I really liked the book because I grew-up in St. Louis and traveled throughout Missouri so the historical information in the book were great. I enjoyed reading the historical letters and military memos concerning the civil war and I felt the fictional chara. in the story enhanced the history. The people in the club who enjoyed the book were those who enjoy history.

I very much enjoyed this book, but many in my book club did not. Paulette Jiles wrote the book without using quotation marks, which made it challenging for some to read . Also she includes excerpts for Civil War diaries and papers at the beginning of each chapter. Some liked this bit of history, but others did not. I thought the lyrical language and the characterization were exceptionally well done. Ms Jiles came to our meeting which was a real plus. I loved getting to ask questions directly to the author.