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Seen the Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Gettysburg
John Hough’s superbly readable historical novel, the revealing coming-of-age story of two young brothers fighting in the civil War, evokes the hardships and camaraderie of ordinary soldiers and civilians set against the bloody drama of the battle of Gettysburg.
• Brilliant raised by their abolitionist father on martha’s Vineyard, eighteen-year-old Luke and sixteenyear- old Thomas Chandler volunteer for the union. They join the Army of the Potomac in Virginia and take part in the long march north in June, 1863, to intercept General Lee. Luke writes home to rose, their black Cape Verdean housekeeper, with whom he shares a secret that Thomas discovers on the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg. The truth enrages Thomas and causes a rift between the brothers. When the battle is over, only one will survive.
• A classic in the Seen the Glory re-creates the Civil War experience as vividly as the classic novel The Killer Angels. The soldiers of the storied 20th massachusetts regiment, the sullen Southerners they march past, the hopeful freedmen and worried slaves, the terrified residents of Gettysburg, the battle-hardened Confederate soldiers are all rendered with brilliant realism and historical accuracy.
• Brilliant raised by their abolitionist father on martha’s Vineyard, eighteen-year-old Luke and sixteenyear- old Thomas Chandler volunteer for the union. They join the Army of the Potomac in Virginia and take part in the long march north in June, 1863, to intercept General Lee. Luke writes home to rose, their black Cape Verdean housekeeper, with whom he shares a secret that Thomas discovers on the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg. The truth enrages Thomas and causes a rift between the brothers. When the battle is over, only one will survive.
• A classic in the Seen the Glory re-creates the Civil War experience as vividly as the classic novel The Killer Angels. The soldiers of the storied 20th massachusetts regiment, the sullen Southerners they march past, the hopeful freedmen and worried slaves, the terrified residents of Gettysburg, the battle-hardened Confederate soldiers are all rendered with brilliant realism and historical accuracy.
420 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
4 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
John Hough Jr.
13 books70 followersJohn Hough, Jr. grew up in Falmouth, Massachusetts and now lives on Martha’s Vineyard. He is a graduate of Haverford College, a former VISTA volunteer, speech writer for Senator Charles Mathias of Maryland, and assistant to James Reston at the Washington Bureau of the New York Times. His grandfather and his father edited the Falmouth Enterprise and his great-uncle was for many years the editor of the Vineyard Gazette. Hough is the author of five previous novels, including
Seen the Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Gettysburg, winner of the American Library Association's 2010 W. Y. Boyd Award, and three works of nonfiction.
Seen the Glory: A Novel of the Battle of Gettysburg, winner of the American Library Association's 2010 W. Y. Boyd Award, and three works of nonfiction.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 2, 2009
If you want to read a really good writer, pick up John Hough Jr. The guy can flat out write and this is a great novel, well researched and marvelous character development. You won't be disappointed. It is thought provoking and entertaining, a tough combo, but he pulls it off well.
November 13, 2017
On November 19, we commemorate the anniversary of President Lincoln’s address at the Gettysburg cemetery. I’ve been to that place on at least three occasions, and its solemn sacred nature calls to all but the most flippant and jaded.
As the book begins, the reader meets the Chandler brothers—Thomas and Luke. Their dad is a doctor on Martha’s Vineyard, and the family believes in abolition. In their employ is a woman with Cape Verde heritage. She is free born, but she faces all manner of horror and discrimination as this book continues.
The boys have their futures secured if they choose to follow that path. There are places at Harvard for both of them. But they enlist to fight in the Civil War, and they are assigned to the Massachusetts Twentieth division.
You follow the brothers through a series of nasty experiences as they cross into northern Virginia. It is here where one of them has his first sexual encounter.
But ultimately, this book has its climax at the early July 1863 battle of Gettysburg. The battle itself isn't described in great detail; the content of the book could have occurred at nearly any Civil War battlefield.
