Rating: 
Summary: Very Fine Work
Review: Pathos is the key ingredient here, but there is much, much more. The book conveys some truly marvelous images and personalities that are essentially and profoundly "southern". The only real flaw may be that, in order to truly appreciate this book, one may have to have been raised in the deep south. I found this to be a surprisingly fine book. I hope that Mr. Bahr will favor us with many more.
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Summary: The tragic nature of war brought to life
Review: The lasting impression is the pain from losing one's comrades. These scenes are the book's most powerful. Convincing characterization and a brooding sense of devesation and sadness make this an excellent read.
Rating: 
Summary: Let the Black Flower Blossom
Review: An excellent first effort by Mr. Bahr. The story of Bushrod Carter and his friends from Mississippi joining up for the southern cause, enduring the great unknown terror and hardship of battles and campaigning, is a story of the inexplicable nature and resiliency of the human spirit. The fears and hopes of these boys and men, their regret for opportunities lost, their cynical humor (how else to survive such an ordeal?), their endurance beyond reason, their faith and devotion to each other must move us to great wonder. Well done, Mr. Bahr. Please give us more. The story telling is absolutely first rate, the writing flows clearly and convincingly. Mr. Bahr is a southerner and it is refreshing to see southern ACW characters treated in an even-handed fashion (even N.B. Forrest - a great leader of men despite his pernicious racist practices and beliefs). Passages depicting the reactions of the characters in battle and the human carnage left in the aftermath ring true (not for the squeamish - Bahr has a taste for the macabre which is well suited to ACW battlefields and field hospitals). Certainly superior to the National Book Award winner Cold Mountain - further proof that award board members are more interested in their own personal agendas than in furthering the art of fiction. (Historical rating: Bahr, in general, represents the historical facts very well, with one glaring exception. The real 21st Miss. Regiment - it would be difficult to find a more decorated veteran unit anywhere in the ACW - only fought one battle in the western theatre - at Chickamauga, when Longstreet brought two of his divisions west after Gettysburg to temporarily join the Army of Tennessee. Adams' brigade at the Battle of Franklin was made up of Mississippi regiments - but the 21st wasn't one of them. A casual, unnecessary error (for example, the 5th Miss. follows the history of Bushrod's fictional regiment very closely, although the 5th fought under Lowery not Adams at Franklin). Even more inexplicable because Mr. ! Bahr otherwise shows an obvious appreciation and respect for the historical facts forming the background for his story.)
Rating:
Summary: absolutely fabulous
Review: This is a book that will stay with me for a long time. It is beautifully written and timeless in its message.
Rating:
Summary: Not only a GREAT novel, Bahr lets you feel war's emotions!
Review: Excellent, emotional to the point it transported me in my sleep into the dreamworld of Franklin, Tennessee in 1864. Having shouldered arms with Bahr while reenacting I thought it would be an interesting book. Yet while reading The Black Flower the feelings, sights, sounds and emotions shared around the camp fires and on the march became more than just words. Howard Bahr has not only written about Masonic Brotherhood, comradeship and what it means to be a true pard. This work expresses true feeling and dignity. It exibits the pathos of war. If you have never had the chance to visit Franklin's Carter House, the McGavock House, Bahr effectively let you. He describes the stains on the floor of the upstairs where the surgeons labored for so long. This is one work that should be read and also become the Western Theater's Gettysburg in film. If you don't read this you will never experience the true feeling of war! Forward! Cleburne's knows no other. Dean Burchfield 27th MS Inf. CSA Cleburne's Brigade
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Civil War Story
Review: I love historical fiction--particularly that set during the Civil War. The Black Flower is the beautifully written story of Bushrod Carter and his comrades during the Battle of Franklin. Any reader who enjoys literature of this genre will quickly take to Bahr's style, characters, and use of symbolism. I wholeheartedly recommend this superb first effort to male and female readers, but caution--kleenex should be close at hand. P.S. To the reader who questioned the f word and its use--it's been around since the middle ages to my knowledge.
Rating:
Summary: A gift to the public from one exceptional writer...
Review: I have personally thanked my friend Howard Bahr for the gift of THE BLACK FLOWER. Mr. Bahr gave us a rare view of the emotional price paid by those who have (had) fought in the wars of man. Read this book. Again, thank you Howard!
Rating:
Summary: In a league ABOVE the popular "COLD MOUNTAIN".
Review: In the span of appproximately six weeks I have read Charles Frazier's "COLD MOUNTAIN", Michael Shaara's "KILLER ANGELS", Jeff Shaara's "GODS AND GENERALS" and now "THE BLACK FLOWER". I found "COLD MOUNTAIN" to be an interesting read, but somehow unfulfilling. The Shaara father and son combination have amazing story telling abilities and I look forward to the younger Shaara's current endeavor. But, "THE BLACK FLOWER" is an amazingly gripping, haunting and utterly enjoyable (yet disturbing) work of fiction. The resignation of Bushrod Carter to his ultimate fate is wholly believable after the three years of horror that he endured on the battlefield. The tenuous emotional connection between Bushrod and Anna is also believable as an "attraction" or interaction forged in almost surreal but very incomprehensible surroundings. I would not recommend "THE BLACK FLOWER" to my friends presently troubled by their own demons, but if you are strong of heart and mind you might find a small part of yourself becoming Bushrod or Anna, as I did, during your journey through this excellent read.
Rating:
Summary: a thoughtful, intelligent read that brought a tear to my eye
Review: I purchased this book on a whim due to the fact that Cold Moutain was not yet in paperback. I loved it! I found myself cought up in the moment many times as Mr. Bahr describes human conflict, love, and surroundings. It was refreshing to find that he did not leave out the reality of God in folks lives as Cold Mountain had. I found it totally real and honest although I don't believe the word f--- was around during the civil war. Thanks, Mr. Bahr for a great book!
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Summary: A total destruction of the mythical "glory of battle"
Review: I can't even begin to explain the commonality of circumstances I felt in reading this book. When I was in Vietnam 30 years ago the thought that came forefront when faced with the uncertainty of battle was "what I would be doing TOMORROW". This thought process actually works against fearful moments and I was amazed to see it shared by a confederate soldier 100 years earlier. An amazing book. The "All Quiet's On The Western Front" version of the Civil War. At least "Cold Mountain's" equivalent.
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