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The Smoke at Dawn

a Novel of the Civil War
Aug 25, 2014Keogh rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is the third book in a four book series focused on the American Civil War in the Western theatre. Jeff Shaara combines history with the craft of the novelist in this dramatic narrative of the battle of Chattanooga. Shaara examines the point of view of the enlisted man throughout the book, getting the fury of battle right from the midst of it. He also looks at a number of the commanders, taking on their point of view. Grant, Sherman, Thomas, Bragg, Longstreet, Forrest, and other generals come across quite clearly in his writing. The biggest surprise is Patrick Cleburne, a Confederate general who's often overlooked. Cleburne's voice is very strongly written by Shaara, who makes him come alive.