I’ve told you nothing so far that will make you read this. You’re doubtless yawning, shrugging, casually wondering just how many books have been written about the battle of Gettysburg, and why am I singling this book out of the doubtless thousands on the subject. Here’s what you need to know:
This book is Oliver Stone “Saving Private Ryan” like in its descriptions and depictions of the battle that rages both on the acreage of the battle field and within the heads and hearts of the two brothers. So vivid is this that you almost smell the coppery stench of blood, hear the thousands of flies as they gather over the carcasses, and watch with horror the trajectory of the bullets and the sound of deadly metal on skin as they do their diabolical work.
This is a book about the evolution of two brothers and the strengthening of their love for one another. It explores with an unblinking eye racial difficulties that exist still, introducing a character at the end who almost seems to question the validity of the Civil War. The young black man points out to an aged Chandler brother veteran that blacks can’t eat in most of the restaurants in Gettysburg, of all places. It explores the division among the Union soldiers regarding whether the war is fought for abolition or merely to preserve the Union.
It unflinchingly stares down the conflict and humanizes it, framing it in ways I’ve not seen historical fiction do in quite the same way. Rather than serve as a pom-pom-waving cheer leading story about the Union heroes and the Confederate villains, the book relentlessly shows you the impact of war on families and hearts.
This is not a cozy sanitized war story. The F-bomb falls frequently, and there are scenes that depict soldiers looking at what passed for erotica in that day—the descriptions of which lead me to believe that erotica just hasn’t changed much. How tiresome is that!
Those of you who have difficulty with human-on-human violence need to slide past this one on your way to something else. There is a rape scene described here that is not so much graphic as heart-rending in its detail.
If you look at the acknowledgment section, you’ll note that Hough relied on some serious Civil War scholar heavy hitters in his efforts to gather the history. This appears to be a hard-hitting look at a snapshot of the war that is doubtless highly accurate. This was a one-day read for me. The fact that it was an audio book meant that I listened while doing a nasty pile of Saturday mundanities.
I found the switches between war time and pre-war days somewhat confusing at times. It may make more sense if you're reading it in print. The NLS reader pauses between sections, giving you that natural audible division.
As the book begins, the reader meets the Chandler brothers—Thomas and Luke. Their dad is a doctor on Martha’s Vineyard, and the family believes in abolition. In their employ is a woman with Cape Verde heritage. She is free born, but she faces all manner of horror and discrimination as this book continues.
The boys have their futures secured if they choose to follow that path. There are places at Harvard for both of them. But they enlist to fight in the Civil War, and they are assigned to the Massachusetts Twentieth division.
You follow the brothers through a series of nasty experiences as they cross into northern Virginia. It is here where one of them has his first sexual encounter.
But ultimately, this book has its climax at the early July 1863 battle of Gettysburg. The battle itself isn't described in great detail; the content of the book could have occurred at nearly any Civil War battlefield.
I’ve told you nothing so far that will make you read this. You’re doubtless yawning, shrugging, casually wondering just how many books have been written about the battle of Gettysburg, and why am I singling this book out of the doubtless thousands on the subject. Here’s what you need to know:
This book is Oliver Stone “Saving Private Ryan” like in its descriptions and depictions of the battle that rages both on the acreage of the battle field and within the heads and hearts of the two brothers. So vivid is this that you almost smell the coppery stench of blood, hear the thousands of flies as they gather over the carcasses, and watch with horror the trajectory of the bullets and the sound of deadly metal on skin as they do their diabolical work.
This is a book about the evolution of two brothers and the strengthening of their love for one another. It explores with an unblinking eye racial difficulties that exist still, introducing a character at the end who almost seems to question the validity of the Civil War. The young black man points out to an aged Chandler brother veteran that blacks can’t eat in most of the restaurants in Gettysburg, of all places. It explores the division among the Union soldiers regarding whether the war is fought for abolition or merely to preserve the Union.
It unflinchingly stares down the conflict and humanizes it, framing it in ways I’ve not seen historical fiction do in quite the same way. Rather than serve as a pom-pom-waving cheer leading story about the Union heroes and the Confederate villains, the book relentlessly shows you the impact of war on families and hearts.
This is not a cozy sanitized war story. The F-bomb falls frequently, and there are scenes that depict soldiers looking at what passed for erotica in that day—the descriptions of which lead me to believe that erotica just hasn’t changed much. How tiresome is that!
