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A review by torlin_keru
Women of the Blue and Gray: True Civil War Stories of Mothers, Medics, Soldiers, and Spies by Marianne Monson
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.