When I heard about the first book in this Gingrich/Forstchen trilogy, I was intrigued. I picked up their previous alternative history effort, 1945, used somewhere a couple years ago, began to read it, and then learned that they had never written the two planned follow-ups. By the time I was ready to read Gettysberg, Grant Comes East was about to be published, so I decided to wait and read all three books back-to-back-to-back.

There are many reasons for writing an alternate history story. There is the basic "What If?" scenario, the "How would historical figures react to this?" among others. I believe Gingrich took a different approach, because this trilogy debunks a lot of other Civil War alternative histories which detail a victorious Confederacy at Gettysburg, which then goes on to win the war. Not only does Gingrich have Lee victorious at Gettysburg in a scenario I don't think I've heard of before, but he then goes on to demonstrate how, at that point, Southern victory would have been impossible.

This is really the strength of the trilogy. Gingrich amazingly shows off the raw industrial might of the Union, and features Herman Haupt in a starring role, demonstrating that the power of the North lay not in its conviction to the cause, but in raw industrial strength.

I don't want to spoil much of the books, but I disagree with the characterization of Lincoln, especially in his treatment towards the White House servants, one of which comes to play a large role in the books. It is well-documented that Lincoln was a racist, and for him treat the black servant with such respect, even deference, makes little sense.

Overall, I would recommend the trilogy, especially to alt history fans and Civil War "buffs."

Posted by Ryan S. on Sunday, November 12, 2006 at 4:45 PM | Permalink |