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High Hearts
From the celebrated author of Rubyfruit Jungle and Bingo comes a stirring novel of the Civil War, a tale of true love and mistaken identity. Brimming with colorful characters and vivid settings, High Hearts is Rita Mae Brown at her most ambitious and entertaining.
April 12, 1861. Bright, gutsy and young, Geneva Chatfield marries Nash Hart in Albemarle County, Virginia, the same day Fort Sumter's guns fire the start of the Civil War. Five days later she loses him as Nash joins the Confederate Army. Geneva, who is known as the best rider since Light Horse Harry Lee, cuts her hair, dons a uniform, enlists as "Jimmy Chatfield," then rides off to be with her beloved Nash. But sensitive Nash recoils in horror from the violence of war, while Geneva is invigorated by the chase and the fight. Can she be all the man her husband isn't? She'll sure as hell try. But there is a complication, and his name is Major "Mars" Vickers. This macho major, to his own shock and amazement, finds himself inexplicably attracted to the young soldier named "Jimmy." And this is only the beginning of a novel that moves with sureness and grace from the ferocity of battle to the struggle on the homefront, and brings passion and sly humor to a story of dawning love. High Hearts is a penetrating, delightful and sweeping tale that gives fresh life to a fascinating time.
April 12, 1861. Bright, gutsy and young, Geneva Chatfield marries Nash Hart in Albemarle County, Virginia, the same day Fort Sumter's guns fire the start of the Civil War. Five days later she loses him as Nash joins the Confederate Army. Geneva, who is known as the best rider since Light Horse Harry Lee, cuts her hair, dons a uniform, enlists as "Jimmy Chatfield," then rides off to be with her beloved Nash. But sensitive Nash recoils in horror from the violence of war, while Geneva is invigorated by the chase and the fight. Can she be all the man her husband isn't? She'll sure as hell try. But there is a complication, and his name is Major "Mars" Vickers. This macho major, to his own shock and amazement, finds himself inexplicably attracted to the young soldier named "Jimmy." And this is only the beginning of a novel that moves with sureness and grace from the ferocity of battle to the struggle on the homefront, and brings passion and sly humor to a story of dawning love. High Hearts is a penetrating, delightful and sweeping tale that gives fresh life to a fascinating time.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
31 people are currently reading
417 people want to read
About the author
Rita Mae Brown
173 books2,232 followersRita Mae Brown is a prolific American writer, most known for her mysteries and other novels (Rubyfruit Jungle). She is also an Emmy-nominated screenwriter.
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
Brown was born illegitimate in Hanover, Pennsylvania. She was raised by her biological mother's female cousin and the cousin's husband in York, Pennsylvania and later in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Starting in the fall of 1962, Brown attended the University of Florida at Gainesville on a scholarship. In the spring of 1964, the administrators of the racially segregated university expelled her for participating in the civil rights movement. She subsequently enrolled at Broward Community College[3] with the hope of transferring eventually to a more tolerant four-year institution.
Between fall 1964 and 1969, she lived in New York City, sometimes homeless, while attending New York University[6] where she received a degree in Classics and English. Later,[when?] she received another degree in cinematography from the New York School of Visual Arts.[citation needed] Brown received a Ph.D. in literature from Union Institute & University in 1976 and holds a doctorate in political science from the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, D.C.
Starting in 1973, Brown lived in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. In 1977, she bought a farm in Charlottesville, Virginia where she still lives.[9] In 1982, a screenplay Brown wrote while living in Los Angeles, Sleepless Nights, was retitled The Slumber Party Massacre and given a limited release theatrically.
During Brown's spring 1964 semester at the University of Florida at Gainesville, she became active in the American Civil Rights Movement. Later in the 1960s, she participated in the anti-war movement, the feminist movement and the Gay Liberation movement.
Brown took an administrative position with the fledgling National Organization for Women, but resigned in January 1970 over Betty Friedan's anti-gay remarks and NOW's attempts to distance itself from lesbian organizations. She claims she played a leading role in the "Lavender Menace" zap of the Second Congress to Unite Women on May 1, 1970, which protested Friedan's remarks and the exclusion of lesbians from the women's movement.
