Gettysburg

A Novel of the Civil War

By: Newt Gingrich, William R. Forstchen

Narrated by: Tom Stechschulte

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and veteran author William R. Forstchen combine their talents in this powerful and rousing alternate history of the most legendary Civil War clash.

After two days of brutal combat, Confederate General Robert E. Lee is faced with an agonizing decision. He can either launch a frontal assault directly at the center of Union lines, or he can flank the Federals and attack from the rear. Choosing the second option, Lee sends his troops around the Union army, cutting them off from Washington, D.C. and their supplies. Staring at the face of disaster, the Federals are forced into a desperate fight to survive.

Gettysbury is a fascinating "what if?" novel that faithfully brings to life the major players in America's greatest battle and places them in an entirely plausible scenario. Through Tom Stechschulte's stirring narration, listeners will marvel at what could have been.

©2003 Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Well-executed alternative history....The novel has a narrative drive and vigor that makes the climactic battle scene a real masterpiece of its kind." (Publishers Weekly)

interesting novel, and entertaining, but

This was an interesting novel, and entertaining, but I had to keep suspending critical thoughts to really enjoy it. It's a "what if" scenario, based on tactics that the Army of Virginia had utilized in previous skirmishes, so you have to suspend criticism, because anything could have happened in this hypothetical daydream... life and death are sometimes a matter of inches and seconds in war. What I don't like is that the plot really is not all that creative, and I think that the battle scenes are dull. I think the character development and dialogue is the most creative aspect of the writing. The storyline is pretty focused, but I kept thinking about other alternative consequences and wished that the authors developed peripheral issues. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and I recommend it.

A Wonderful Foray Into An Alternate US Civil War

Political affiliations aside, Newt and William are on their A game with this tremendous "What If?" regarding the pivotal battle of Gettysburg. A simple small change of thought, and the war that rocked our nation to its core suddenly and dramatically leans in favor of the South. Any time a solid civil war era novel is written, it requires the author(s) to not only be steeped in the times and facts of that war, it also requires a completely different midst regarding the character development, motivation and reactions of the people of that time. It's all in the details, and these two authors provide that, along with their solid storytelling prose. Both authors bring together an engaging storyline, with experienced field warfare descriptions, both making for a wonderful listen.

As a huge fan of alternate history, this is a rare and exciting listen for ANY fan of history, be it alternate or actual. And on a final note, the other two audiobooks in this series are equally fantastic.

The reader performed excellently.

the authors did a fine job - except that some of the medium important characters were more cardboard than character.

gettysburg

performances was the best part. i often wondered what it would have been like if the south succeeded in separating from the northern states.

Of Two Minds

I am of two minds about this book. On the one hand it is well written, fast paced, with good characterizations of the generals and dialogue based on historical behavior, graphic and gripping battle descriptions that had my hair on end. It focusses on well known personalities such as Hunt, Chamberline and Armistead so. But as the book progressed I found myself not wanting to read on as the novel more and more digressed from reality. Part of this is due to my northern leanings, my dislike of Newt and what he stands for, and the idea that he and his ilk could have prevailed -- evil over good. But part of me rebelled at how the rebels make all the correct moves and have all the good luck, while the yankees make all the wrong moves and have all the bad luck. As a civil war buff with passable knowledge of the Gettysburg campaign, the authors' premises -- a more involved Lee, taking Longstreet's advice not to attack, and executing flanking marches ala 2nd Manassas and Chancellorsville -- are very plausible. But then everything goes right. Even Lee's few missteps such as Ewell's failure to attack on the left flank on July 4, has no detrimental effect because Lee takes personal charge late in the day and prevails. I doubt whether this outcome was likely or even possible, and became furious as I watched the alternate historians seemingly rewrite history to minimize all of Lee's problems and maximize Meade's. I suspect that this is the history that Newt and many others wish had happened, and I, the reader, am powerless to stop them. They obviously idolize Lee and Longsteet (how many times does Lee say this in the book about his men?). I do recommend this book to Civil War history buffs. Those with limited knowledge of the actual campaign and the personalities will probably find little to engage them. The author's play off Lee's historical complacency and indecision but gives far too little credit to the union commanders. For want of horse . . .

Wow

What a read second time thru first on audible. amazing can't wait to read the next book.

I loved this book!

My dad used to say to us when my 3 brothers and I were growing up, 'What do they teach you in school? I can't believe you don't know your US history'! Well, he was right! I learned so much from this book and loved it! The story was so engaging, the narration spot on and I literally cried at the end. So very good! You will do yourself and your noggin a favor by listening, enjoying and enriching yourself!

Excellent alternative history

Enjoyed the details and the characterizations. The narrator was top flight and the pacing worked well for me.

No to alternate history

I believe this was my first alternative history novel. At first I thought the concept interesting and believed it would be very entertaining. I now have decided it wasn't that enjoyable and it isn't likely that I will buy the second in the series. I found myself second guessing and disagreeing with the authors. The narration was excellent.

Wont be able to turn off the player...

Not a fan of his but he writes one helluva book. It is just a really good book and I don't think I have any negatives except that the third book needs to be out faster...