Those of you who have difficulty with human-on-human violence need to slide past this one on your way to something else. There is a rape scene described here that is not so much graphic as heart-rending in its detail.
If you look at the acknowledgment section, you’ll note that Hough relied on some serious Civil War scholar heavy hitters in his efforts to gather the history. This appears to be a hard-hitting look at a snapshot of the war that is doubtless highly accurate. This was a one-day read for me. The fact that it was an audio book meant that I listened while doing a nasty pile of Saturday mundanities.
I found the switches between war time and pre-war days somewhat confusing at times. It may make more sense if you're reading it in print. The NLS reader pauses between sections, giving you that natural audible division.
August 16, 2020
Very slow at the beginning, but as the book progresses to the battle, it gets more interesting. The book is mainly centered around two brothers that enlist (underage) into the army. Their friend Elisha also enlisted. They pretty much had no action before Gettysburg except waiting as reinforcements at Balls Bluff and Fredericksburg and watching their comrades die... In the coming days before the battles of Gettysburg, the brothers share something that separates them in battle. The book is very sad and tragic but also historically accurate. Definitely recommend this to any history geeks.
August 10, 2020
4.5 stars
March 31, 2025
Great story of two brothers from Massachusetts who end up at Gettysburg during Civil War. Has poetic parts but also very gritty.
August 24, 2016
I'm conflicted on this book. It was very polarizing for me. I knew it would be sad. You don't pick up a book centered on the Battle of Gettysburg -- the most lethal battle ever fought on American soil -- without already knowing what you'll read is going to be hard. There were really only two characters I actually liked, Rose and Elisha, but I liked them so much. The parts of the book that focused on Rose were the parts I read the quickest. Her character was so fully developed, despite so little time with her. And Elisha just felt like such a genuine soul. Something else this book did well was a very satisfying ending. I was able to close the book with a sense of resolution, the epilogue having given enough of a glimpse into the future and covering the intervening years enough so that the time jump didn't feel jarring.
The other side of the coin, though, is there were things about this book that weren't my favorite. There were so many characters that didn't feel likable, which I alluded to already, and it was a challenge to sympathize with them, even in the most dire circumstances. In addition to being difficult subject matter, I felt like sometimes the descriptions tried too hard, were too much, crossed too many lines, when maybe subtlety would have sufficed; yes, war is anything but subtle, but there needs to be a line drawn in the rawness or you lose some of the necessary humanity. Some of the format felt odd, as well. There were sections of the book told in italics. Sometimes, it included characters we were already spending time with. Other times, it told a separate story, that almost felt like when a commercial pops up while you're watching tv. In both instances, I was left wondering either why that section needed to be italicized or why we were getting these side stories that felt disjointed from the story of Thomas and Luke. My final complaint was the overuse of the word 'said'. He said. She said. Said Rose. Mac said. Said, said, said. My goodness, pick a different word...or just let the conversation flow -- the reader is smart enough to figure out that quotation marks indicate that someone is saying.
I'm not sorry I spent my time reading this book. I feel like it's good to push outside the comfortable boundaries of the genres we reach for most often. I also think there is benefit from visiting the unpleasant portions of history. The Civil War was a bitter, violent, angry war. Being so far removed from that time and those feelings, it gives pause to think about how gut wrenching it was for so many people and in so many ways, even if the story is filled with fictional characters. I just expected better, in some aspects, of a book that won awards and high praise.
The other side of the coin, though, is there were things about this book that weren't my favorite. There were so many characters that didn't feel likable, which I alluded to already, and it was a challenge to sympathize with them, even in the most dire circumstances. In addition to being difficult subject matter, I felt like sometimes the descriptions tried too hard, were too much, crossed too many lines, when maybe subtlety would have sufficed; yes, war is anything but subtle, but there needs to be a line drawn in the rawness or you lose some of the necessary humanity. Some of the format felt odd, as well. There were sections of the book told in italics. Sometimes, it included characters we were already spending time with. Other times, it told a separate story, that almost felt like when a commercial pops up while you're watching tv. In both instances, I was left wondering either why that section needed to be italicized or why we were getting these side stories that felt disjointed from the story of Thomas and Luke. My final complaint was the overuse of the word 'said'. He said. She said. Said Rose. Mac said. Said, said, said. My goodness, pick a different word...or just let the conversation flow -- the reader is smart enough to figure out that quotation marks indicate that someone is saying.
