The Killer Angels

The Killer Angels

Michael Shaara

"The Killer Angels", by Michael Shaara, was a novel about the military strategies and actions taken during the Civil War. The novel was written from several different military viewpoints. Shaara wrote this novel through the eyes of Joshua Chamberlain, John Buford for the Union and Robert E. Lee and his right hand man James Longstreet for the Confederate and other important military figures. The Civil War spanned over many years, however Shaara chose to focus on The Battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought from July 1st to July 3rd. The battle was the turning point of the Civil War. There were many battles fought before and after Gettysburg but this battle was the one that confirmed the Confederate would be defeated and fail to win their independence.

Michael Shaara did an excellent job in helping the reader understand what went on it The Battle of Gettysburg. He allowed the reader to see things from both sides of the war. He never let on which side of the war he agreed with. Shaara wrote this novel in a way that each side was given equal time, even if he had conflicts with the viewpoints of the individuals in the war. On one day the Union would look powerful and the next it would be the Confederate. He wanted readers to see what the Union and the Confederate had endured based on the information from the soldiers themselves. When I read the book I felt compassion for the Union and Confederate armies. It was very evident that Shaara was passionate about the battle and wanted others to feel what he felt and understand what this battle really did to the soldiers and the United States.

When I first saw what books were required for this class I thought, "Why would I want to read this book?" I never liked studying or reading about war. I started to read the book and found myself taken with it. I loved the way Shaara started out with the spy. He had me thinking that I could see him and that I could feel what he felt as he was walking in the rain. I really enjoyed what I was feeling. As I continued to read, I could hear the excitement and the nervousness in the voices of the soldiers. I wanted to tell them not to worry that everything would be ok. It was great. I continued reading and found myself feeling sorry for the soldiers on both sides of the war. I realized that the Confederate soldiers were fighting to keep African Americans, my ancestors, as slaves. I could not help but feel bad for them. They were out numbered, low on food and under a command that would end up losing the war. I felt like I could walk up to the Union soldiers and tell them thank you for fighting for the freedom of my ancestors and for being willing to give your life for their rights. It was very hard not to feel indebted to them while reading this book. I felt like I was at Gettysburg. I could hear