In the early 1970s, she became a founding member of The Furies Collective, a lesbian feminist newspaper collective in Washington, DC, which held that heterosexuality was the root of all oppression.
Brown told Time magazine in 2008, "I don't believe in straight or gay. I really don't. I think we're all degrees of bisexual. There may be a few people on the extreme if it's a bell curve who really truly are gay or really truly are straight. Because nobody had ever said these things and used their real name, I suddenly became [in the late 1970s] the only lesbian in America."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 13, 2016
What would the telling of the Civil War read like with a woman soldier? Here we find Brown's take on that question. Five days after marrying, Geneva Chatfield's husband, brother, and father all leave home to enlist their services in the war effort. Not willing to live without her husband Nash, Geneva disguising herself as a boy and leaves home to join up with him in the cavalry. A superb horsewoman, Geneva establishes her place in his company by beating Major Mars Vickers, the group commander, in a horse race.
After this, the story moves between the battle front and the home front telling the stories of the women at home and the men off fighting. There is lots of what you would expect: relations between the races, status of slaves, dealing with shortages and consequences of being at war, family ties, north and south divides, and romances.
The characters are interesting and likable. We see Geneva grow beyond the person she starts out as. She learns a lot about herself and her husband. We sympathize with Nash and his reluctance to fight. We are intrigued by Vicker's outlook on life. And we marvel at the woman maintaining their homes and lives.
While describing the horrors of war, this is not a gruesome story. Instead it is a compassionate and human look at the effects of war on the people who live it. And like the rest of Brown's work, this is a fun and enjoyable read with a southern twist.
After this, the story moves between the battle front and the home front telling the stories of the women at home and the men off fighting. There is lots of what you would expect: relations between the races, status of slaves, dealing with shortages and consequences of being at war, family ties, north and south divides, and romances.
The characters are interesting and likable. We see Geneva grow beyond the person she starts out as. She learns a lot about herself and her husband. We sympathize with Nash and his reluctance to fight. We are intrigued by Vicker's outlook on life. And we marvel at the woman maintaining their homes and lives.
While describing the horrors of war, this is not a gruesome story. Instead it is a compassionate and human look at the effects of war on the people who live it. And like the rest of Brown's work, this is a fun and enjoyable read with a southern twist.
October 27, 2016
A 1986 historical fiction novel of the Civil War, set in Virginia with characters from the First Virginia Calvary with actions that paralleled those of Colonel Fitz Lee's troops. Well-researched with what was available at the time of the writing. After a modest beginning, it drew me into that horrible fray and the impact on the lives of those both at the frontlines and those behind who dealt with the dead and wounded. Many of the characters evolved in both their character, relationships & thinking about the war as they coped with the realities of circumstances.
The main character is 18 y/o Geneva, a daughter of an affluent horse breeder & slave owner, who is more interested in horses and the estate than parties. However, she has fallen in love with Nash Hart and is happy to be planning to marry. She discovers a womanly passion during her "honeymoon" and is distraught that after a brief period of time, war looms and Nash enlists. Geneva decides she has to be with Nash, cuts her hair and disguises herself as a young man to enlist & serve along side her husband. Get through all that and you are then immersed into this world and the people that inhabit it. A much more interesting and thoughtful book than the opening chapters revealed.
The main character is 18 y/o Geneva, a daughter of an affluent horse breeder & slave owner, who is more interested in horses and the estate than parties. However, she has fallen in love with Nash Hart and is happy to be planning to marry. She discovers a womanly passion during her "honeymoon" and is distraught that after a brief period of time, war looms and Nash enlists. Geneva decides she has to be with Nash, cuts her hair and disguises herself as a young man to enlist & serve along side her husband. Get through all that and you are then immersed into this world and the people that inhabit it. A much more interesting and thoughtful book than the opening chapters revealed.