I'm not sorry I spent my time reading this book. I feel like it's good to push outside the comfortable boundaries of the genres we reach for most often. I also think there is benefit from visiting the unpleasant portions of history. The Civil War was a bitter, violent, angry war. Being so far removed from that time and those feelings, it gives pause to think about how gut wrenching it was for so many people and in so many ways, even if the story is filled with fictional characters. I just expected better, in some aspects, of a book that won awards and high praise.
February 14, 2011
"Seen the Glory" is a fictional account of the Battle of Gettysburg. Actually the Battle of Gettysburg is really a small portion of this book.
The reader will be treated to a beuatiful story that begins in Martha's Vineyard.
Luke and Thomas Chandler are brothers and the sons of the well known Doctor Chandler. Their nergo housekeeper, Rose, is taking care of the family since their mother's death. Headstrong and an abolitionist, Rose is loved by all three members of the household.
When the war has turned for the worst for the North, both Luke and Thomas join the Twentieth Massachusetts. Although both young men could have very well stayed out of the war, they both felt they had an obligation to fight for their country and the freedom of the slaves.
The reader is given a realistic look at these young men growing up very quickly both mentally, physically, and sexually. We are given a harsh look at what it was like to be a soldier at this time. Clothing, food, and shelter were haphazard at best, and what training there was, was done on the march.
It is in flashbacks and letters back home that we learn more about Rose and a clandestine love affair with one of the boys. The flashbacks give us a look at the prejudices of the time, not only in the southern states, but the northern states as well. Both Luke and Thomas were both looked down upon by their fellow soldiers due to their belief in the abolition of slavery.
A good description of what it must have been like to be a soldier in the Battle of Gettysburg becomes the highlight and telling point of the book. It becomes the turning point of the was and the lives of Luke and Thomas.
A superb ending comes at the end of the book when Thomas, in his old age, returns to Gettysburg and looks back at the war and his life after the war.
This is a great book for anyone who likes historical fiction, the Civil War, and those of you would like a good read that covers the gamut of human emotions.
The reader will be treated to a beuatiful story that begins in Martha's Vineyard.
Luke and Thomas Chandler are brothers and the sons of the well known Doctor Chandler. Their nergo housekeeper, Rose, is taking care of the family since their mother's death. Headstrong and an abolitionist, Rose is loved by all three members of the household.
When the war has turned for the worst for the North, both Luke and Thomas join the Twentieth Massachusetts. Although both young men could have very well stayed out of the war, they both felt they had an obligation to fight for their country and the freedom of the slaves.
The reader is given a realistic look at these young men growing up very quickly both mentally, physically, and sexually. We are given a harsh look at what it was like to be a soldier at this time. Clothing, food, and shelter were haphazard at best, and what training there was, was done on the march.
It is in flashbacks and letters back home that we learn more about Rose and a clandestine love affair with one of the boys. The flashbacks give us a look at the prejudices of the time, not only in the southern states, but the northern states as well. Both Luke and Thomas were both looked down upon by their fellow soldiers due to their belief in the abolition of slavery.
A good description of what it must have been like to be a soldier in the Battle of Gettysburg becomes the highlight and telling point of the book. It becomes the turning point of the was and the lives of Luke and Thomas.
A superb ending comes at the end of the book when Thomas, in his old age, returns to Gettysburg and looks back at the war and his life after the war.
This is a great book for anyone who likes historical fiction, the Civil War, and those of you would like a good read that covers the gamut of human emotions.
November 15, 2010
his historical fiction story tells three tales in one. One thread covers Luke Chandler and his younger brother Thomas, as they enlist in the Union army during the Civil War and prepare to do battle, culminating at Gettysburg. One follows the lives of those they left back home, mainly their father and their black servant Rose, who is more like a family member. A third thread follows various individuals who live in Gettysburg (the connection to the main threads doesn't come up until the very end).
