- Joined
- Nov 26, 2016
- Location
- central NC
I am currently finishing my second read of "House Divided" by Ben Ames Williams. Mr. Williams was an American novelist and short story writer who wrote thirty novels in his lifetime. I was drawn to this book originally because he was the grandnephew of General James Longstreet. His mother was Sara Marshall (Ames) Williams, a niece of the Confederate General.
First published in 1947, I think this bestselling novel is a fine retelling of the Civil War saga. The author brings the conflict to life through the eyes and actions of five adult siblings raised in Virginia. His inclusion of General Longstreet throughout much of the book offers anecdotes about the General and some insight into him as a husband and father. These are credited to his familiarity of the General through his family ties.
The novel is a massive work of 1500 pages, but it draws the reader in from the beginning. Mr. Williams followed this book up with another Civil War novel in 1953 entitled, "The Unconquered." Once again General Longstreet is a character woven in throughout the book.
It's a timely read for folks like me who feel we are currently living in a divisive climate. Just as so many of us seek to learn more about the motivations and actions of those who participated in and lived during the Civil War, I am seeking to understand the motivations of those who seek to divide us today.
General Longstreet fans like @FarawayFriend will really enjoy it!
First published in 1947, I think this bestselling novel is a fine retelling of the Civil War saga. The author brings the conflict to life through the eyes and actions of five adult siblings raised in Virginia. His inclusion of General Longstreet throughout much of the book offers anecdotes about the General and some insight into him as a husband and father. These are credited to his familiarity of the General through his family ties.
The novel is a massive work of 1500 pages, but it draws the reader in from the beginning. Mr. Williams followed this book up with another Civil War novel in 1953 entitled, "The Unconquered." Once again General Longstreet is a character woven in throughout the book.
It's a timely read for folks like me who feel we are currently living in a divisive climate. Just as so many of us seek to learn more about the motivations and actions of those who participated in and lived during the Civil War, I am seeking to understand the motivations of those who seek to divide us today.
General Longstreet fans like @FarawayFriend will really enjoy it!
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