March 3, 2008
There were uncounted women who cut their hair, lowered their voices and took up arms on both sides of The Civil War. Rita Mae Brown does a wonderful job crafting a fictional story using this truth as her premise. The characters are richly drawn (I actually preferred the evolution of Geneva's mother, Lutie, to Geneva herself), and the story layered and interesting.
Geneva can't bear to be away from her husband when he enlists as soon as the guns fire on Fort Sumter. She joins him as a soldier, and learns some unpleasant truths about him and about war. She finds that she has a talent for fighting and that she and her husband aren't as compatible as they might have been had they not rejected their "traditional" roles.
Rita Mae Brown's interesting Foreword and endnotes provide context and explanation for her literary choices, and greatly enrich the experience. I give this book four stars instead of five because at the end, there are several characters whose final stories are only alluded to, as in, "this happened, but that's a story for another day." I wanted to know what happened for these folks, and this abrupt ending felt like laziness, as if Miss Brown just didn't feel like writing any further. Unfortunate, as it left a bad taste after the novel had been so interesting up to that point.
This was not a difficult read by any means, but rewarding. So many women went into the ranks in order to serve their Country (no matter which Country that might have been). The supporting characters were actually more interesting than the main one, but it was all well written.
Geneva can't bear to be away from her husband when he enlists as soon as the guns fire on Fort Sumter. She joins him as a soldier, and learns some unpleasant truths about him and about war. She finds that she has a talent for fighting and that she and her husband aren't as compatible as they might have been had they not rejected their "traditional" roles.
Rita Mae Brown's interesting Foreword and endnotes provide context and explanation for her literary choices, and greatly enrich the experience. I give this book four stars instead of five because at the end, there are several characters whose final stories are only alluded to, as in, "this happened, but that's a story for another day." I wanted to know what happened for these folks, and this abrupt ending felt like laziness, as if Miss Brown just didn't feel like writing any further. Unfortunate, as it left a bad taste after the novel had been so interesting up to that point.
This was not a difficult read by any means, but rewarding. So many women went into the ranks in order to serve their Country (no matter which Country that might have been). The supporting characters were actually more interesting than the main one, but it was all well written.
June 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The summary is true; this is an epic story that brings fresh life into possibly one of the most popular historical events in fiction. I enjoyed learning about the cavalry tactics and regular life of a soldier in that part of the fighting force. There was a ton of history but it was all meshed in the fiction so well that it gave realism to the characters, as if they had been real historical figures.
I liked most all the characters, but confess I didn't love any of them. Geneva comes off as very innocent and young. So does her husband Nash. Other characters like Lutie, Henley, Sumner, Banjo, Sin-Sin, Di-Peachy, and Mercer were very enjoyable and felt real.
I will add that the books "chapters" are dates, and some are only a page, while others are triple that or more. This broke up the action a lot, and was why I took many months to finish this book, reading only a "chapter" or two a day. But the plot was compelling enough that I never lost track of the action, and that once I got close to the end, I had to read the rest to find out what happened.
As for the ending..reading the summary, any reader of romance can guess what is going to happen. My one problem with the book is that it progresses day by day for the entire thing, then after the death of a major character suddenly jumps ahead 30 years and after a quick telling of what happened to this one and that one, the book is over. While I know the book probably had a page limit, I'd have liked to get a few of those last climactic scenes the way other climactic scenes were in the book, as a chapter. I wanted to savor them more :)
I liked most all the characters, but confess I didn't love any of them. Geneva comes off as very innocent and young. So does her husband Nash. Other characters like Lutie, Henley, Sumner, Banjo, Sin-Sin, Di-Peachy, and Mercer were very enjoyable and felt real.
I will add that the books "chapters" are dates, and some are only a page, while others are triple that or more. This broke up the action a lot, and was why I took many months to finish this book, reading only a "chapter" or two a day. But the plot was compelling enough that I never lost track of the action, and that once I got close to the end, I had to read the rest to find out what happened.
