Gone for Soldiers

A Novel of the Mexican War

By: Jeff Shaara

Narrated by: George Hearn

Length: 6 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

In Gone for Soldiers, Jeff Shaara carries us back 15 years before the momentous conflict he has so brilliantly chronicled, to a time when the Civil War's most familiar names are fighting for another cause, junior officers marching under the same flag in an unfamiliar land, experiencing combat for the first time in the Mexican-American War. 

In March 1847, 8,000 soldiers landed on the beaches of Vera Cruz, led by the army's commanding general, Winfield Scott - a heroic veteran of the War of 1812, short tempered, vain, and nostalgic for the glories of his youth. At his right hand is Robert E. Lee, a 40-year-old engineer, a dignified, serious man who has never seen combat. 

In vivid prose that illuminates the dark psychology of soldiers trapped behind enemy lines, Jeff Shaara brings to life the familiar characters, the stunning triumphs and soul-crushing defeats of this fascinating, long-forgotten war.

©2000 Jeffrey M. Shaara (P)2000 Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, A Division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Brilliant does not even begin to describe the Shaara gift. Thank Gods and Generals that it was passed from father to son." (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Great book about a little know time in history

In this book you will not only learn about the events of the Mexican-American war, you will learn about the people who fought the war; specificially, about many of the men who would become the great generals of the Civil war.

Gone for Soldiers

This is must reading for anyone who wants more information on some of the most famous soldiers in our history. In listening to this book I could not help but think that with the position we are in today with Iraq history always seems to repeat itself. I listened to Gods and Generals and am now listening to Killer Angels. I am enjoying this author and his father very much.

Weel written narative history!

As always, richly done based on thorough research…. believable & written to make this little covered period of history read like a movie script. I enjoyed it immensely.

Great Insight into Mexican War and Gen'l Lees role

What made the experience of listening to Gone for Soldiers the most enjoyable?

The telling. The story. So much detail. Not a text book read at all. The personalities, strength and weaknesses of the American leaders. The reality of that War. This is one of my favorites. I love this book.

What did you like best about this story?

The way it was told. In the way the various players handled the obstacles. The politics of it that the was played out in the field and in Washington.

Which scene was your favorite?

Mexico City . . .

If you could take any character from Gone for Soldiers out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Robert E. Lee

Any additional comments?

I so recommend this book to anyone interested in the 'real' role of the U S-which wasn't taught so much in school. Refreshing.

Gone for Soldiers

J. Shaara style creates an environment where history comes alive. Bland historical information takes on a vitality which leaves the reader longing for more. Fortunately more is provided with the subsequent management of the Civil War bracketing the book Killer Angels by his father with Of Gods and Generals and The Last Full Measure. I found the "series" a rewarding journey through a historical conerstone of our countries foundation. Hopefully the author will followup his initial stab at the Revolutionary war with additional texts.