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marie_gg's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book in preparation for my interview with Marianne Monson on my "Resilient Writers" series on the Finding Fertile Ground podcast. I loved reading about these badasses of history.
akooda7's review against another edition
4.0
Well organized collection of information, quotes and author commentary on well known and lesser known women impacted by and essential to both sides of the American Civil War.
phinepupc's review against another edition
4.0
This is a good, well-written, and informative read. A few minor typos can be found in the text, but overall it is very well-written. I learned much both about women as a whole in the Civil War and about specific women and their respective service during the Civil War.
thegeekybibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
Women of the Blue and Gray delves into the often ignored, yet vitally important, contributions made by women during the Civil War. Monson introduces us to a varied group of women, both Union and Confederate, and tells their stories. The bloody war wrought by a bitterly divided nation led many brave women—regardless of wealth or color—to rise up and do their part as nurses, spies, smugglers, and (disguised) soldiers.
In my experience, when it comes to reading about history, books tend to fall into one of two categories: (1) informative, but boring to read, or (2) informative, but written in such a way that keeps the reader fully engaged at all times. Happily, Women of the Blue and Gray falls into the second category. I was fascinated with the stories of each woman, often amazed at how courageous they were—especially given that it was in a time where women were often considered too ‘delicate’ to do most things. I was especially moved by the stories of African-American women who took dangerous risks as spies, despite knowing how grave the cost would be if ever they were caught. It was also gratifying to see that Native Americans included in this book. Their stories weren’t as easily found, but it was important to see the role some Native American played during the war, and how the Tribes were affected, as a whole, due to the conflict.
I highly recommend this book to women’s history enthusiasts. I think you’ll enjoy learning about these women as much as I did.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Shadow Mountain via Edelweiss.
In my experience, when it comes to reading about history, books tend to fall into one of two categories: (1) informative, but boring to read, or (2) informative, but written in such a way that keeps the reader fully engaged at all times. Happily, Women of the Blue and Gray falls into the second category. I was fascinated with the stories of each woman, often amazed at how courageous they were—especially given that it was in a time where women were often considered too ‘delicate’ to do most things. I was especially moved by the stories of African-American women who took dangerous risks as spies, despite knowing how grave the cost would be if ever they were caught. It was also gratifying to see that Native Americans included in this book. Their stories weren’t as easily found, but it was important to see the role some Native American played during the war, and how the Tribes were affected, as a whole, due to the conflict.
I highly recommend this book to women’s history enthusiasts. I think you’ll enjoy learning about these women as much as I did.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Shadow Mountain via Edelweiss.
miocenemama's review against another edition
5.0
What I really liked about this book is that it tried to acknowledge the suffering and the contributions of women on both sides without ever justifying the beliefs of the Confederacy. In fact, in the author's final notes, she explained that she had no intention of justifying the reasons for secession but that at some point we had to acknowledge that we have more in common as human beings than as differences, something that would be well to remember in this time of such divisiveness. She also made a point of including the experiences not only of African Americans but also of Native Americans. She shared things about the effect of the Civil War on Natives some of which I was not aware of. Even the injustices against Natives that I knew about were given a new context in light of the Civil War. The book is well researched with extensive footnotes but is still superbly readable
scostner's review against another edition
3.0
If you have read Frontier Grit, then you already know that Marianne Monson is an author who enjoys digging into the overlooked stories of history and sharing them with readers. If this is your first encounter with Monson's work, then you will probably want to go back and find other titles by her. In Women of the Blue & Gray, she has gathered multiple female participants across class, race, and political affiliation to show how much women attempted and accomplished during the American Civil War. The book is split into sections featuring the various roles such as soldiers, spies, doctors, abolitionists, etc. Within each section there is general information and also more specific details about several of the women who fall within the category being discussed.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that there was enough general discussion to give the big picture, but then I was able to learn more about some of the remarkable individuals within each chapter. Some names may be familiar to readers - Belle Boyd, Clara Barton, or Harriet Tubman, for example. But others are brought into the spotlight after the author's research uncovered records about them in collections such as the slave narratives housed in the Library of Congress, as well as collections at various museums around the country. Whenever possible, their own words are used to bring these women to life for us; quotes are pulled from diaries, letters, autobiographies and similar sources to flesh out the thoughts and feelings of daughters, mothers, wives, and sweethearts from both sides of the conflict.
The way this book is organized makes it easy to use in a variety of ways. It can be read straight through from beginning to end (as I did), or readers can choose a section that particularly interests them. It also would be a great resource for teachers to read a passage about just one of the characters to illustrate a point being discussed during a unit on the Civil War, or for students to flip through as they try to choose an historical figure about whom to do more in-depth research. All the images and quotations are carefully documented, making it easy to see where to look for more information if it is needed.