As for the ending..reading the summary, any reader of romance can guess what is going to happen. My one problem with the book is that it progresses day by day for the entire thing, then after the death of a major character suddenly jumps ahead 30 years and after a quick telling of what happened to this one and that one, the book is over. While I know the book probably had a page limit, I'd have liked to get a few of those last climactic scenes the way other climactic scenes were in the book, as a chapter. I wanted to savor them more :)
June 1, 2012
Not really impressed with the way Southerners try to whitewash (no pun intended) the war's history. For starters, the way they stubbornly insist on calling the Civil War the "War Between The States". Um, hate to tell you guys this, but when it's a war between states in a country, it's a civil war. And there's nothing civil about it. Also, the way they refuse to admit that slavery was the true, underlying reason for the war. I don't know if they honestly don't believe it, or they know better but they don't want to admit the truth. At any rate, Rita Mae is the consummate Southerner and her books do tend to get a little tiresome, with the same ol' theme over and over again. Still, I love her as an author.
December 1, 2023
A fun read and a great historical novel with lots of real details woven in. This story appealed to me because I live in the Virginia area where the story and the civil war took place. Additionally, the female lead character passing as a male soldier was intriguing and gave the whole story a fresh perspective. Many thanks to Rita Mae for her excellent writing, research and storytelling.
May 19, 2013
Read this a very long time ago but I remember how much I enjoyed it. I should really have a 'to read again' list for books like these.
February 6, 2023
I haven't read too many historical fiction set in the Civil War period, but I like Rita Mae Brown's writing and picked this up at a used book sale. I enjoyed reading the story about Geneva Chatfield Nash and her role as a Southerner in the Civil War when she pretended to be a man in order to join her husband in the calvary. She was a very strong character and I was happy that she wasn't some pretty young thing. Although if she was, pretending to be a man would have been much more difficult.
I think there are some flaws, however. How Geneva could carry on the pretense while being given more and more responsibility, and therefore visibility, seemed unrealistic. Just responding to natural, biological urges would be very difficult in that environment. That she could share a tent with her husband and that others accepted this even while thinking they were two gay men also seemed unlikely. Wouldn't the commander have separated them?
I think Brown's sympathies as a Southerner were very apparent in this novel. Her plantation owners were kind and never mistreated their enslaved people. The slaves seemed to love their white owners. In some cases, they were much closer to them than they were to the other enslaved people on the plantation. They even colluded with them to figure out who killed one of the Black men.
When Brown discusses the cause of war, it often was mentioned that the North was invading them and they just wanted to be left alone to carry on as they always had done.
I think there are some flaws, however. How Geneva could carry on the pretense while being given more and more responsibility, and therefore visibility, seemed unrealistic. Just responding to natural, biological urges would be very difficult in that environment. That she could share a tent with her husband and that others accepted this even while thinking they were two gay men also seemed unlikely. Wouldn't the commander have separated them?
I think Brown's sympathies as a Southerner were very apparent in this novel. Her plantation owners were kind and never mistreated their enslaved people. The slaves seemed to love their white owners. In some cases, they were much closer to them than they were to the other enslaved people on the plantation. They even colluded with them to figure out who killed one of the Black men.
When Brown discusses the cause of war, it often was mentioned that the North was invading them and they just wanted to be left alone to carry on as they always had done.
September 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this when I first read it, and even on a couple of subsequent rereadings. It *is* an interesting story, told well, as most of RMB's stories are.
BUT...I just finished reading Octavia Butler's "Kindred", which, based on non-fictional sources I've read, is a MUCH more accurate contemporary depiction of what slavery was actually like (although it, too, is historical fiction). The slaves in "High Hearts" are certainly not thrilled to be slaves, but they love their white masters, and the white people (with a few exceptions) are all basically just misguided, benevolent matriarchs/patriarchs -- no whippings, no deprivation, and they really seem to believe that the slaves are better off under their care than they would be as free people.
Brown's afterword, too, reeks of Southern white apologist; as herself -- not even in the context of the story -- she insists that the Civil War was not about slavery, and that if it had been, there wouldn't have been so many poor white people fighting for the South...but even a cursory bit of actual research (using non-Southern sources) should be enough to dispel that notion.
