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Gone for Soldiers: A Novel of the Mexican War
by
Jeff Shaara
In this stunning, unforgettable novel, Jeff Shaara carries us back thirteen years before the Civil War, when that momentous conflict's most familiar names are fighting for another cause, junior officers marching under the same flag in an unfamiliar land, experiencing combat for the first time in the Mexican-American War.
"BRILLIANT DOES NOT EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE SHAARA...more
"BRILLIANT DOES NOT EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE THE SHAARA...more
Paperback, 424 pages
Published
July 3rd 2001
by Ballantine Books
(first published 2000)
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Who writes about the Mexican War? Who remembers we even had one? What's really neat about this book is how you get to watch a bunch of famous folks like Lee and Longstreet make their bones in Mexico under one of the more capable generals in American history. Later those guys will fight their friends in the Civil War. Poignant.
is a novel of the Mexican War. It is based on the facts and the people of the war, but Shaara reports conversations that probably didn’t happen but could have. He reports thoughts of the main characters which he wouldn't know, but they could have happened. So he takes some literary license to write the book but he does a good job of it. I know a lot more about the Mexican War and the battles that took place as well as the men involved. The two main characters are Robert E. Lee, a young captain....more
Another great work by Jeff Shaara. Concerns Gen. Winfield Scott’s march to Mexico City in the US-Mexican War (1847-1848) and the multiple battles fought during that march. Seen mainly through the eyes and thoughts of Scott and R.E. Lee, along with other key players, including Santa Anna. Also details the myriad of promient US military leaders and personalities who were involved in the Mexican war (Lee, Grant, Johnston, Stonewall Jackson, Beaureguard), and later the War Between the States (1861-6...more
In this work, Jeff Shaara explores the development of America's officer cadre in the Mexican War. Many Civil War generals got their first major wartime experience in this event. Indeed, Jefferson Davis, future President of the Confederate States of America, gained some renown for his use of a particular formation in battle.
The two major protagonists in this story are "Old Fuss and Feathers," General Winfield Scott, and a trusted engineering officer, the redoubtable Captain Robert E. Lee. Over a...more
The two major protagonists in this story are "Old Fuss and Feathers," General Winfield Scott, and a trusted engineering officer, the redoubtable Captain Robert E. Lee. Over a...more
I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading Shaara's books. This is the fourth of his that I have read, and I really like how he approaches historical fiction. This book covers the little discussed Mexican War and follow Shaara's trademarked style of having each chapter told from the perspective of an historical figure. The majority of chapters in this book are done through Winfield Scott and Robert E. Lee, with a few chapters at the end (dealing with the attack on Mexico City) being told through t...more
One of the best and most simple books on the Mexican American war. Written in the same style as "Killer Angels" and other definitive novels of the civil war, Jeff Sharra brings this conflict to life while also showing the tight and close relationships of many of the officers who ultimately stood across the battlefields from each other during the civil war.
Particularly good on the development of "Stonewall" Jackson and General Robert E. Lee.
Particularly good on the development of "Stonewall" Jackson and General Robert E. Lee.
Click here for a full Gone For Soldiers Review
The Mexican-American War is one of the least understood and most underestimated conflicts in American history. Its roots are often muddled in rhetoric and its conclusion was as much because of a giant payoff as it was about a military victory. It is often remembered as a bully’s war that was instigated by Manifest Destiny. But one thing is for certain: it is this war that gave first blood to military leaders that would become household names after th...more
The Mexican-American War is one of the least understood and most underestimated conflicts in American history. Its roots are often muddled in rhetoric and its conclusion was as much because of a giant payoff as it was about a military victory. It is often remembered as a bully’s war that was instigated by Manifest Destiny. But one thing is for certain: it is this war that gave first blood to military leaders that would become household names after th...more
I have read all of Mr. Shaara's novels, this one is a bit below them since it does not flow as smooth, and I got the feeling that he took too much "liberties" with the characters. There is no way for us to know exactly what was said, and who was thinking what, but I felt he went a little beyond his "Gods and Generals", and "The Last Full Measure" being much more free with historical characters.
