Savannah: Or a Gift for Mr. Lincoln

I have read several John Jakes novels and thoroughly enjoyed each one but I found this one hard to get into the story. It is as well researched as all his other civil war books but somehow it did not gel for me!

I had been a very big fan of John Jakes' The Kent Family Chronicles and of his North and South Series. I also enjoyed, but to a lesser extent, Charleston, which did a decent job of marrying historical fact with fiction. Having finished Savannah, I found it entertaining enough to finish but not good enough to recommend to anyone other than the most die-hard Jakes fans or young readers ranging from, perhaps, 10-14 years of age.Basically, I would classify Savannah as a "John Jakes-Lite" book. This is because I found it to be "lite" in several areas I look for in a good book. Specifically, I found its plot to be overly simplistic and his most simplistic to-date; and his characters to be one-dimensional, clichéd and only serviceable, at best. Further, while the book had moments of tension, it lacked sufficient action and suspense, and what it did provide was predictable. And, the historical perspective offered about Savannah at the time GEN Sherman and his troops captured the city lacked sufficient depth.

Expecting an in-depth comprehensive story about the fall of Savannah in 1864, I was surprised in a positive way to read a more heartwarming story about softer human aspects of the event wrapped around a family's tragic story and some memorable characters

I had read Charleston before this. I like this one better than Charleston. The character here get more filled out. As always Jakes is a great way to increase your historical knowledge in a pleasant manner. I have read so many of his books. I'm always delighted.

My only complaint is that it was too short.

What can you say? It's John Jakes. He is my favorite writer of historical fiction and this book does not disappoint. I love it just as I love all his other books.

I have always liked books by John Jakes. This book did not disappoint me. Such a pleasant way to review history.