So I give it two stars because, as I said, it was an engaging story, but for someone who was supposedly big into the civil rights movement in the '60s, Brown is incredibly tone-deaf about the South's role in the Civil War.
BUT...I just finished reading Octavia Butler's "Kindred", which, based on non-fictional sources I've read, is a MUCH more accurate contemporary depiction of what slavery was actually like (although it, too, is historical fiction). The slaves in "High Hearts" are certainly not thrilled to be slaves, but they love their white masters, and the white people (with a few exceptions) are all basically just misguided, benevolent matriarchs/patriarchs -- no whippings, no deprivation, and they really seem to believe that the slaves are better off under their care than they would be as free people.
Brown's afterword, too, reeks of Southern white apologist; as herself -- not even in the context of the story -- she insists that the Civil War was not about slavery, and that if it had been, there wouldn't have been so many poor white people fighting for the South...but even a cursory bit of actual research (using non-Southern sources) should be enough to dispel that notion.
So I give it two stars because, as I said, it was an engaging story, but for someone who was supposedly big into the civil rights movement in the '60s, Brown is incredibly tone-deaf about the South's role in the Civil War.
June 12, 2022
I read this book when I was a teenager so it's been a long time. But what I remember was that the husband was anti-war, horrified by war, and the protagonist looked down on him for this. If it has just been a "woman dresses up as man, goes to war, loves being in the action, falls in love with fellow soldier" story, I'd have enjoyed it. But her reaction to her husband made her really unsympathetic. I cared about his story far more than hers.
July 4, 2018
On July 4, 2018 I finished reading this intriguing fictional story based on historical facts. Ms. Brown weds the participation of a Virginia plantation family into the daily happenings of a host of believable characters in a young Civil War. Twists and turns of drama, love, pain and indifference lead it to be difficult to lay this book aside. Worthy of taking time to read!
June 30, 2021
Interesting to read historical fiction from the southern view. Also interesting to see some references that did not feel appropriate in 2021, since the book was written in 1986, e.g. referring to slaves as servants.
October 21, 2024
This book will stick with you.
Wishing everyone would read this book right now.
I first read it in high school, borrowed from the public library and then I spent 2 decades trying to find it again. This book sticks with you.
Wishing everyone would read this book right now.
I first read it in high school, borrowed from the public library and then I spent 2 decades trying to find it again. This book sticks with you.
January 8, 2024
Unrealistic and, quite frankly, awful in its portrayal of slavery. Having never experienced it myself, I would still wager a guess and say it wasn't half as funny as portrayed here.
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June 14, 2014Natnael Muluneh
High Hearts
571 Pages, 1987
Rita Mae Brown
High Hearts is the story of newlyweds Geneva Chatfield and Nash Hart. The couples get married in Albemarle County Virginia the same day the Civil war begins and five days later their marriage is put to the test as Nash is sent off to join the Confederate Army. Geneva will go to extreme length to be near her husband. She cuts off her hair and joins Nash’s Calvary as Jimmy Chatfield. Geneva is the tallest girl and best rider at Albemarle County, so she thrives at the warfront and become a very successful solider. However Nash is seen struggling with the idea of being a solider. This difference in their personalities started creating problems for the newlyweds. This is not the only problem the couples are facing. The commander of the Cavalry Mars Vickers finds himself exceedingly attracted to the youngest solider Jimmy Chatfield. Although Mars does not understand his unusual attraction to a young boy, throughout the book it is seen as the tension rises between Nash and Mars while Geneva’s identity remains a secret. High Hearts reveals a lot about the struggle of the battlefield but also talks about the home front, where the responsibility of the plantation falls on the shoulders of Geneva’s mother, Lutie. Throughout the book it is seen as Lutie finds a new purpose that is more than just running the plantation which is nursing the wounded. The secrets in this story do not stop at the battlefield. One of the major plot twists in this book is the secret between the relationship of Geneva and Di-Peachy. Overall the book brings one of the most famous historical events to life and explains in interesting details the struggles in both the battlefield and the home front.