Hough deftly describes the living conditions of his characters, particularly the soldiers' hardships. War was a game of hurry up and wait, of not enough rations and constant illness. The author does a good job covering the spectrum of issues and beliefs surrounding the Civil War and slavery. There is no doubt that not all Northerners believed in freeing the slaves; most of the regiment mocks Luke and Thomas for their staunch Abolitionist stance. But I do like that even some of the secondary characters change and develop.
There's a lot to like -- the stories are well-told. But it's kind of slow. I think the book could have benefited with about 100 pages cut from it. The third story was nice because it gave you the perspective of the citizens, but I think it just weighed down the story. Also, while I'm a fan of backstory as a general rule, I think Seen the Glory goes a bit overboard and is repetitive. Also, the big mystery, about the revelation that splits the brothers right before the big battle? I saw what that would be a quarter of the way into the book.
Seen the Glory is good for history buffs. It strikes me as well-researched and Hough captures the era -- in all its gritty realism -- well. But it could have used some snipping.
Hough deftly describes the living conditions of his characters, particularly the soldiers' hardships. War was a game of hurry up and wait, of not enough rations and constant illness. The author does a good job covering the spectrum of issues and beliefs surrounding the Civil War and slavery. There is no doubt that not all Northerners believed in freeing the slaves; most of the regiment mocks Luke and Thomas for their staunch Abolitionist stance. But I do like that even some of the secondary characters change and develop.
There's a lot to like -- the stories are well-told. But it's kind of slow. I think the book could have benefited with about 100 pages cut from it. The third story was nice because it gave you the perspective of the citizens, but I think it just weighed down the story. Also, while I'm a fan of backstory as a general rule, I think Seen the Glory goes a bit overboard and is repetitive. Also, the big mystery, about the revelation that splits the brothers right before the big battle? I saw what that would be a quarter of the way into the book.
Seen the Glory is good for history buffs. It strikes me as well-researched and Hough captures the era -- in all its gritty realism -- well. But it could have used some snipping.
August 14, 2013
With an invisible hand, John Hough Jr. magically paints a touching story of brotherhood, friendship and love onto the the bloodied fabric of the Civil War. I got so caught up in the drama, I couldn't see the brushstrokes that created this masterpiece, but I'll get out my magnifying glass and give it a second look. I enjoyed the various POV shifts which enabled the author to thoroughly investigate his subject matter in an objective way. I was not put off by the temporal shifts of the plot line (flashbacks) which broke up the monotony of the lead up to the inevitable, final battle and deepened my connection with and sympathy for the main characters. The author appeals to our hearts by "showing" us in great detail what it must have been like to live through those desperate times and avoids overwhelming our brains by "telling" us bland historical statistics. I think some of the bad reviews probably came from people who prefer dull historical renditions and don't appreciate how challenging it is to write a compelling dramatic narrative within the narrow confines of known historical facts. But Hough still sneaks in a ton of information without stopping the action. After reading this wonderful story, I researched the Battle of Gettysburg and was amazed at how much I'd learned from Hough's novel. And yes, John, you got me again! I teared up when the First Minnesota sacrificed themselves in a suicidal charge and bought time for reinforcements to arrive. Having experienced John Hough's book, I too feel like I've "seen the glory."
July 9, 2012
Every summer I'm tasked with reading books that are under consideration for the book program my library runs in the spring semester. Although I joke around about how it forces me to read "book club" books that I'd never read on my own, I do appreciate being forced to give books a chance that I wouldn't otherwise. Seen the Glory is on the list this year and at first it seemed like it was a no-brainer that I'd like it: a Civil War novel revolving around brothers from Martha's Vineyard. If it weren't a selection for the program I'd never have finished; there were several moments that annoyed me a great deal. Mainly they were the cliched moments-when Rose turns out to be a Magic Minority/Magic Servant (you know, how people who aren't white or are from a lower class than the privileged classes always seem to have better instincts, sixth senses, wisdom, and live life more fully) as well as some of the plot twists that made me groan-really, we're going to have the Secret Love and the Rape as Plot Device? I felt the novel was at its best when dealing with the boys at the front, the battle itself, although at times the "at home" story was good as well, even if elements were tired/anachronistic. It's a decent read even if I'd never recommend it to be the book we select.
