The Smoke At Dawn

The Smoke At Dawn. A Novel of the Civil War. by Jeff Shaara

Once again, Jeff Shaara does not disappoint. This story is about the battle after Chickamauga when the Confederates pushed the Fed’s back to Chattanooga and how the next big battle there was a tipping point for the war.

I love the way Shaara tells us about history, captures the personality of each character, and brings us TO the battle field with all its boredom and its ugliness. I am constantly amazed that it is often mistakes that determine who wins in battles. Understandably, the rear view mirror is much easier than looking at the future, but clearly mistakes were made on both sides.

Bragg for the south let his ego get in the way and he spent way too much energy on dealing with his officers that didn’t like him. Even U.S. Grants favorite General Sherman didn’t know what hill he was on before attacking Braggs army which cost them many lives.

I always feel like I know the characters and feel like I am there every time I read a Shaara book. I love them.

The only question now is to decide on what’s the next Shaara book.