For a book that started with so much promise, it really fell flat. Dreadfully needed at least one character who was likeable or at least not annoying. But anything good that might have come from the actual writing was ruined with the author's eventual overuse of the word "flesh". At least once a page, sometimes once a paragraph, some times more than once a sentence. Who edited this thing, anyway? Give this man a Thesaurus. It distracted me to the point where I couldn't enjoy the story.

This novel concerns the inner thoughts and personal experiences of several characters, both Federal and Confederate, before and during the fall of Fort Pillow. Lentz does an excellent job of presenting despicable characters: the envious, cruel, cowardly Suttell, the uptight Seabury lost in his fantasy world, Acox with his excuses and denial of responsiblity. At the same time as the reader is appalled by these people, though, it is impossible not to identify with them, because their faults are in all of us. Lentz' writing is generally excellent, with very good combat scenes. I like his portrayal of General Forrest, and wish he had included Forrest's response to the final events in his story. The research seems accurate -- I wonder if his image of the behavior of black troops during a truce is true to life. However, I suspect that this book has a fatal flaw as far as ever gaining mass appeal. Lentz' world is too gross, too ugly, his characters too corrupt, his black characters in particular too stupid and promiscuous (although I don't believe the author is prejudiced: he's portraying his image of the results of enslavement). I like "gritty" historical fiction, and this was a little too much of a downer even for me. Those who like romance and highminded causes should stay away from this book. For those willing to descend farther into the depths, I certainly recommend it.

Perry Lentz is a bit of a legend at Kenyon College, the school where he teaches and where he penned this fine novel as an undergrad. History buffs and lovers of fine fiction will find much to praise in this book. There's action, moral dilemma, and great characters, all placed in a detailed (but fascinating) historical cutout of one of the Civil War's least known but most notable battles. Lentz's writing is rich and sonorous, urging me to ask again, "Why is no one reading this book?"