Rate this book

Fierce Patriot: The Tangled Lives Of William Tecumseh Sherman (2014)

by Robert L. O'Connell(Favorite Author)
4.03 of 5 Votes: 1
ISBN
1400069726 (ISBN13: 9781400069729)
languge
English
genre
publisher
Random House
review 1: This is an odd biography. I do think that O'Connell does a good job of providing a deeper and more humane understanding of Sherman, and the writing is very well done, some occasional attempts to wax lyrical not withstanding. However, it is also disjointed and a bit shallow. Sherman was one man with many facets, and yet, in trying to present that man with those facets, he breaks up his narrative, dealing with those facets separately. This might be okay for a highly detailed and analytical biography, but not one of this nature. It breaks the man down a bit, but it doesn't synthesize those bits especially well. That said, I did enjoy the book, and I feel like I know Sherman better than I did before, so I can certainly say it is a worthwhile read. It just held out more ... morepromise than it realized.
review 2: To many Southerners, William Tecumesh Sherman holds a special place in hell for his scorched earth March to the Sea that destroyed the heart and soul of the Confederacy. To most Northerners, he was the guy who helped Grant win the Civil War. This book examines the many facets of Sherman's character and legacy. He was no demon, yet he showed no mercy. He fought for the Union, yet he was no friend to African Americans. He was a dynamo and a captivating speaker, yet he showed no interest in politics. Yet for some reason I couldn't fully engage myself with this book. I think a more chronological approach would have been more preferable. less
Reviews (see all)
Lakshmi
Interesting but disjointed. The book did not flow. Too bad because Sherman was a great American.
neitia
This is probably one of the best biographies I've read in a long time. Excellent read.
kiob
Excellent book for the history buff. Enjoyed it completely and recommend it.
Alex
mildly disconnected, but interesting
Write review
Review will shown on site after approval.
(Review will shown on site after approval)