Search - The Widow of the South

Absolutely great read about a little known battle of the Civil War. The description of the battle and the aftermath -- the realization that this battle was absolute suicide on the confederate's part; the house and family was comandeered and turned into a field hospital/morgue fascinated me. The romantic aspect as well as Carrie's "depression" over her dead child was conjecture by the author and not quite believeable, but it does help bring the characters to life. What this woman went through and what she accmplished in her lifetime is truly inspiring

This is a great book if you are interested in Civil War history mingled with an unusual love story. Most of the book is based on fact so history buffs will love it. One reviewer wrote; "wonderfully imagined and beautifully written. RObert Hicks not only immerses us in history but also in age-old human truths that are the grist of lasting literature. One of the finest books I've read in years."-James Webb, author of "Born Fighting" and "Fields of Fire." This book wasa New York Times best seller and a nominee for the Michael shaara Award For Ecellence in Civil War Fiction.

I found this book fascinating because it is based on a true story. However, the author's account of Carrie McGavock's unusual love for Zachariah Cashwell is entirely fiction, and is a very strange tale indeed. The author says that he spent 7 years reading Russian novels to help prepare him to write this book, and the influence in character analysis is noticeable. It is this depth of character that makes the book move slowly in some parts, but also adds the surreal aspect to it. I am interested in learning a bit more about the Battle of Franklin and would like to see Carrie McGavock's cemetery now that I've read this book.

I was stunned by this book - I had never heard of the Civil War battle which it describes very vividly, nor of the woman who devoted her plantation and much of her life in caring for Confederate soldiers. But she was a real person and the author makes her come alive again.

I didn't like the author's writing style, too overwrought at times, and the characters weren't likable. I didn't much care what happened to any of them because of that.

I loved this book - loved, loved, loved it. Hicks really knows his stuff. Admittedly, I was hoping for a little bit more of a romance between Carrie and Zachariah, but I still understood and felt the love between the two. :)

I really wish I would have read this sooner and will not forget it anytime soon!