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Most Helpful Reviews
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Liked It “I read this about a year ago, but I remember it being an epic story. It did take a while to get through, but I loved learning about that history in such an intimate way.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “The books has a nice easy to read flow and some very interesting historical facts. My problem with it just has to much detail. Owen Brown is the Son of John Brown. Russell Banks uses Owen voice and views to narrate, nice touch. Wish I could say more about a book that is 758 pages but this is a...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
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“I read this about a year ago, but I remember it being an epic story. It did take a while to get through, but I loved learning about that history in such an intimate way. ”
Abby M wrote this review Friday, November 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“The books has a nice easy to read flow and some very interesting historical facts. My problem with it just has to much detail. Owen Brown is the Son of John Brown. Russell Banks uses Owen voice and views to narrate, nice touch. Wish I could say more about a book that is 758 pages but this is a hard book for me to review when I both like and dislike. ”
SouthWestZippy wrote this review Friday, June 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Horrible book. Incredible waste of time to read. This could have been 2/3 shorter and still accomplished the same thing. I'm sorry I read this.”
carleen wrote this review Tuesday, March 24 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Yes, this is a HUGE book. It takes a commitment to finish it but the rewards out-weigh the negatives. Though fictional, Banks has done a massive amount of research to make this book come together. Written from the perspective of John Brown's son, Owen, the novel gives the reader a birds eye view into the very complicated life and times of the singular John Brown. I have to admit that this book appealed to me in a way that it might not to many others. I am a student of the Civil War, especially the border wars between Kansas and Missouri during that time. One of my dogs is named "John Brown", and my orange tabby cat was named "Owen", so obviously I love this story.
nikid wrote this review Tuesday, September 23 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This book will NOT appeal to readers who want fast-paced, easy to devour page- turners. If you don't like to read about history and the complicated issues that created it, pass this one by. This book will either stun you or kill you. Good Luck!”
“I have not really finished this one yet, I read most of it then just sat it down and never did finish, maybe if time permits I will finish this one.”
vickielanette wrote this review Thursday, June 26 2008. ( reply | view 1 replies | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A huge historical novel set in the decades before the famous raid at Harpers Ferry, Cloudsplitter (which takes its title from the name of the mountain and river near John Brown's farm in North Elba, New York) tells the story of John Brown's ascendency to martyrdom through the eyes of his son, Owen. Owen's perspective is unique, for, as one of Brown's sons, he has priveledged insight into his father's mind and personality, yet as a skeptic, he is also able to analyze his Old Man from a slightly more objective viewpoint. Russel Banks creates an interesting portrait -- though fictional, the author is unhesitant to point out -- of one of the most interesting, and some may say most important, figures of the Civil War era and also of the larger, arguably ongoing war for civil rights. Dense with history and insight, yet clear and introspective, Cloudsplitter is a massive and certainly memorable novel. ”
Michael wrote this review Tuesday, May 6 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A tale of zealotry in the 19th century. Glad I read it.”
Kate h wrote this review Thursday, January 17 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Memorable, well-researched fictionalization of John Brown's story...one of the uniquely "American" historical figures, I think--combining passion, religion, vengeance and violence...motivated by zeal to do the right thing, but also with an inclination to make up our own rules as we go along. A Good read.”
Steve wrote this review Saturday, December 29 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Fascinating story of John Brown told from the point of view of his son. I didn't love this but it certainly was well written.
manasota wrote this review Tuesday, August 7 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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