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Summary: The Black Flower. A Novel of the Civil War
Review: His work may have been overshadowed by the commercial success of Cold Mountain, but Howard Bahr has penned a classic of Civil War fiction which ranks with Crane's Red Badge of Courage. Like Cold Mountain, The Black Flower is essentially a romance which takes place against the backdrop of an horrific war. However, I found Bahr's book to have a greater degree of realism. The author's vocation as a professor of English and his extensive experience as a Civil War reenactor hold him - and his readers - in good stead.
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Summary: One of the worlds best kept secrets
Review: Mr. Bahr, a wonderful teacher and mentor, has written an exceptional book. I recomend the book to any fan of literature. Thank you Mr. Bahr for you guideance and your contribution by writing this book.
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Summary: As fine a civil war novel as has been written
Review: I was fortunate to have attended a literature course taught by Howard Bahr. It was one of my more enjoyable college courses. Howard is a genuine gentleman and scholar of the south. His novel is beautifully written, compelling, and touching. I cared about his characters, believed their stories, and mourned their loss. A beautiful beautiful novel I strongly recommend to anyone regardless of any interest in the American civil war or not. I look forward to Howard Bahr's next novel.
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Summary: Beautiful, well-written, well worth the read
Review: Since reading titles such as the Killer Angels and Cold Mountain, I have more frequently looked for books set in the Civil War period and this one does not dissappoint. Like these other books, this story uses the Civil War as a setting for a human story and avoids over-long descriptions of battles. In the end, another part of the history of the Civil War fell into place for me while at the same time I had read a moving story about two people that transcended the period in which they were in. Highly recommended, an easy read in a day or two.
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Summary: An Enthralling Tale Beautifully Told.
Review: I am one of those voracious readers who devours a book a day, and quite often in a single all-night session....but not this time. I knew there were only 267 wonderful pages and I allowed myself a single chapter a day...savoring every word and making it last as long as possible. The tale is beautifully crafted, and the details so exquisitely rendered, I was spellbound by the journey of a wasp and could literally hear the cadences of Southern speech and the horrible clamor of battling men. Mr. Bahr has shaped something powerful and full of beauty from the raw ugliness that is war. His obvious love for his characters made ME love them ,as well. I look forward to Mr. Bahr's next novel, for surely a writer so gifted will have other marvelous stories to share. Was there anything I DID NOT enjoy about this book? Only one thing...I did not want it to end!
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Summary: Wonderful!!!
Review: This was the first book in some time I simply couldn't put down. It beautifully expresses a tragic time in American history. I thought it was wonderful how Mr. Bahr gave us a window into the thoughts of so many characters in the story. Being from the home town of Anna (Fayetteville), Tennessee), I was able to visualize the scenes of our small town (the Elk River, etc.)as described by Anna. Yes, we even have the Confederate soldier monument on the town square.
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Summary: A Powerful Tale
Review: This book is an excellent companion to Cold Mountain in its telling of the Civil War's impact on the common Southerner. Of course, its a tragedy, as it must be given the context of the story. The author develops his characters so that we care what happens to them. He evokes the Southern language, even the dialects of different sections, which helps draw us to the time and place. I highly recommend this book to those interested in Civil War fiction.
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Summary: This is an incredible book!
Review: I cannot remember the last time I was ever so moved reading a novel. I laughed. I cried. The dialog is so wonderful, I found myself saying it out loud! Thank you, Mr. Bahr. Your characters touch the heart, and your story speaks to the human soul.
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Summary: Brilliant!
Review: As a serious Civil War reenactor I am always leery of historical fiction since I can usually find something wrong with it. But when my serious reenactor friends said I had to read this book... well, I gave it to my husband for Christmas and he read it in three days. After the disappointment of Cold Mountain, I took up The Black Flower and it was like night and day. I was right there amid the action. Having spent a great deal of time in Franklin, and at Carnton Plantation in particular, this story was all the more special to me. While Bushrod, Jack, Virgil C and Anna may be fictional characters, I have read diaries, letters and journals from their real-life counterparts; I try to portray those real-life counterparts. They are all very much alive to me on a daily basis. Mr. Bahr's use of conversation is so entertaining and many times I laughed out loud because I could just hear those people talking. I have heard those people talking, late at night, around the campfire outside my tent; I have felt their presence in the empty rooms at Carnton and the Carter House. Even if you don't live the War like I do, this book will make you feel like you're right there, whether you want to be or not. As an old English major I especially enjoyed the symbolism of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse; as a sometimes sassy woman, I loved when Anna scolded General Forrest for striding into the house and up the stairs. I found young Winder McGavock most captivating --- out of the mouths of babes! So y'all better read this. You won't be at all sorry. And get your own copy so you can read it more than once! (And visit Franklin when you have the chance.)
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Summary: emotionally captivating
Review: This novel took hold of me in a way I didn't quite expect. The characters came alive in a subtle, but beautiful way, mesmerizing me totally. I've raved about this book to everyone I know, as it's truly a special story.
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