Devil's Dream
Feb 3, 2010
Devil's Dream, A novel about Nathan Bedford Forrest
Author: Madison Smartt Bell
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Pantheon; 1 edition (November 3, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375424881
ISBN-13: 978-0375424885
Nathan Forrest was one of the great Confederate Civil War generals that people still enjoy talking and learning about.
He was in government but hated bureaucracy. He loved a slave and cared for her, but firmly believed in slavery. He hated weakness but had to deal with his own gambling obsession.
This book tells his life in chapter stories that are detailed, but a very interesting read in it's novel format. It shows his dealings between his wife and mistress, his legitimate and slave sons, and his actions on the battlefield as Sherman decides he's a man he must destroy.
Throw into the mix a Haitian who joins Forrest's troop, one who just happens to be able to talk to the ghosts of the dead soldiers, and the book takes an interesting turn into the supernatural.
This book is great for the Civil War history buff, but at the same time is simply a good story for someone who may not want or need additional Civil War information but just wants to read a good book.
