The Sands of Pride

by William R. Trotter

A secession-to-Gettysburg fictionalization of the Civil War in the North Carolina city where Fort Fisher was located is told from the perspectives of several characters on both sides, from blockade-runner Matthew Sloane to seductive Confederate spy Belle O'Neal. Reprint.

Genres: Civil War, Historical Fiction, Fiction

768 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm rating this historical novel even though I decided not to finish it. Extremely well written & carefully researched. From the first quarter of the book (what I read), I learned more than I'd ever been curious about concerning the how the first few years of the Civil War played out in eastern North Carolina.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sprawling, epic novel, THE SANDS OF PRIDE details the lives and exploits of several dozen characters--both Rebel and Yankee--during the conflict in North Carolina between 1861 and 1863. Many of the main characters are actual historical figures, rendered both realistically and dramatically, with as much care as any of Trotter's (many) fictitious characters. The author's treatment of historical fact is colorful and exciting, and even the passages that are obviously speculative read as authentically as those which are factually documented. Trotter draws upon the vast well of knowledge he has gained over many years of research (first evidenced in his CIVIL WAR IN NORTH CAROLINA trilogy--easily the most extensive and best-documented nonfiction work ever published on the subject) and infuses as many details as possible into the novel--usually seamlessly and in appropriate measure to the context of the narrative; there's no squealing of brakes so the author can go off on a binge of self-indulgent detailing of his expertise.

There's more to come, for a sequel is in the works, which will (hopefully) wrap up the threads left open in SANDS, and take us to the end of the war. I can give this book no higher recommendation, and I also suggest checking out Trotter's WWII novel, WINTER FIRE, which is as gripping in its context as SANDS is in its.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very focused historical fiction looking at the role of North Carolina in 1861-1863. Good mix of historic and fictional characters. My main problem with this book was the COMPLETE lack of editing. I love a good description, but when he spends over half a page describing waves in a storm, it gets to be a little much. This goes on over the course of the whole book. So while the book is 754 pages, it could easily be only 450 pages. Book 1 of 2, and I'm still undecided whether I will read book 2 or not.

[Brian Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much along the lines of a Shaara book, views the Civil War from many events on the Eastern Area of NC, where I (currently) live. Since I have always been a Virginia apologist, I have mainly read about the action in Virginia, with good reason, as much of the war WAS conducted there, but this book has shown how much of what happened in VA was influenced by many of the events that occurred right here in eastern NC. Interesting.

[Travis Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is from Greensboro. I re-read after my son and I went on his third grade field trip to Fort Fisher.

I think it is right up there with Gone with the Wind but perhaps a bit more interesting for guys.

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it exsplains why I injoy Novels rather than True History. Facts may be Facts but they really need to be connected by the mundane assumptions of every mans life. Slight problem with the bigotry against Virginians.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderfully written great story by an excellent story teller

[Juan Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

It provided an insight to history although fictional that provided some of the political issues affecting shortages and strategies of the men in the trenches. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its a long one, I'm gonna have to keep up the pace! Excellent book though so far.