Mr. Shaara did justice to General Scott, who to this day does not get the credit he deserved, but I thi...more
Mr. Shaara did justice to General Scott, who to this day does not get the credit he deserved, but I thi...more
Another excellent book from Jeff Shaara; this one telling the story of The Mexican War. The book focuses primarily on Gen. Winfield Scott, who was in charge of teh Army at this time, and Captain Robert E. Lee who played such an instrumental role in helping to win this war,and who would of course go on 13 years later to lead the Confederacy in their losing cause. I've read several of Shaara's books and I think what I like so much about them is that it's history that reads like a novel. Of course,...more
Shaara is one of my favorite authors. He takes real historical figures and actual events, in this case the Mexican American war, and tells the story as a novel rather than a history book. I love the human moments such as when one of the generals is deeply moved by the beauty of Mexico City when viewed from the mountains above or when Captain Robert E. Lee is impressed with the ingenuity of his future Civil War rival Ulysses S. Grant.
I didn't enjoy this as much as his Revolutionary War and Civil...more
I didn't enjoy this as much as his Revolutionary War and Civil...more
I knew little to nothing about the Mexican American war - actually the great land grab by the US. The soldiers within this historical novel were the same names so well known in the Civil War - Lee, Grant, Johnston, Beauegard and on and on. It was for most young West Point graduates, the first war they had ever been in and as war does, it changed them all. So much of the politics of the time (not much different) With Polk pushing for land grabbing that became Texas, New Mexico and California - qu...more
This book is nicely focused. It is subtilted as a novel of the Mexican-American War, but it is actually entirely focused on the Vera Cruz-Mexico City campaign of General Winfield Scott. The novel does a great job on bringing out contemporary parallels to the politics and divided opinions of the citizens on supporting the war. It also introduces some characters who first gained experience and glory in this war, and would become famous in the Civil War, notably Robert E. Lee, Thomas "Stonewall" Ja...more
Nov 24, 2008
Paul Callister
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historicalnovel
Nice historical novel and account of how Robert E. Lee first proved himself, with many other figures who would be come prominent in the Civil War.
Such ANGST! Robert E. Lee was an engineer who graduated from West Point. Why does he sound like a 15-year-old girl? And why does he keep blushing for gods sake?
Another reviewer recommends The Class of 1846: From West Point to Appomattox: Stonewall Jackson, George McClellan, and Their Brothers which sounds worth pursuing.
Sticking with fiction, you could get more than enough of the same general time period from The Gates of the Alamo and more fun (with less angst) in The Borderland.
Another reviewer recommends The Class of 1846: From West Point to Appomattox: Stonewall Jackson, George McClellan, and Their Brothers which sounds worth pursuing.
Sticking with fiction, you could get more than enough of the same general time period from The Gates of the Alamo and more fun (with less angst) in The Borderland.
Sparked interest in the Mexican American war, which seems somewhat difficult to find quality non-fiction books for. The accounts of the future Civil War figures at times is a bit too convenient in its' fashion of previewing their better known natures that would be exhibited in Civil War. Think book would have been better if Shaara had just forgotten the Civil War context of some of his characters and just treated them in the context of this conflict, like an equal to the other books he (and his...more
Love historical fiction, and have always enjoyed Jeff Shaara. Gone for Soldiers helps explore a seemingly rarely studied event, the Mexican American War. This rarity is odd given how rich this event and historical period is to explore. Amazing how many prominent Civil War leaders from both sides, fought side by side as American during this war. Also, serves as a reminder that our generation did not invent petty political polarization that drives irrational decisions and waste of lives to save fa...more
A rarely visited subject that contains such irony--namely, the fighting of the Mexican-American war 13 years prior to the Civil War, however with opposing generals from the latter war on the same side in the former, working together.
