Doctorow's March
October 26th 2006 20:44
Image: Random House
I have found myself spending considerable time in hospital waiting rooms of late, and in situations like these I’m always thankful for a good book. So I have spent my waiting hours reading E.L. Doctorow’s The March, which was released earlier this year and hit the New York Times Bestseller list without any problems. Though not to be confused with Geraldine Brooks’ March, Doctorow’s novel also deals with America's Civil War as we follow Sherman’s troops through Georgia and into the Carolinas. This band of Union soldiers gathers as it goes, a virtual grab bag of individuals that I became completely besotted with. There are freed slaves, turn-coats, young orphans, southern belles and defunct doctors along with the usual rabble we’ve learnt of time and again.
Politics aside, Doctorow puts a human face on this war which is refreshing. There are badies on both sides and it’s a good idea not to get too attached to any one character. Doctorow is as brutal with them as the war was to all. It is a moving and honest portrayal of the times and if you have a mild to moderate interest in the Civil War I would suggest you find a copy.
Image: kevinbaker.info
Personally, I had never read any fiction or otherwise on this topic and I found it completely enthralling. The characters are perfectly believable and the events well researched and from what I could discover, true to historical fact. I devoured this book in record time and found not only was it utterly enjoyable, but I actually learnt something new in American history. As a Canadian I was exposed to more than enough American history at school, but someone left this little morsel off our plate (or maybe I wasn’t listening that day). Either way, this is a great book for modern history buffs, and I recommend it for one of those compelling reads we are always looking out for.
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