One of the main themes in this book is the issue stereotypes. This story is set during the Civil war which was a time in which many stereotypes existed. Throughout the book Brown really challenges the existing stereotypes; sexual and racial. The women in this book, although they have very different backgrounds and characteristics, all show extreme strength and admired dedication when the patriarchal traditions of the society were challenged. High Hearts shows the everyday struggle of women to establish their place among society. Brown portray the women as a collective force that comes together or as she refers to them “A shadow Army” when needed and in order to benefit the greater good. In the story Di-Peachy is the character that introduces the issue of slavery and this matter is complicated as the very close relationship between her and Geneva is revealed. Di-Peachy is Geneva’s a beautiful and intelligent black woman. She has no violent tendencies and Brown uses this to challenge the stereotype regarding the aggressive black women. During this time Blacks are seen are the people who are always ready to cause violence because of their “savage” ancestry. The other Brown challenges the racial stereotype is the fact that a white man is in love with Di-Peachy. This theme is well clarified in the book and the readers see as the people who are a subject to these stereotypes among many others rise up and become the models of the southern society.
The other major theme in this book is marriage roles. The heart of the story is the love between Nash and Geneva and their marriage. Brown reverses the roles of a traditional marriage when she portrayed Geneva’s character as a woman who loves outdoor activities and is not tested by the war at all. While Nash is given the characteristic of a man who prefers the more intellectual activities and is having a hard time adapting to his new role of being a solider. As a result of all this the readers see as the two couple struggle to obtain their relationship. This also ties mainly to the stereotypes of gender roles. Nash is threatened by the changes happening to Geneva and feels that his authority as the dominant one in the relationship is being undermined. As a result to this he keeps his distance from Geneva and she is confused of the changes going on in her relationship.
The book was not based on romance as it was expected but it still had big features that made it very interesting. The author does a great job of explaining the setting and establishing the idea of what life was like during this time in the reader’s minds. The one part of the book that was not very favorable was the fact that after progressing day by day throughout the entire book, after a major twist in the plot it jumps ahead 30 years then after explaining about what happened to some characters the book ends. It would have made the book even more interesting of more of those climatic scenes were explained in the book. Although the book was fiction, it was interesting to read some parts and realize that those issues were actually going on during that time. Overall High Hearts is a great book that held a lot of good values and views about love, war, society, and dedication.
High Hearts
571 Pages, 1987
Rita Mae Brown
High Hearts is the story of newlyweds Geneva Chatfield and Nash Hart. The couples get married in Albemarle County Virginia the same day the Civil war begins and five days later their marriage is put to the test as Nash is sent off to join the Confederate Army. Geneva will go to extreme length to be near her husband. She cuts off her hair and joins Nash’s Calvary as Jimmy Chatfield. Geneva is the tallest girl and best rider at Albemarle County, so she thrives at the warfront and become a very successful solider. However Nash is seen struggling with the idea of being a solider. This difference in their personalities started creating problems for the newlyweds. This is not the only problem the couples are facing. The commander of the Cavalry Mars Vickers finds himself exceedingly attracted to the youngest solider Jimmy Chatfield. Although Mars does not understand his unusual attraction to a young boy, throughout the book it is seen as the tension rises between Nash and Mars while Geneva’s identity remains a secret. High Hearts reveals a lot about the struggle of the battlefield but also talks about the home front, where the responsibility of the plantation falls on the shoulders of Geneva’s mother, Lutie. Throughout the book it is seen as Lutie finds a new purpose that is more than just running the plantation which is nursing the wounded. The secrets in this story do not stop at the battlefield. One of the major plot twists in this book is the secret between the relationship of Geneva and Di-Peachy. Overall the book brings one of the most famous historical events to life and explains in interesting details the struggles in both the battlefield and the home front.
