herrin deconstructs this civil war hero in a way that is both convincing and emotionally gripping, i am no civil war buff, nor am i a southerner. book journeys through all aspects of lee's life, from the relationships with his family to the relationships with the troops, both his and the enemy.
all in all a well written book, engaging, good historical fiction which doesn't make you too conscious of the fiction. if you can find it it's worth picking up, whether you're a history/civil war buff or not.

Robert E. Lee; the Hero of Chapultapec, the Hero of Harpers Ferry, the defender of the Commonwealth of Virginia. What is this General to do with the likes of Thomas Jackson?

The Stonewall is a gone-a-way crusader in the Lord; taken in righteous vigilance and authority, and a media star to boot. The political opposite of John Brown and twice as lethal. Here Thomas Jackson is visionary , messianic, and apocalyptic in the extreme and a star with a country of fans. General Lee has a big problem.

For those of us whom are interested in messianic leaders of the middle century of the American Epoch, Stonewall should take his place next to John Brown or Jesse James.

Put this book up on your shelf next to your Raising Holy Hell, Bruce Olds.
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Ron Hansen.
The Confessions of Nat Turner, William Styron.