Savannah by James Reasoner Unabridged MP3 CD Audiobook

The Civil War Battle Series #9

by James Reasoner

Unabridged MP3 CD .... 9.5 hours long

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Civil War, American Civil War, Historical

MP3 CD

First published March 5, 2003

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a lifelong student of America's Civil War, I turned to Reasoner's fictional series with interest because of its Confederate perspective. The ninth volume, Savannah, covers the months during which Sherman took the fight to Georgia and began the systematic shattering of the rebel army. My hope was that this book would be as compelling as Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels, but it lacks the sense of urgent immediacy in which Shaara so successfully plunged his readers. Reasoner's story, from both the military and the civilian angle, is accurate enough historically, and should be compelling. Unfortunately, his writing style, relying as it does upon stock phrases (e.g., "it was all he could do" or "all he could think about was...") and elementary vocabulary, falls flat even in the most exciting of settings. Similarly, most of his characters come across as a bit wooden. Recommended for young adult readers and those seeking an introduction to the war between the states.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story of the Brannon family, with the exception of Titus' story line which was hard. However, the historical context of the series had a strong undertone of lost cause mythology.

I stumbled across this series when I learned my second great-grandfather was wounded fighting for the Union at Chickamauga. I enjoy learning history through stories (ala James Mitchener) so I checked out Reasoner's book about that battle, not realizing it was book seven in a 10-book series. Having been hooked by the story of the greater Brannon family, of course I had to read the entire series.

The story element of the series is top notch. The battle details are hard but necessary. And we also get to know Confederate leadership better. However, the causes of the war Reasoner suggests are pure Lost Cause mythology, as are portrayals of General U.S. Grant and all Yankees. The few Northern sympathizers are portrayed as evil, naive or misguided.

But the greatest Lost Cause error is the treatment of prisoners. Yes, Camp Douglas was bad and prisoner treatment was shameful. By all measures, Andersonville was worse. The death rates of both camps prove that. Overall POW death rates for Union POW's was 15.5% vs. 12% for Confederates. No doubt the gap would be wider if: 1) Union soldiers were in as poor condition as Confederates when taken; and 2) surrendering African-American Union soldiers murdered by Confederates were counted among the dead POW's.

While ignoring such evils, Reasoner is willing at least to portray some Southerners as flawed (though there's no hint that Nathan Bedford Forrest was once a slave trader and would go on to lead the Klu Klux Klan).

That said, I wish I could read more about the post-war greater Brannon family.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 9th, penultimate, installment of the series, the Confederate Army is being pushed farther to the south. Reasoner focuses on the Brannon farm & Cory Brannon’s exploits as a soldier in the Army of Tennessee with its revolving door of generals. There’s also a fairly extensive part about people connected to Cory. Everyone is now set in place for the surrender at Appomattox (title of the next book). Some sections are really interesting; others are somewhat tiresome—that’s probably my issue, though, not the author’s.

[MARY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this saga ends. I have really enjoyed this series. This book covered the fall of Atlanta, the terrible battle at Franklin Tenn where 7000 soldiers perished and the fall of Savannah. I look forward to the tenth and last book.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is now almost over and this book is similar to the rest as it follows the family through various episodes in the Civil War. It is interesting, though some of the battle sequences and action is repeated over and over in the 8 previous books - this one included. The description of the troop movements, tactics and more can get quite boring after awhile - but the storyline keeps it moving. Hopefully the last book will be a good finale.

[~mad · Rating 3 out of 5]

from simplyaudio.com

Listened to in the car on the way to and from work everyday. A bit hard to get into, but once the real story begins, it was really good. This is part of a series - and you know I love to read everything that a particular author has written. This could be one of them.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little shorter than some of the others in the series, but brings back some of the characters we haven't heard from in awhile and wondered where they were (Pie & Rachel, Lucille & the Carters).

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the war slowly turns in favor of the Union times become tough for the South & the Brannon family.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for information regarding the Civil War and what it might have been like to have been a soldier.

[Hank Pharis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series still continues to amaze me.