The Better Angels of Our Nature

Stunning! An exploration of the humanity of man during the violence of War. A wonderful narrative in the manner of Howard Bahr's gripping Civil War trilogy. Ms. Gylanders exhaustive 7 year study and research of General William T. Sherman's actions during the battles of Shiloh and Vicksburg are noteworthy. She vividly re-creates them in wonderful detail with all the drama, brutality, and camaraderie that men and women at war experience. Although a work of historical fiction, Ms. Gylanders imparts to the reader the feel and empathy of America's most terrible conflict. She is able to create all the sights, sounds, and smells of men at war wrapped in the emotions and feelings of fear, exhilaration, sorrow, and happiness at being alive! It is not enough to be apart of the horrific battles and survive, but to also be able to touch the very soul of man's being and live! All this Ms. Gylanders imparts in her classic debut novel of the Civil War. The plot is both complex and simple; a weave of human emotion from despair to giddy happiness. Jesse, a stranger, appears in General Sherman's camp several days before the battle of Shiloh. The manic and complex Sherman takes Jesse under his venerable wing. For much of the first half of the book Jesse is assumed to be a boy, until her friend the irascible and compassionate surgeon Seth Cartwright discovers that Seth the boy is really a GIRL. The surgeon tries to keep the secret but Jesse's heroic actions and humane hospital skills brings her to the attention of everyone including General U.S. Grant. As Sherman's aide the secret is finally revealed after she is injured in battle. Sherman is beyond furious for the deception but can not part with the aide he has grown to depend on for humanity. The story continues as the person Jesse falls in love with eventually discovers that Jesse is a women. Complex yes, but Ms. Gylanders weaves the tale in such a delightful and believable way that the story takes on the air of truth. More, much more is involved and begs to be told but that is what the book is for. Plot is extremely well done and very believable. Character development is some of the best I have ever read. General Sherman is one of two of the most complex men of the American Civil War; Nathan Bedford Forrest is the other. Ms. Gylanders examination of Sherman is full of pathos, understanding, and admiration. Her rich prose paints a man of humanity in turmoil at having to fight a total war of brutality. No gratuitous violence or sex although the Civil War battles were horrific in and of themselves. Must read recommendation, especially if you like Howard Bahr. Well Done Ms. Gylanders