Savannah: A Gift for Mr. Lincoln

by John Jakes

Book Overview

Georgia, 1864: Sherman?s army marches inexorably from Atlanta to the sea. In its path: the charming old city of Savannah, where the Lester ladies?attractive widowed Sara and her feisty twelve-year-old daughter Hattie?struggle to save the family rice plantation. When Sherman offers the conquered city to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift,? Hattie and the feared general find themselves on a collision course that will astonish both of them.In this rousing new tale, the godfather of the historical novel? (Los Angeles Times) tells a story of battlefield danger, wartime romance, and indomitable courage. The rich cast of characters includes a corrupt judge who positively exudes Dickensian wickedness; a fast-talking, piano-playing reporter from New York; a pair of thwarted young lovers; a raffish Indiana cavalryman; a valiant former slave who practices birdcalls with surprising results; and a whole carpet-bagful of rascals, rebels, and real soldiers who marched with Sherman.Together they bring to life an almost forgotten moment in the Civil War?a season of simmering hostilities, rising hopes, and empty stockings?perhaps the most strife-torn yet heartwarming Christmas in all of American history.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525948031
• ISBN13: 9780525948032
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Dutton Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 8.8"

Customer Reviews

Great!

I have never really been interested in Historical Fiction (I suppose that is what this is classified). However, I have begun reading the other books by this author because of this book on cd. Wonderful everything.

Not as bad as some say.

Sure its not perfect but this book is a heck of a lot better then what passes for historical fiction nowadays. While the characters and the resolutions are a little convenient there is still a satisfying conclusion and I can't understand what everyone is complaining about

perfect condition

The book was in perfect condition, my father will be so happy when I give it to him for his 75th birthday

Historic District of Savannah

Since I'm in love with Historic Savannah, I enjoyed this book if only for it to bring more historic details to each architecturally enthralling building and moss dripping squares in the city's original district. I'll walk down Bull St. with a newer appreciation now. This brings historic reality to the district whereas "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" is modernized. There's more to the 13th colony than it's dramatic opulence. The story line was fun, quick to read and full of Christmas spirit ... which tended to be the reason that interlinked the Union troops and the Reb families during Savannah's 'momentary capture'. Once you realize the wit and wisdom of the hospitable Mayor Arnold "giving" Savannah to the Union and President Lincoln, you realize why the district was not torched and destroyed. An ingenius ploy that allows us today to relish the original beauty and history of the "true" area and it's squares of Spanish Moss & Magnolia magnificence. If you love Savannah, this is a good picturesque read. I also appreciated Gen'l Sherman being humanized by his fatherly intrigue with little spitfire Hattie.

A pleasing historical story

John Jakes has again written a historical novel that holds the reader's attention. The book begins with an introduction by the author giving a synopsis of the historical period the novel is about. There is even period music with Dulcimers and Banjos. Any student of history knows of Sherman's march to the sea. Savannah is about that march and of the hardships of a city caught in the path of war. It is set at Christmas time 1864. The main characters are a Yankie reporter named Stephen Hopewell, a Southern plantation owner Sara Lester and her daughter, Sara's friend, Miss V and a Yankie Sargent named Winks. These characters come together to prove that even in war and on opposite sides love conquers all. Winks doesn't like Negros and yet saves one from drowning. Sara, a widow, believes she should hate Yankies. Daughter, Hattie, finds growing up doesn't stop just because a war is going on. She even finds herself making demands of General Sherman himself. There were so many characters, that at times, it was hard to keep them all straight but as the novel went on, it became easier and was well worth listening to the novel. If you are a history buff, John Jakes is the writer for you.