This would make a solid addition to school and classroom libraries for grade levels that are planning to cover the time period, or for those discussing women who did not always conform to societal expectations. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
One of the things I enjoyed about the book was that there was enough general discussion to give the big picture, but then I was able to learn more about some of the remarkable individuals within each chapter. Some names may be familiar to readers - Belle Boyd, Clara Barton, or Harriet Tubman, for example. But others are brought into the spotlight after the author's research uncovered records about them in collections such as the slave narratives housed in the Library of Congress, as well as collections at various museums around the country. Whenever possible, their own words are used to bring these women to life for us; quotes are pulled from diaries, letters, autobiographies and similar sources to flesh out the thoughts and feelings of daughters, mothers, wives, and sweethearts from both sides of the conflict.
The way this book is organized makes it easy to use in a variety of ways. It can be read straight through from beginning to end (as I did), or readers can choose a section that particularly interests them. It also would be a great resource for teachers to read a passage about just one of the characters to illustrate a point being discussed during a unit on the Civil War, or for students to flip through as they try to choose an historical figure about whom to do more in-depth research. All the images and quotations are carefully documented, making it easy to see where to look for more information if it is needed.
This would make a solid addition to school and classroom libraries for grade levels that are planning to cover the time period, or for those discussing women who did not always conform to societal expectations. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through edelweiss.
greeniezona's review against another edition
informative
4.0
This was another buddy read with my dad. I found this book fascinating for covering so many stories that I had never heard (considering the Civil War reading group I was in for a while), but at the same time there were a number of things that bothered me about this book:
1. Some moral equivalency between the North and South that felt a little gross.
2. Given how recent this book is, the lack of acknowledgement of transgender people was pointedly painful in a few places.
3. The author's tendency to over-reach when tying things together in each chapter conclusion.
That said, I REALLY ENJOYED many of the stories, and I love the way the book was formatted, with further reading sections right in the body text at the end of each chapter, encouraging you to read further about some of these remarkable people.
1. Some moral equivalency between the North and South that felt a little gross.
2. Given how recent this book is, the lack of acknowledgement of transgender people was pointedly painful in a few places.
3. The author's tendency to over-reach when tying things together in each chapter conclusion.
That said, I REALLY ENJOYED many of the stories, and I love the way the book was formatted, with further reading sections right in the body text at the end of each chapter, encouraging you to read further about some of these remarkable people.
missy_littell's review against another edition
5.0
Visited Gettysburg and found this book while I was there. I devoured it. So fascinating to read about the lives of female soldiers, doctors and spies. I hadn't heard of many of these people prior to reading this book. Most interesting read so far this year.
Also, this letter made me cry:
My very dear Sarah: The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movement may be one of a few days' duration and full of pleasure--and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing--perfectly willing--to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . . I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death . . . Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience will we meet to part no more. But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night--amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours--always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. Sullivan
Also, this letter made me cry:
My very dear Sarah: The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days—perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write again, I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more. Our movement may be one of a few days' duration and full of pleasure--and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done. If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing--perfectly willing--to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt . . . I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death . . . Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield. The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us. I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me—perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar—that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name. Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience will we meet to part no more. But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night--amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours--always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again. As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood. Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters. Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them. O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children. Sullivan
torlin_keru's review against another edition
5.0
I think this is my first 5-star book club book!
I loved the measured approach that Monson took to the subject of the American Civil War, which can be a very divisive topic. I did not feel that she took sides. I appreciated that she took so much effort to include people of color, including illiterate slaves and Native Americans--both groups who left very few records behind.
I loved this quote from Clara Barton:
"It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent." p 136
I especially loved the first chapters. Learning about women who dressed as men so they would be allowed to fight in the Civil War was fascinating. I loved reading about brave women who protected their property from ruin and others who were effective spies. There were stories of current and former slaves, and stories of courageous women who were so dedicated to taking care of the wounded that they risked their comfortable lives and reputations. There were many, many more stories, with notes at the end of each chapter and recommended further reading if you were interested in learning more about the women in the chapter. I think this was a great introduction to anyone who wants to learn more about women's role in the history of the American Civil War.
I loved the measured approach that Monson took to the subject of the American Civil War, which can be a very divisive topic. I did not feel that she took sides. I appreciated that she took so much effort to include people of color, including illiterate slaves and Native Americans--both groups who left very few records behind.
I loved this quote from Clara Barton:
"It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent." p 136
I especially loved the first chapters. Learning about women who dressed as men so they would be allowed to fight in the Civil War was fascinating. I loved reading about brave women who protected their property from ruin and others who were effective spies. There were stories of current and former slaves, and stories of courageous women who were so dedicated to taking care of the wounded that they risked their comfortable lives and reputations. There were many, many more stories, with notes at the end of each chapter and recommended further reading if you were interested in learning more about the women in the chapter. I think this was a great introduction to anyone who wants to learn more about women's role in the history of the American Civil War.
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