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Liked It “It is a good book about the Mexican war but in some parts it cant get confusing. This gives a story about all the young generals to be. For example, Robert Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and others.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Jeff Shaara and his father, Michael Shaara, have written a series of books that are an exciting, first person immersion in the Civil War. I think the best known is Michael Sahara’s Gods and Generals. Gone for Soldiers gives a similar first person view into the experiences of Robert E. Lee and...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“It is a good book about the Mexican war but in some parts it cant get confusing. This gives a story about all the young generals to be. For example, Robert Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and others. ”
Michael K wrote this review 9 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Jeff Shaara and his father, Michael Shaara, have written a series of books that are an exciting, first person immersion in the Civil War. I think the best known is Michael Sahara’s Gods and Generals. Gone for Soldiers gives a similar first person view into the experiences of Robert E. Lee and others in the war that in many ways prepared the American military for the Civil War, the Mexican American war. This war could be said to start with the annexation of Texas into the United States in 1845, and ended with the capture of Mexico City and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. This treaty established the Rio Grande as the southern boundary of Texas, and cedes the Territories of New Mexico and California to the United States.
Suzanne Houston wrote this review Thursday, September 10 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Background: The generals of the war are Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and Winfield Scott. Santa Anna has a fascinating story beyond the scope of the book. He is a European style general, believing in the superiority of numbers and a strong cavalry, forts and fortifications. Scott, seasoned in the war of 1812, has the disadvantage of smaller numbers. He uses his artillery effectively to overcome Santa Anna’s larger numbers and never attacks directly where his enemy is strongest. Vital to this strategy is the use of scouts to find the best paths around the opposing army. This is where a young engineer, Robert E. Lee, stands out and becomes valuable asset. Lee is promoted to colonel by the end of the war. The book is really his story. It is told from the point of view of the main characters, giving us their thoughts and reactions to events and telling us how they reached decisions that control events. Lee gets most of the page time, Scott a nearly equal amount, and Santa Anna is distant third in interest. One chapter each is devoted to Worth, Longstreet, Jackson and Grant, to set them up for the following Civil War books. Other characters are essentially cardboard cut outs or foils.
Historical fiction is an oxymoron; here the basic facts of what occurs are probably true although without a bibliography or even an index, it is hard to say. Lee’s correspondence has been published, so some things may be drawn from that source. The thoughts of the real people are not going to contradict what is made up for this story. But I was constantly wondering how much of Lee’s winning modestly was true and what was made up to give him a human dimension. I was also really disappointed with how the other characters were handled. Pivotal to the war history was the fact that Scott often disagreed with his subordinate Generals, but we are given a sketch outline of how it started and a one sentence summary of how it ended. Scott also was fighting politicians back home, shadow figures who sometimes seemed to want Scott to fail. The Marines have incorporated the final battles of this war into their service hymn (“From the halls of Montezuma...”), yet are not mentioned at all. Zachary Taylor’s part in this war, and the roles of England and France, get a slightly longer mention. The roles of religion in this, and the Mexican people, are brought in as side thoughts of the main characters. As an introduction to the history of the Mexican American war, this book fails. It is a character study of the development of Lee in his first real battle experience.
There is a slightly interesting anti-war current to the novel, especially at the end. The title is taken from an anti war song, “Where have all the flowers Gone” by Pete Seeger. The soldiers occasionally question the reason for the war, and often talk about how fighting is their duty and that this war is not one that they particularly believe in. It is easy for us now to draw parallels between this war and Vietnam or Iraq, both wars where we have pursued war when diplomatic solutions were either not available or ignored. But this book just skirts those issues. It is not a well developed theme.
So on the whole, did I like the book? I found it fast paced and was caught up in the action, but towards the end the flaws overcame the action flow and I ended up not liking the book. I think the reader who would enjoy it the most would be someone who had read his other books and wanted an insight into the development of Robert E. Lee. Someone wanting a good story about the War with Mexico should probably look elsewhere.
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“This was a part of history I really didn't know about. As usual Jeff writes well and pulls you into the battle as well as the character's lives. Recommend it!”
Valerie E wrote this review Tuesday, July 14 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“An interesting historical novel about the US war with Mexico. The book starts after Santa Anna has already been exiled from the defeat over Texas, and Manifest Destiny encourages the US to settle in the "disputed territory". After many skirmishes, President Polk allows Santa Anna to return from exile thinking it will help & provide leadership. Of course a formal war is the result (1846-1848). After finding northern Mexico a tough place to wage war, a plan is devised to invade via sea at Veracruz and march to Mexico City.
Mark wrote this review Friday, January 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The battles are interesting, but the best part is learning about the early careers of the military men that will become key players in the Civil War, 12 years later. Lee, Grant, Longstreet, etc all distinguishing themselves - and on the same side of the fight.
I found the concept of the novel - introducing well-known characters to be really good. The style of the author sometimes detracted from the excitement in my opinion. Definitely would recommend reading it though.”
“I love American history but I knew nothing about the Mexican-American War until I read this book.
kevin m wrote this review Sunday, January 11 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
It was very interesting. Many of the big names from the Civil War get their first taste of combat(Lee, Grant, Jackson, etc). Also, It was where the Marines started.
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“i learned a lot about the mexican war. as always in jeff shaara fashion this book was easy to read, great from start to finish”
matthew c wrote this review Wednesday, March 12 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A little slow moving to begin with but I did not know much about the Mexican war and the role so many Civil War greats played in it. ”
Michelle W wrote this review Monday, October 15 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Gone for Soldiers is a historical novel of a war most Americans know little or nothing about. Thirteen years before America’s tragic Civil War, men who would soon be enemies fought side by side as brothers in arms. Gone for Soldiers follows the exploits of General Winfield Scott and his right hand man and engineer, Robert E. Lee. As in all of his historical novels, weaves historically accurate information along with deeply personal characterizations to create a page turning novel. It never ceases to amaze me how Jeff Shaara picked up the mantle of his father.”
tegeorge wrote this review Saturday, September 8 2007. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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