One of the main themes in this book is the issue stereotypes. This story is set during the Civil war which was a time in which many stereotypes existed. Throughout the book Brown really challenges the existing stereotypes; sexual and racial. The women in this book, although they have very different backgrounds and characteristics, all show extreme strength and admired dedication when the patriarchal traditions of the society were challenged. High Hearts shows the everyday struggle of women to establish their place among society. Brown portray the women as a collective force that comes together or as she refers to them “A shadow Army” when needed and in order to benefit the greater good. In the story Di-Peachy is the character that introduces the issue of slavery and this matter is complicated as the very close relationship between her and Geneva is revealed. Di-Peachy is Geneva’s a beautiful and intelligent black woman. She has no violent tendencies and Brown uses this to challenge the stereotype regarding the aggressive black women. During this time Blacks are seen are the people who are always ready to cause violence because of their “savage” ancestry. The other Brown challenges the racial stereotype is the fact that a white man is in love with Di-Peachy. This theme is well clarified in the book and the readers see as the people who are a subject to these stereotypes among many others rise up and become the models of the southern society.
The other major theme in this book is marriage roles. The heart of the story is the love between Nash and Geneva and their marriage. Brown reverses the roles of a traditional marriage when she portrayed Geneva’s character as a woman who loves outdoor activities and is not tested by the war at all. While Nash is given the characteristic of a man who prefers the more intellectual activities and is having a hard time adapting to his new role of being a solider. As a result of all this the readers see as the two couple struggle to obtain their relationship. This also ties mainly to the stereotypes of gender roles. Nash is threatened by the changes happening to Geneva and feels that his authority as the dominant one in the relationship is being undermined. As a result to this he keeps his distance from Geneva and she is confused of the changes going on in her relationship.
The book was not based on romance as it was expected but it still had big features that made it very interesting. The author does a great job of explaining the setting and establishing the idea of what life was like during this time in the reader’s minds. The one part of the book that was not very favorable was the fact that after progressing day by day throughout the entire book, after a major twist in the plot it jumps ahead 30 years then after explaining about what happened to some characters the book ends. It would have made the book even more interesting of more of those climatic scenes were explained in the book. Although the book was fiction, it was interesting to read some parts and realize that those issues were actually going on during that time. Overall High Hearts is a great book that held a lot of good values and views about love, war, society, and dedication.
May 17, 2015
Book Riot 2015 Challenge: Book by an author who identifies as LGBTQ
PopSugar 2015 Challenge: Book I started once and never finished
High Hearts is a book I've owned for a long time but never picked up. It's one of Brown's early works, but I suppose I was turned off from reading because I didn't like her most recent non-mystery efforts. As with Stephen King, until I rediscovered him, I decided Rita and I needed a break.
I chose High Hearts to fulfill a few reading challenges because I don't like to DNF a book unless there's a good reason. The first time around, years ago, I wasn't in the frame of mind to read Civil War fiction. This time around, though, I lost myself in the story and enjoyed it. Having lived near and visited frequently the settings of this book, I've come away with greater interest in my adopted state's history.
I'm also encouraged to pick up Dolley, one of the few non-mysteries of Brown's I haven't read.
PopSugar 2015 Challenge: Book I started once and never finished
High Hearts is a book I've owned for a long time but never picked up. It's one of Brown's early works, but I suppose I was turned off from reading because I didn't like her most recent non-mystery efforts. As with Stephen King, until I rediscovered him, I decided Rita and I needed a break.
I chose High Hearts to fulfill a few reading challenges because I don't like to DNF a book unless there's a good reason. The first time around, years ago, I wasn't in the frame of mind to read Civil War fiction. This time around, though, I lost myself in the story and enjoyed it. Having lived near and visited frequently the settings of this book, I've come away with greater interest in my adopted state's history.
I'm also encouraged to pick up Dolley, one of the few non-mysteries of Brown's I haven't read.
August 6, 2011
1986
A very enjoyable story about the Civil War from the perspective of Charlottesville VA, apparently the author's home town as well. She tries to let us 'hear the voices' of some of the slaves as well as the Southern white main characters.
