephen Crane Award by Book-of-the-Month Club, the Lincoln Prize from Gettysburg College and the United stated Civil War Center Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction. The book is so good I have difficulty understanding why I see few reviews. Perhaps many readers search for a book to make them happy. I like happy book, too, but I also enjoy books that give me glimpses of another life at another time like this one did. So if you are searching for a happy book, this is not one of them. It's realistic, sad and portrays humans in all their many facets - the brave, the cowardly, the cruel, and the gentle. I was so glad to read a book that gaves me a well written honest portrayal of what happened during this chaotic time.
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