Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Longstreet:
It’s never too late to stop being an idiot. I hope.
Quick synopsis:
The story of Confederate General James Longstreet and how he tried to atone for his mistakes.
Fact for Non-History People:
30% of Virginia-born officers stayed loyal during the Civil War.
Fact for History Nerds:
In the 1880s, Black Americans made up 90% of Republican voters in Georgia (and probably a bunch of other states).
My Take on Longstreet:
Great biographies need to have two things. First, a balanced view of the subject which avoids painting them as either all hero or all villain. Second, an excellent writer who knows how to be engaging while doing this because let’s be honest, being thorough and fair can be boring! Longstreet is an excellent example of a great biography. I was engaged; I learned a lot; and I feel like I finished it with a better understanding of all aspects of James Longstreet.
Longstreet was a Civil War general (for the wrong side). By all accounts, he was exceptional, at least for the first part depending on which side you are on. After the Civil War, Longstreet turned traitor (again!) by becoming a Republican. He had a long career which does not neatly fit into a narrative. Did he become more open minded to Black people? Yes. Did he believe in full blown equality? Eh, not really.
These consistent inconsistencies make Longstreet absolutely fascinating to a nerd like me. He went from general to politician with the expected growing pains. Some of his Confederate compatriots later decided the South lost the war because of him. It all becomes quite messy. This is where author Elizabeth Varon’s style and eye for detail is so exceptional. She never lets the narrative slow down while explaining both sides of these arguments. She appreciates Longstreet’s evolution but does not make him a better man than he actually is.
If you have any interest in the Civil War or just good biography, then this is a must read.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Simon & Schuster.)
Verdict:
A must read. Buy it here!
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