The Killer Angels

The Killer Angels
Written by Michael Shaara
Reviewed by Lincoln Dutcher
The Killer Angels is a Civil War novel that was written by Michael Shaara. The book is written in a third person style. I usually prefer first person novels. However, the author did such a good job of developing the characters that I didn't mind it was in third person.
The entire plot of The Killer Angels takes place in and around Gettysburg, Pennsylvania During the battle of Gettysburg that took place July 1–3,1863. In my opinion it is a very accurate retelling of the story of the Battle of Gettysgurg. But, most of the records, of which there are very few, have been lost or forgotten. So the author had to embellish and improvise. Don't get me wrong, the way he added things was very meaningful. Especially the thoughts he gave the characters. The thoughts of the generals, especially the ones who were killed in action, were all original but still made sense coming from that character.
The basic plot of The Killer Angels is simply the author telling a very thorough reenactment of the battle of Gettysburg. However if it was simply that this would be just another history text book, white noise. Its the way that the that he chooses to convey the story that makes it one of a kind and great. The author goes back and forth between the Union and Confederate Armies, focussing on a specific general in each chapter. That is what made this book so great.
The Killer Angels is 345 pages long. So at first glance it seems pretty daunghnting. The first part is very well written and pull you right in with enthralling descriptions vivid dialogue. However, toward the middle of the second part it starts to lose steam and the story slows to pages of old men talking, but don't give up. If you keep with it you will be rewarded with the most amazing flash bang ending. There's even a few twist and turns along the way.
In conclusion The Killer Angels is a fantastic and historically correct novel that is likely to change the way you look at the Civil War. Anyone who enjoys history, reading, and amazing battle scenes should definitely read The Killer Angels.