Saturday, January 19, 2019

With This Pledge by Tamara Alexander

Elizabeth is directly opposed to the Southern side of the war, but when the plantation she is a governess for is overrun with injured Confederate soldiers, she is forced to reconsider her views. War is hell, and no matter what side, loss and death are the same.

As the war progresses, Elizabeth is called upon to assist with surgeries that signal the end for some soldiers. Not everyone is meant to live, and the horror of it all is enough to change her mind on a good many things. 

The Civil War is one of my favorite eras to read about, and growing up I would read every book I could find about the War between the States. The idea of so much war and loss of life made me wonder if nonresistance was the answer and for a good many years I believed that was the best way to avoid the senseless tragedy of war. 

Alexander brings into focus the many aspects of the war and makes you understand why things were the way they were. I actually felt as if I was part of the story and as if I had to make the hard decisions. I'm looking forward to reading future books in the series...there is so much left to say!

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.