The Widow of the South

The Battle of Franklin, one of the shortest, bloodiest, and wholly unnecessary events of the civil war. Carrie McGavock witnessed it, tended the wounded and dying Confederates, and, eventually, dedicated her life to rescuing the dead from shallow, hasty graves and the farmers plow. Truly the Widow of the South.

Having visited Carnton Plantation, I was anxious to read "The Widow of the South". While reading the book I felt I was right there as I was able to appreciate the author's descriptions. The plantation house has been beautifully restored. The town of Franklin is a great place to visit. Read this book and then take a little trip to see the real thing.

I was drawn into the story immediately and then lost interest with too many war details. However, I think I read it too soon after reading The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All by Allan Gurganus. I was hoping to find something that would keep Gurganus' story going which is unfair to Robert Hicks. This is especially true since there are outstanding parts sprinkled throughout The Widow of the South, and I'm glad I read to the last page. Obviously, my review is too subjective to be of much value. However, I do recommend the book as a fine example of a woman transforming from self obsession and melancholy to the fullness of a meaningful life.

the book was suggested by my daughters. they both read it and then they went to franklin, tn and carnton plantation. i had excellent reference points while reading it. i luved the way it was written with every character having their own section. it was well written and extremely interesting. i also like the epilogue.

I loved how Robert Hicks intertwined the real historical people and events with fictional characters. Having just visited Carnton made this story really become real to me because I had seen the cemetery and the blood stained floors and the rooms mentioned in the novel.

In recent years I have developed an interest in the Civil War. An acquaintance of mine, suggested I read this book. She was right, the book kept me turning the pages and helped me imagine the lives of people who were behind the scenes and off the battlefield during this period.

I got tired of the main character wallowing in her misery and darkness. I just didn't find it "believable." However, definitely visit Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN if you ever have the chance. It's amazing and downtown Franklin is fun!

This was an interesting study of an event from the battle for Franklin. The method of storytelling employed to tell this story is each chapter is told from a different person's POV. Looking forward to reading works by this author.

This was a very interesting book. I have not read too many books about the Civil War and this really opened my eyes to the horror of the time, not to mention the fact that it was about the battle of Franklin about which I knew nothing. It was wonderful to read about Carrie who was determined that a neighbor would not plow up the bodies of soldiers buried in his field. She had them removed to her own property and kept up the cemetery. Well worth reading.

if you like reading diaries, you will like this book. i enjoyed that it was based on a real person and a real place during the civil war.i loved reading this book. borrowed it from a friend then bought my own copy thru the store. planning a trip this fall to see carnton plantation in franklin tennessee. can't wait to see it with my own eyes.

This book is historical fiction based on a true story. It is a poignant telling of the aftermath of a Civil War battle when the woman's home was turned into a field hospital and her subsequent dedication to proper burial of those who died.

The writing style of this author is like nails on a chalkboard. Half thoughts unfinished, unclear meaning. I despise having to read a paragraph over and over and over and still not exactly understanding what was said. That said, the book is rich with history and brings that history to life. I would have enjoyed it immensely more if the writing style did not interject so much confusion into the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole story. My Great great grandfather was in the 111th Ohio infantry during this war. I'm not sure if he was in this particular battle or not but, he lost his arm in battle.

The courage and dedication of the South near the end of the Civil War along with the despair and suffering seen through the eyes of a heartwarming southern woman who had her home turned into a field hospital. A novel based on historical fact. Alive and warm and captivating.The battle at Franklin, Tennessee and the aftermath.

Great story,based on historical fiction.The characters are well developedand the author puts you inside their heads to help the reader understand why they do what they do.It is a civil war story with a romantic thread.I really enjoyed the book.