By the time I finished, I realized I had been reading a retake of Gone with the Wind. Geneva is a Scarlett type of ambitious, practically minded young woman. Her husband is an Ashley type, not suited to wars or business, more the sentimental poetic type. The colonel, although not exactly like Rhett Butler, certainly shows similarities. Oh, and you have the good-hearted, useful prostitute as well.
Well, I have always liked Gone with the WInd, so it's fine with me to have a new and different version of it!
A very enjoyable story about the Civil War from the perspective of Charlottesville VA, apparently the author's home town as well. She tries to let us 'hear the voices' of some of the slaves as well as the Southern white main characters.
By the time I finished, I realized I had been reading a retake of Gone with the Wind. Geneva is a Scarlett type of ambitious, practically minded young woman. Her husband is an Ashley type, not suited to wars or business, more the sentimental poetic type. The colonel, although not exactly like Rhett Butler, certainly shows similarities. Oh, and you have the good-hearted, useful prostitute as well.
Well, I have always liked Gone with the WInd, so it's fine with me to have a new and different version of it!
January 13, 2014
The book follows a girl in her desire to stay close to her husband during the Civil War by concealing her identity and appearing to be a man. She joins her husband's cavalry regimen on the Confederate side. The reader also gets the viewpoints of her husband, cavalry leader, mother, and slave friend. I found these perspectives more interesting most of the time than the main character's. Overall, entertaining and fast read book.
January 25, 2014
"If this was not taught as inevitable, it would force students of all ages to question methods of government, to question the morality of powerful lobbying groups forcing their will on the majority as well as to encourage the students to formulate strategies."
"I don't have your wide embrace, your high heart. There are other ways out there, mother. They'll be worse. We haven't learned a thing."
"I don't have your wide embrace, your high heart. There are other ways out there, mother. They'll be worse. We haven't learned a thing."
January 14, 2011
after reading 'my name is mary sutter' i commented to my librarian that i loved this book and learned a lot about the civil war. he then ordered high hearts for me and said it was one of his favorite books. it was a very good read ...learned a lot more about the war and the fact that there were women (in disguise) who fought as well.
February 16, 2015
This book was first published in 1986 but how timely it was for me to read it at this time, the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Also thought a lot about the wars that are going on today.
I loved this book for the wonderful interesting characters.
My husband just finished reading this book and he enjoyed it too. He thought it was well written and an interesting story.
I loved this book for the wonderful interesting characters.
My husband just finished reading this book and he enjoyed it too. He thought it was well written and an interesting story.
February 15, 2016
I loved this book and recommended it to many people over the years. The strong female character appealed to me as did the occasional humor of the situation where Geneva/Jimmy dealt with soldiers who didn't know her true identity. I think this may have been my first Rita Mae Brown book but it remained my favorite of all those titles I read after.
May 16, 2008
I read this back in the early 90's. Very different from her other offerings, "Six of One", or "Southern Discomfort". I liked after I got used to the change in style. But I like Rita and Sneaky Pie's books the best.
April 23, 2010
A friend lent me this book with the testamonial it was one of her all time favorites. It took me awhile to get through it - I kept finding reasons to move to other books. It was a good story, but a little too long.
September 20, 2011
read it, long time, don't remember.. think this was the Tennis one..back in the day when Martina Navratilova was chilling with Rita Mae. i know that Rita Mae Brown assisted Martina with her autobiography, which i also read
November 3, 2011
I realized a couple chapters into this that I had already read it. (Fortunately, I checked it out from the e-library.) That didn't at all detract from my enjoyment reading it a second time. This is a story full of heart, humor and sadness. Definitely an excellent read.
May 10, 2013
This is a terrific book not at all like Rita Mae Brown's other books. It's about a female soldier durning the a Civil War. It's a little slow in the beginning but, give it a chance. It'll be we'll worth it.
Read
December 22, 2007A quick and fun read
January 25, 2008
I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
May 4, 2008
poorly put together story of the Civil War--told by women --I love history when it is told correctly even in an historical fiction work--this was JUST fiction put on your romantic but awful shelf..
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