Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
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Book Reviews of Cold Mountain
Book Review: Cold Mountain. A Surprise Ending?
Summary: 4 Stars
Wow! This is a complex story of male and female interaction that ends most unexpectedly. I was riveted though, I must admit. I thought Ada was going to simply wilt after her father left her unable to care for herself. It was only through the strength and skill of her opposite type of personality, Ruby, that both of them learn to take care of themselves and each other.
Inman, is a very strong charater who along with the two females in Cold Mountain, battles numerous demons as he too learns to survive following a serious, almost fatal injury while soldiering. His route after leaving the hospital, takes him on many fascinating adventures and, eventually, into the path of Ada and Ruby. Unexpectedly, the story has a somewhat mysterious end.
Book Review: Fabulous epic
Summary: 4 Stars
What a beautiful book! It's really a modern epic that depicts a man's quest to go home after deflecting from fighting in the Civil War. The story is told from several perspectives, from both the man who left home and seeks to return and the women left behind. Everyone is seeking to rebuild their lives amidst the chaos of the war and is drawing strength from strong memories of the past and hope for a better future. The emotions evoked for me were those of longing, regret, hope, and love. This book gave me such a gratefulness to be "home." If you are missing the good old days of high school English class and are craving "literature" rather than plain "fiction," this would be an excellent choice. It is a transporting novel.Book Review: Careful use of language
Summary: 4 Stars
Probably the outstanding element of Cold Mountain, in addition to the actual Civil War tale of desertion and wandering home to a beloved, is Frazier's use of language which reflects both the era and the region. History is more than a list of dates and events divorced from humans who are living those elements. Our Reader's Group shared a number of words we remembered our parents or grandparents using which we no longer use, e.g. my grandmother referred to her black skillet as a "spider." This, I learned, came from the legs once used on such pans for cooking in a fireplace. Language has its own romance which can enhance a good tale.Book Review: Lyrical, small history
Summary: 4 Stars
I am realy coming to appreciate the modern trend to approach historical fiction from the standpoint of the small, personal history rather than the large, sweeping saga. Cold Mountain takes you down to the grassroots of the Civil War, a view you won't find in Gone with the Wind. (no offense intended - I enjoy those epic novels as well!) Frazier's language draws clear pictures that draw you into his protaganist's journey. I actually had no desire to see the movie, as the book had been so well brought to life in my mind by Frazier's words.Book Review: Great writing
Summary: 4 Stars
Ok this book is pretty lengthy when you pick it up, however it is well worth your effort to finish the book since the author saves the best for last. The writing is very descriptive, one can really paint a picture in their mind of the scenery that the three main characters reside in. At times I have to say the there was too much description, perhaps I was to anxious to find out what happened next. In this way the author keeps you hooked throuhout this tale. My advice is not to give up when the plot slows down.