"Ralph Peter's ACW Novels" Topic

Dear All,

(Apologies to John OFM for the apostrophe catastrophe in the title of this humble thread, can't seem to go back and correct it – perhaps the authors will oblige? Thanks!)

Just in case you haven't seen them, may I bring to your attention, and recommend, these two excellent novels: Cain at Gettysburg and Hell or Richmond.

Can't seem to find an image of Hell or Richmond that will post direct, so:

link

Ralph Peters has long been a fave author of mine, his 'Red Army' is the definitive Cold War novel from the Soviet POV as far as I'm concerned. A former US Army Intel Col. you would expect as much!

'Cain at Gettysburg' is obviously set during the run up to and during the eponymous battle, with characters from both sides. One of the main characters is a Serjeant in the long suffering 26th NC, and the account of their actions during Day 1 is outstanding. Other characters include Dutch Union soldiers, and Peters does much to address the perfidious accounts of their cowardice. Other threads include the interaction between Lee and Longstreet, and Meade is a central character. A big thumbs up from Sparker!

I should admit first up that I have not yet finished 'Hell or Richmond', but the fact that I only started it late last night with my final Malt, after the Memsahib had retired, and am now a quarter of the way through should tell you what a spell binder it is!

I expected this to be a direct follow on from the previous novel, but I am sensing it isn't…it seems to have a much wider feel, but is essentially looking at the Eastern Action of 1864. As the book opens the armies are facing each other across the Rapidan, and Meade is sitting in his tent, awaiting a visit by US Grant, expecting to be asked for his resignation…

Also very highly recommended, if the last 3/4 turns out to be a turkey I'll eat my cigar…

I enjoyed both books. The accent is on the Officers in the second book, whereas the first book was more about the enlisted man. Anyway that's my take.

I've also enjoyed Jeff Shaara's A Blaze of Glory and A Chain of Thunder, the first two in a four part series about the Civil War in the Western i.e. Shiloh, Vicksburg, Chickamauga/Chattanooga.

Thanks Terremont – that's the badger!

Nevin – yes that seems a fair call…

I agree about Red Army. Really good book. I still have my audio tape of it. it isn't out on Dvd. I reread my hardback at least 1x a year.

Thanks,

John

I enjoyed both.

Hit the complaint button [!] and ask Dear Editor to fix the heinous apostrophe abuse.

That out of the way, thanks for the heads up. (I have no idea if an apostrophe is involved in that…)

I thought these two were "just okay" – whereas "Red Army" is probably my favourite "what if" Cold War Gone Hot book. I re-read that one every so often.

I've also tried his ACW detective stories (he has written a series under the name Owen Parry) but wasn't wild about them.

"Other characters include Dutch Union soldiers, and Peters does much to address the perfidious accounts of their cowardice."

"Dutch" ? Perhaps he means the XI Corps ? They were not Dutch. Most of them were Germans ! Such a silly mistake can perhaps be excused in the 19th century, but I expect from a "modern" writer more knowledge.

Does ACW fiction sell well in the US?

Al

I also enjoyed his Civil War mysteries series about Abel Jones that he wrote under the name Owen Perry.

Porthos – Germans were commonly referred to as "Dutch" during the ACW period – a corruption of Deutsch. And their poor reputation up to that point was rather unfounded. And Ralph Peters is very clear about where they come from – several of his characters have backstories dating back to 1848 (and before) in Germany.

Thanks Littlearmies – you have done my blood pressure a favour!

(I guess I should have written 'Dutch'! – not very good with apostrophes at the moment!)

Dear All,

Just an update – late last night I finished reading Hell or Richmond. Wow! What an excellent novel about the ACW and men and command in war – any war…

If you only buy one ACW novel – this is the one to get – very highly recommended!

And the good news is a further 2 are planned.

Just get it and read it – you won't be sorry!