Freedom's Banner

Rating:
Summary: A poor choice in the historical fiction genre.
Review: "Freedom's Banner," by Ms. Crane, is not a book that I would recommend to anyone. While it is not necessarily a bad book, the plot is cliche and depressing. Ms. Crane also has little style in her writing. In addition, if you have considered this book solely due to its time period, think again. While this book could be considered a historical fiction novel, the last 100-or-so pages take place in Egypt, and have to do with Mattie's son (that part just happens to be rather boring, for reference). The book also has a moderate amount of sex in it, and while that is not a bad thing, the subject is not approached in a very graceful manner and is mentioned one time too many, enough times so that it verges on poor taste. I have not given this book a one-star rating because it does have its good qualities. For instance, Mattie, as the main character, has a unique point of view, even if the situation she is in itself is cliche. Ms. Crane is also realistic in her portrayal of life in the South during the American Civil War, and she works the historical events in almost seamlessly.