Rating: 
Summary: This novel is overwhelmingly poignant and powerful.
Review: Few novels--"The Red Badge of Courage," "A Farewell to Arms" and "All Quiet on the Western Front" come to mind--have ever depicted the futility of war as powerfully as "The Black Flower." Howard Bahr creates lovable, fully-fleshed characters in a setting of impeccable historical accuracy, and hurls them into a living hell--The Battle of Franklin, fought in November 1864. There are so many powerful events in this book--the sad, truncated romance of Bushrod Carter and Anna Hereford, the Satanic evil of Simon Rope, the travails of Nebo Gloster (best described as Forrest Gump minus the sentimentality) or the fragile intellectual Calvin Jones. Once read, this book can never be forgotten, and it will come back to you again and again, to haunt and move you.
Rating:
Summary: Place Yourself on the Battlefield
Review: The Black Flower is the most startlingly real Civil War novel that I've read. The writing is vivid, haunting and eloquent. You can feel the confusion and disillusionment of battle, smell the stench of unwashed bodies in clothing pilfered from fallen soldiers, see the lice crawling on the men. I've been to Carnton House, a beautifully maintained relic, but Howard Bahr's writing mentally and emotionally placed me in the battle. Thank you, Mr. Bahr.
Rating: 
Summary: Realistic and Romantic
Review: I think this was what it was really like...three likable sorts hanging out together and also fighting in a war. What I liked most about THE BLACK FLOWER was the stark realism, the comradarie, and the feeling that you were really there. The men and boys who fought in the civil war are so accurately portrayed. You have a feeling of trully trancending time. I enjoyed this book even more than THE KILLER ANGELS because the focus was on human weakness and strength rather than military maneuvers. I got bogged down a bit in the boy-girl scenario, like it was added just to placate the readers who love romance. Either Anna should have known Bushrod a little longer or not have gotten so involved. The 24 hour romance was the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars. But I am anxious to get a hold of the authors JUBILO tale.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: This is an astounding piece of eloquent writing. It should have been awarded a Pulitzer. Why isn't this book sold in every British bookshop?. I think that I will buy the hardback version and place it on my special bookshelf with my other cherished gems. From a Cornishman, south west England.
Rating:
Summary: Tremendous Read
Review: THE BLACK FLOWER is the best Civil War fiction novel I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Beats COLD MOUNTAIN and even RED BADGE OF COURAGE. Courageously graphic in detail. Not for the light reader, otherwise don't miss it.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful; highly recommended!
Review: This was a powerful and grim novel of the Civil War. Beautifully written, this is a novel that without doubt transcends the genre. It is a great novel and one of the best war novels I have ever read. It is reminiscent of The Red Badge of Courage in its style, except for the highly gory scenes. Not for the squeamish, there is one scene in which there are piles of amputated limbs that reach as high as a house window. More than anything, this is a novel about friendship, love and survival in the midst of a nightmarish tragedy. Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Better than "Cold Mountain"
Review: I don't know how this one slipped through the cracks. I am a student of the War and fairly widely read, yet I have never encountered a work of Civil War fiction that moved me the way "The Black Flower" has. Truly a masterpiece. The language is exquisite, the characters well drawn and believable. Unlike in "Cold Mountain," I have been unable to find any historical inaccuracies. Bushrod, Jack, Virgil C., and Anna became as real to me as my best friend. They made me laugh, cry, and love them all, and I was immensely sorry when this well-crafted book ended. Surely someone should turn this story into a feature film. After reading this, I will read anything by Mr. Bahr, no questions asked.
Rating:
Summary: The best
Review: Far and away the best novel about the Civil War since The Killer Angels--it's heartrending, gripping, and beautifully written. I was sorry to finish it, knowing that it would be a long time before another Civil War novel as good comes along.
Rating:
Summary: A real gem!
Review: The Black Flower is a real gem in a recent glut of PC Civil War novels. In the tradition of Killer Angels and The Red Badge of Courage this book illustrates the common soldier and the ugly, disgusting realities of the American Civil War. It was truly a delight to not have to read another novel trying to shove 20th century attitudes and perceptions into 19th century reality. Howard Bahr did his homework on this one, exhibiting few historical inaccuracies. I have already recommended this books to many of my friends and family members. Bravo, well done Mr. Bahr.
Rating:
Summary: On the importance of character
Review: Todays novels sem to be written soley for the purpose of being translated into a screenplay. Plot drives the book with little regard for the details of character. Bahr hurdles the status quo for a brilliant novel that leaves the reader aching for the characters' thoughts at every turn of the page.
|