Overall, an entertaining read, mostly on the basis of its subject matter. Shaara does a good job of transplanting you into that time period, when Manifest Destiny was a fresh idea (making more sense than it does now), when the consequences of one's actions were more...more
Overall, an entertaining read, mostly on the basis of its subject matter. Shaara does a good job of transplanting you into that time period, when Manifest Destiny was a fresh idea (making more sense than it does now), when the consequences of one's actions were more...more
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Outstanding interpretation of the war generally skipped in history classes. Winfield Scott leads the march into Mexico City in an effort to once and for all put an end to the territory disputes in Texas and the American Southwest. Scott brings with him a team of fresh West Point graduates that will fifteen years later become the legendary Civil War generals for both the Union and the Confederacy. The experiences of Robert E Lee is who we read the most about. In this book Lee is a middle of the r...more
Just finished this about a portion of American History I know little about - the war with Mexico. Jeff Sharra writes an extremely interesting book which focuses on most of the main characters from that war who will later become major players in the civil war. I like the way he researches each character and writes only what he thinks the person would have said from for example Captain Robert E.Lee's writings of the time. I would recommend this book a a quick easy read about a war we don't study m...more
Solid historical fiction on a little-known or written-about war in US history. Two slight drawbacks... 1) it is in Shaara's formulaic writing style (which isn't, in itself, a bad thing... but it can get stale when you read it a lot), 2) Because he'd written two books about the Civil War, it seems like he's trying a little too hard to fit some of those charcters into the narative.
This novel of the Mexican War focuses on Winfield Scott and Robert E. Lee. Shaara also highlights Jackson, Longstreet, Grant, Johnston, and others. It's captivating. I especially enjoyed the insight into Lee's earlier years as a soldier and the dynamics of strategy between the earliest West Point officers and Santa Anna's old-style European approach.
Copied from a great Goodreads review:
Who writes about the Mexican War? Who remembers we even had one? What's really neat about this book is how you get to watch a bunch of famous folks like Lee and Longstreet make their bones in Mexico under one of the more capable generals in American history. Later those guys will fight their friends in the Civil War. Poignant.
Who writes about the Mexican War? Who remembers we even had one? What's really neat about this book is how you get to watch a bunch of famous folks like Lee and Longstreet make their bones in Mexico under one of the more capable generals in American history. Later those guys will fight their friends in the Civil War. Poignant.
May 06, 2010
Lauren
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone remotely interested in history
Recommended to Lauren by:
My Pastor
OK, so the history books I've read barely cover the Mexican War. This was an extremely interesting and readable account of the War. The thing I just couldn't get was, here were these men completely devoted to serving their country, and 11-12 years later they're fighting for the confederacy. Loved this book. Very thought provoking.
Jeff Shaara doing what he does best, presenting American history in a personal and memorable way.
The early careers of soon to be American icons are presented with an eye on that eventuality, an interesting view.
Solid book, if not quite as inspired as Shaara's greats, which fall into the Civil War proper.
The early careers of soon to be American icons are presented with an eye on that eventuality, an interesting view.
Solid book, if not quite as inspired as Shaara's greats, which fall into the Civil War proper.
Fascinating look at the conflict that led up to the Civil War. Many who opposed during the Civil War learned about the terrible effects of advancing technology by fighting side by side in Mexico. Robert E. Lee, Thomas Jackson, U. S. Grant, James Longstreet, Joe Johnston, Winfield Scott and others.
Read this historical novel about the Mexican-American War and learn about the players who fought together in Mexico in 1848 only to choose sides 12 years later in our country's Civil War. One main character is Robert E. Lee, who was considered one of the best soldiers of his generation.
It appeared to be well researched and was an easy read even for me, a non-military type. It was good background filler for a fuller understanding of the Civil War leaders and the politics of the time. I was reading it also before a visit to Virginia. It was great timing. Enjoyed it.
Oct 17, 2011
Marty Chester
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction
This is my favorite (to date) of Shaara's books. His writing matured, his research is deep, as always, and those who have enjoyed his and his father's Civil War books will appreciate this novel as it showcases several of the leading CW names as they participated in this stuggle.
A primer for both the Mexican War and the almost incestuous quality of the leadership in the tragic war to come. The men who fought together in Mexico would find themselves on opposite sides within a decade. A must read for history buffs and those who should be.
Here's a book about the Mexican War you should read if you haven't. It's so well written it will keep you engrossed. Like his father, Michael he is a crackerjack historian and always seems to find a point of view that is original.
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Jeff Shaara, a descendant of Italian immigrants, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey ("Shaara" was originally spelled "Sciarra"). He grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, and graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Criminology. From age 16, Jeff operated a rare coin business, first out of his home, then in a retail store. After moving to Tampa, Jeff became one of the most widely know...more
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