THE SMOKE AT DAWN A Novel of the Civil War

Shaara's Civil War fiction expands westward--this time to Chattanooga in the summer and fall of 1863. Paul Michael's reading is methodical as Shaara introduces historical figures and explains the significance of battles. Michael's voice tones down well to emphasize the introspective passages--and there are many. Soldiers' feelings--whether loneliness, irritation with poor food, grief at losing a young child, or admiration for a fellow soldier--take center stage. Even in the heat of battle, the narrative concentrates on thoughts, emotions, and philosophies. Michael narrates with intensity, making for a grim poetry, words creating brutal images. The actual details of combat might not be important to some listeners, but Shaara's emphasis on the psychology of war makes them interesting. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2014]