Rating: 
Summary: very good, especially for a first time author
Review: I found the book very good, especially the beginning. With the exception of perhaps Crane, I have never read such a war book that can bring the reader as close to warfare as The Black Flower does. Like I said, the beginning is very good, but I give it only four stars because it tends to drop off, whenever the story is told from the the woman's point of view. It seems as if the author could not really get in touch with his "feminine" side in order to make her come off as at least interesting. However, my words are a bit sharp, and I would still recommend this book to anyone, especially someone interested in war novels or the American Civil War.
Rating: 
Summary: A wonderful Civil War Novel
Review: This novel was a wonderful surprise. It was well written, moving, and had a surprise ending. It makes the war between the states come alive on a battlefield most dont' know anything about - Franklin, Tennessee. This book is well worth a read; I hope that Bahr writes another book soon.
Rating:
Summary: A powerful, eloquent Faulkneresque story of humanity...
Review: Bahr reveals the humanness of his characters through the inhumanity of war. He brings home the horror, the fear, and the tragedy of lost lives and futures. History lives through these moving fictional characters. I couldn't put this book down...A must read!
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read.
Review: I cannot understand why this has not reached the best seller list. A moving, beautifully written story. I could not put it down.
Rating:
Summary: to stir the souls of any person in conflict
Review: seemingly aware that this is an issue that every living being faces at some time, Mr. Bahr, Howard, if i may , does an excellant job of bringing the fact of mortality to a level that we all can identify with.From the point of friendship that always was seemingly never to end, to face a new reality, and live with what was to be, that is what brought this epic home to all of us who have seen life come and go and had to survive through whatever was cast our way. This was exemplified, in my humble opinion, by the wasps in the wall, drawn by the light and warmth that is the living. Having had the good fortune to have met, talked with, and played music with Mr Bahr, I feel honored to have read, and felt so moved by his publication.This should not be seen as just a stor y of one man's struggle through the war that divided a country, but as mankinds struggle in all our mental conflicts throuhout our lives.Thank You Howard. My sincere congratulations. Tony
Rating: 
Summary: "The Black Flower" - Not A Classic, But.....
Review: A wonderful story filled with mystery and intrigue during one of the most horrific battles of the American Civil War. Howard Bahr brings home the state of the Confederacy at its twilight through his main characters.Alhtough I recommend this book to Civil War fans, I find that Mr. Bahr trails off at times. For instance, there is a small section where a wasp is crawling on the body of the wounded Bushrod Carter. Mr. Bahr actually has the wasp describe it's journey along Carter's body. This part was a little much for me. Far from a classic, The Black Flower was still an enjoyable book. The sufferings from 3 1/2 years of battles, marching and starvation are evident in the struggle of the Confederacy's independence.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Read. Truly, a fine piece of literature.
Review: I cannot believe that this title has not reached the bestseller list or won any awards. I loved Mr. Bahr's style...truly poetic. His description of ghosts as "the earth remembers things" was unique. For what it's worth, I recommend this book highly. (If you liked Cold Mountain, you will definitely enjoy this book).
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Civil War Story of Comradeship and Devotion
Review: A terrific, poetic tale of war and what makes men and women subject themselves to its horror. Who will forget the scene of Lt Jenkins and Sgt. Major Bomar rallying the shattered 21st Mississippi? A question for Army historians. Virgil C. uses the expression "good to go" on page 37. Given the acuraccy of Howard Bahr's language, I would assume the current use of the same expression in the U. S. Army grew out of a Southern colloquialism and reflects the Southern influence in our military? Would appreciate anyone's thought on this.
Rating:
Summary: ranks as one of the best works of fiction I have ever read
Review: Every Sunday I go to the book section thinking, The Black Flower must certainly have made it to the best seller list, and every Sunday I am surprised not to see it. Having read Cold Mountain and The Black Flower in immediate succession, I believe The Black Flower to be the far better story. I literally could not put this book down. The author's descriptive powers were almost overwhelming at times. Borrowed from a friend who recommended it, I had to own it once I finished it. It is that kind of book. I will be on the lookout for Mr. Bahr's next book.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have read.
Review: I had, in fact, almost given up that books of this quality were still being written. Elegantly crafted it expresses the loss and destruction of this greatest of American tragedies. "I could have loved you, Bushrod," Anna says near the end; simple words that speak of the young men who will never live, the women alone, the children unborn--the veterans forever looking backward. I had almost given up that books of this qualify were still being written. Elegantly crafted, we have the loss and destruction of this greatest of American tragedies. "I could have loved you, Bushrod," Anna says near the end. These simple words speak of the young men who will live no more, the women who will go on alone, the children who will be unborn and -- the veterans forever looking backwards.
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