Savannah {or} a Gift for Mr. Lincoln

By: John Jakes

Narrated by: Dylan Baker

The author of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers sets his sights on the jewel of the South-Savannah-and brings it to life in his inimitable style.
Georgia, 1864: Sherman's army marches from Atlanta to the sea. In its path, the charming old city of Savannah where the Lester ladies -- attractive widowed Sara and her feisty twelve-year-old daughter Hattie -- struggle to save the family rice plantation. When Sherman offers the conquered city to President Lincoln as "a Christmas gift," Hattie and the feared general find themselves on a collision course that will astonish both of them.
In this rousing new tale, "the godfather of the historical novel" -- (Los Angeles Times) -- tells a story of battlefield danger, wartime romance, and indomitable courage. The rich cast of characters includes a corrupt judge; a fast-talking, piano-playing reporter from New York; a pair of thwarted young lovers; a raffish Indiana cavalryman; a valiant former slave; and a whole bagful of rascals, rebels, and real soldiers who marched with Sherman.
Together they bring to life an almost-forgotten moment in the Civil War -- a season of simmering hostilities, rising hopes, and empty stockings -- perhaps the most strife-torn yet heartwarming Christmas in all of American history.©2004 John Jakes; (P)2004 Simon and Schuster Inc.

Great story performed horribly

Story: good, though I am biased as a huge John Jakes fan. Performance: terrible! the reader is very flat, and half the characters sound like Squiward from Spongebob Squarepants.

Great story!

What an uplifting book depicting the hardships and sacrifices of people who lived through the Civil War in Savannah. All the characters were delightfully human with real fears and beliefs about the other side. Their impressions and beliefs were challenged when a character had personal encounters with normal folks who were just caught up in the war like they were, but on the oposite side. Mr. Jakes interjected a subtle humor throughout that frequently made me chuckle. Delightful!!

Insightful

I have been a fan of John Jakes since the 1980s. He does not disappoint. Having visited Savannah last year, I could see how beautiful it would been then. I was disappointed in the fact that this was the abridged version, it was not listed as such. Only at the end were you told it was abridged. I always follow along with the written version and at times had difficulty finding where he was. Great story.

Meh...

I've truly enjoyed all the John Jakes' books I've listened to but this one is a dud. Perhaps the problem is that this is an abridged book which I did not realize until I cued it up to play. I don't even understand the purpose of abridged books and would certainly not knowlngly purchase any. The book unfolds over a short period of time and there's not much character development. the main character is a spunky pre-teen. Do not recommend.