Cain at Gettysburg

By: Ralph Peters

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Length: 15 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Two mighty armies blunder toward each other, one led by confident, beloved Robert E. Lee and the other by dour George Meade. They’ll meet in a Pennsylvania crossroads town where no one planned to fight. In this sweeping, savagely realistic novel, the greatest battle ever fought on American soil explodes into life at Gettysburg. As generals squabble, staffs err. Tragedy unfolds for immigrants in blue and barefoot Rebels alike. The fate of the nation will be decided in a few square miles of fields. There are no marble statues here, only men of flesh and blood, imperfect and courageous. Following a tough Confederate sergeant from the Blue Ridge, a bitter Irish survivor of the Great Famine, a German political refugee, and gun crews in blue and gray, Cain at Gettysburg, from New York Times best-selling author and former U.S. Army officer Ralph Peters, is bound to become a classic of men at war.

©2012 Ralph Peters. All rights reserved. (P)2012 AudioGo

Not since Killer Angels.

Excellent/gritty portrayal of the battle of Gettysburg. Makes you feel as though you were there. No over the top thrills, just a candid account from the rank and file soldier on both sides, to the generals on both sides. Captures the raw emotion and atmosphere of what one thinks about war. No political agenda and no bias. Great read. Highly recommended.

The best Gettysburg Battle book I have read.

If you could sum up Cain at Gettysburg in three words, what would they be?

I learned a lot.

What did you like best about this story?

I was about the common soldier and the Generals and higher ups.

Which character – as performed by Peter Berkrot – was your favorite?

George Meade

If you could take any character from Cain at Gettysburg out to dinner, who would it be and why?

James Longstreet, he knew the charge would fail, would like to talk with him more about that.

Any additional comments?

Once I started reading, the book was so interesting, I was reading every chance I had. Learned a lot about George Meade and gained a respect for him I did not have before. I consider this book the best I have read about the Battle.

Evan review

You can tell that Ralph is retired military the way decided the battle. If you like civil war history i strongly recommend the book.

History for Non History Buffs

We have all heard of the Civil War and Gettysburg, but I have never read any books on it. I enjoy watching and listening to Ralph Peters when he is on Fox News and most times agree with his philosphies. That is why I bought his book and I was not disappointed. Ralph is an excellent story teller. In no time at all I was caught up in the story and the characters (both fictional and non-fictional ones). He gave me insights into the war that would never have occured to me. I have never listened to the same book twice, but this is one that I will definitely turn on again.

Historical fiction with a soul!

The Battle of Gettysburg was a monumental struggle between The Army of Northern Virginia, commanded by the brilliant Robert E. Lee and The Army of the Potomac, newly under the command of George Meade. Anyone remotely familiar knows the story. This battle ended the South's chances at victory while invigorating and giving hope the Federal cause. The battle also caused 51,112 (23,049 Union and 28,063 Confederate) casualties, out of approximately 157,000 soldiers involved in the fighting. But this retelling is much more than a recitation of facts. Author Ralph Peters says, in the author's notes, "A novel about Gettysburg for our time must demonstrate war???s horror and appeal, while depicting the complex humanity of those who shoulder rifles or lead armies." And this book does just that. Peter's has stripped away the normal romanticism associated with the Battle of Gettysburg by showing events from the viewpoints of many historical characters. The flaws of these men shine like the sun. Even Robert E. Lee's vanity, which appears to be the main reason his army lost, is out in the open. Peter's also gives us numerous fictional characters that will be difficult to forget. One character is a brave and homicidal maniac who recalls past murders and rapes while taking great pleasure in the brutality of war.

Besides putting the listener inside the minds of the books characters, Peters also imparts a sense of the ebb and flow of the battle. One moment the boys in Grey are proud, eager and arrogant. Then, in the flash and roar of a cannon, they are so much red mist. Events and emotions swing just as wildly for Billy Yank. After more than two years of defeat the Federals suddenly go from despondency and resignation to utter disbelief at having defeated Bobby Lee.

Peter Berkrot does and outstanding job of giving voice the large number of characters. I enjoyed his narration very much.

Grab this one folks and strap yourself in. You are in for a wild ride.

A close second to The Killer Angels

I'd rate The Killer Angels above Cain at Gettysburg, but it's close. This account of the battle seen through the eyes of the antagonists didn't strike the same emotional chords for me as TKA, but it has more technical battle information and focuses on different characters and perspectives. A very good listen. I thought the performance was a little overwrought.

Lacking some key elements, and MAPS please!

Would you try another book from Ralph Peters and/or Peter Berkrot?

Maybe, depending on the subject. Not just for author or narrator.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

Billy Cobb, excellent character portrayal with surprising underlying intellectual component.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Seemed a little too quick and over dramatic.

Could you see Cain at Gettysburg being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Not really. Too many already done.

Any additional comments?

Unless I missed it author almost entirely left out Picket's Charge. This is a book that definetely needs maps. Fortunately I was familiar with battlefield but still would be nice to have refresher on territory. Wish there was some way to get maps and photos that come with the printed or ebooks, along with the Audible version.

Not Quite "The Killer Angels" but a good read none

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. As a Civil War buff, I generally prefer true history books to historical fiction. That being said, I bought this book because of comparisons to Michael Shaara's "The Killer Angels" - one of my all-time favorite books. Initially had troubles getting into this book because, in my mind, I found myself comparing it to "Angels". Once I stopped doing that, and just listened to it on its own merits, I came to appreciate it for the well-written book that it is. Ralph Peters' insights into the characters' personalities and personal stakes in the battle are well-presented and a thoroughly welcomed deviation from the sometimes dry presentation of the facts found in many s history book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cain at Gettysburg?

Lee's realization that his pride, bordering on arrogance, sentenced many a man to die needlessly.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Peter Berkrot?

Yes. Mr. Berkrot did an excellent job on this book. His occasional habit of slipping in and out of accent while portraying a character (particularly noticeable when portraying those with an Irish accent) was slightly distracting but, all in all, he did an excellent job.

Who was the most memorable character of Cain at Gettysburg and why?

Private Billy Cobb. It was nice to see "God's hideous excuse for a man" in contrast to the typically presented "gentleman soldier."

Phenomenal

The author really puts you into the action and the reading was stellar. You really get a feel for what it’s like to be in battle.

Too much yelling…..

I’m sure there’s a good story here, but I couldn’t get past how angry the narrator made everyone sound. His voices for the different characters were great, but every sentence just sounded so angry.