Rebels at the Gate by W. Hunter Lesser is a historical piece of work concerning the Civil War. It isn't a genre that I typically pick up to read, but this particular book was loaned to us by a young man in our church who loves history and also actively participates in reenactments.
Strongheart and I read this book together and had so many good conversations as a result of reading it together.
One reason that we enjoyed it was because it was written, not only with how the different battles were going, but it also dealt with the battles that were fought in WV...many of the battles not far from us. It also included how WV became a state of its own, separated from the state of Virginia. Up until it's time of statehood, our area was known as Western Virginia.
We also enjoyed learning more of the lives of Robert E. Lee and George McClellan. They were definitely two distinictive personalities.
Above all else though, the thing that really has given me much food for thought even a week after finishing the book is what the men suffered during this time of war. There were times when they fought with having a great lack of provisions...both in the realms of ammunition and food and substantial clothing. There was also the fact of disease and the deaths that occurred from that.
One particular incident that stands out when it comes to the lack of clothing occurred in Pochantos County (now WV) when a large number of men were from Georgia who had left home to fight without bringing proper clothing to deal with the cold winters here. And some who did possess coats reached a point where they ditched the warmth of clothing such as coats because they were dealing with the downpours of rain and the mud that was slowing down the supply wagons. Many died from exposure to the weather.
It's really sad to think of what the men and their families gave in order for us to have liberty when we look at the state of our nation today. And it certainly has given me a new appreciation for my state of West Virginia.
If you enjoy history the least little bit, I would highly recommend this book.
interesting book! I am reading battle cry for freedom and am really enjoying it but it will take forever to read it!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for telling me about Battle Cry of Freedom, Karen! I looked it up on Amazon and it sounds so interesting.
DeleteHow nice to get a feel of the history right where you live which is a nice bonus in reading historical books. Happy May to you!!
ReplyDeleteYes, Ellen, and we both really enjoyed the book. Happy May to you, as well!
DeleteThis must have been of particular interest to you being so near the battlefields. I watch History Underground on You Tube where they visit many Civil War Battlefields. What an sad time in our country's history.
ReplyDeleteYes, Melanie, it truly was. Some of the areas where the prominent battles took place are in the very areas where my mother's side of the family were from.
DeleteOh that sounds like quite an interesting book. Such a sad time in history and I am praying it’s never repeated.
ReplyDeleteOh, Tina, I feel the same way. May it never be repeated!
DeleteMy husband likes WWII movies, and I have gotten the same impression from them: the conditions, hardships, exposure to weather, lack of needful supplies---not to mention seeing colleagues killed right beside them. I don't know how anyone came through all that without significant mental stress for years.
ReplyDeleteI know, Barbara. I had two uncles who fought in WWII. The one I never got to know because he was killed...after surviving the war...in an automobile accident. But my other uncle (both were my dad's brothers) helped there on the farm after he would get off his regular job.
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