The General and Julia

A Novel

By: Jon Clinch

Narrated by: Gibson Frazier

Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

Ulysses S. Grant reflects on the crucial moments of his life as a husband, a father, a general, and a president while writing his memoirs and reckoning with his complicated legacy in this epic and intimate work of “superb historical fiction” (Booklist, starred review).

Barely able to walk and rendered mute by the cancer metastasizing in his throat, Ulysses S. Grant is scratching out words, hour after hour, day after day. Desperate to complete his memoirs before his death so his family might have some financial security and he some redemption, Grant journeys back in time.

He had once been the savior of the Union, the general to whom Lee surrendered at Appomattox, a twice-elected president who fought for the civil rights of Black Americans and against the rising Ku Klux Klan, a plain farmer-turned-business magnate who lost everything to a Wall Street swindler, a devoted husband to his wife Julia, and a loving father to four children. In this gorgeously rendered and moving novel, Grant rises from the book in all of his contradictions and foibles, his failures and triumphs.

Moving from blood-stained battlefields to Gilded Age New York, the novel explores how Grant’s own views on race and Reconstruction changed over time. “A graceful, moving narrative” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) from historical fiction master Jon Clinch, this evocatively crafted novel breathes fresh life into an American icon.

©2023 Jon Clinch (P)2023 Simon & Schuster Audio

A short story of the life of America’s Great generals.

I liked how he presented grant as a man and husband and general. Nothing about his time as president.

I like the story. I think it was to short

Lucille Festa



I’m



First fiction in yrs and has me hooked

Many facts are historical but the story is fictionalized tho probably not to removed from truth. clinch has captured the prose style of the gilded era wonderfully.

Couldn't finish

Very seldom do I not like a book and I typically love historical fiction. My problem with this one may have been the reader. I kept coming across some tidbit of information in the book that I thought could keep me going, but find myself dreading my commute listen. Going to have to give up on this one.

Fine Literary Offering

Very imaginative way to present a great General and President, a man—larger than life—who also suffered great failings. This offering is more literary as it plays with structure but quite effective. Worthwhile. Note that there is far less Julia than General though the title definitely has a ring to it. I was shocked at some of what I learned. Well narrated—musks on the father-in-law’s miserly voice.

New information on Grant

Interesting some new history of Grant. I started with little knowledge. I found the story somewhat awkward going from “past” to “ current” time. Okay story not great but not suggesting to avoid the “book” just not the best I have read.

Insightul look into a great man and his wife

The story is well told The characters are fleshed out and interesting. The narrator was ok, but not as good as the story. I definitely came away feeling like i got to know Grant as a person, more so than as a general or as a president.

Personal history

Personalizes Grant and brings out his non-military intelligence, his feelings about slavery, and integrity.