June 30, 2010
The premise was promising--two abolitionist brothers from Martha's Vineyard join the Union army and see their first battle at Gettysburg. However, Hough intersperses the story of the brothers with another story, using italicized text to indicate that it's a different narrative thread. I hate that! Tell a single story or clearly connect the two...and don't use italicized text. It's hard to read and frankly annoying!
As a history bluff, I diligently plowed my way through the tale, only to discover that I really didn't want to finish it. After all, I know how the Battle of Gettysburg ends. So I flipped ahead to see if the brothers survive and how their narrative ends. Don't think I missed much in between.
As a history bluff, I diligently plowed my way through the tale, only to discover that I really didn't want to finish it. After all, I know how the Battle of Gettysburg ends. So I flipped ahead to see if the brothers survive and how their narrative ends. Don't think I missed much in between.
August 23, 2013
This story is about two brothers and their friend and their part in the Civil War. They were part of the Twentieth Massachusetts and it follows them through the Battle of Gettysburg. It is historical fiction.
It tells the story of how their lives were shaped and why each of them fought in the war. It culminates at the copse of trees at Gettysburg and each of their roles in the battle.
I did enjoy the story. I found it slightly tedious until the boys got to Gettysburg but then I didn’t want to put it down. The author does an excellent job of laying down the necessary ground work to bring the story together.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love of Civil War history, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg.
It tells the story of how their lives were shaped and why each of them fought in the war. It culminates at the copse of trees at Gettysburg and each of their roles in the battle.
I did enjoy the story. I found it slightly tedious until the boys got to Gettysburg but then I didn’t want to put it down. The author does an excellent job of laying down the necessary ground work to bring the story together.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has a love of Civil War history, particularly the Battle of Gettysburg.
August 25, 2010
seen the glory follows two brothers, ages 18 and 16, from marthas vineyard, as they join the union army and go into their first battle at gettysburg. raised as abololitionists and with a young negro woman living in their home as part of the family, they have a unique perspective on the war. the book does a very good job of bringing you into the army experience, marching, camping, the food and lack of hygiene, and the bonding of young men who, in any other situation, would have no reason to speak to one another. that, plus the blood bond of the two brothers and their growing from boys to men in a very short period of time, makes for a good story.
July 12, 2009
Excellent story about Gettysburg, following two brothers from Martha's Vineyard as they enlist, march and finally fight. Rich with details that I have not encountered in other books or Ken Burns' series. Really puts you into the enlisted man's shoes (no rights or lefts, all made to same pattern, by the way).
November 24, 2009
If you want a really good Civil War story, this is it. Told from the POV of ordinary foot soldiers, the reader is transported into the field. Two Vineyard brothers and their boyhood pal go to war as boys and become men.
Not to be missed.
Not to be missed.
January 9, 2010
Not what I expected. As a true Gettysburg buff, I think that the flyleaf indication that this was somehow comparable to Michael Shaara's "The Killer Angels," albeit from the basic front line perspective, is way off base. It was just an okay yarn presented in just an okay manner.
July 26, 2010
meh
Rating: 2.5/5
Rating: 2.5/5
September 7, 2009
More like a 3.4. Think Jim steered me wrong here.
January 4, 2010
Thoughtful, well-developed characters, vivid battle scenes - I liked it.
March 20, 2012
This book was pretty stupid. The author was obsessed with the soldiers going to the bathroom. The Killer Angels it wasn't and I was a little offended that the publishers tried to compare it to that.
Read
September 21, 2012Haunting......
June 7, 2013
This was a great story and well written. I think it would make a very good movie.
December 31, 2015
Terribly depressing, but with the topic, not much else could be expected. You really feel like you're there, and you see things from multiple perspectives...
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews