Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of historical fiction and love seeing unsung heroes get their spotlight, "High Hearts" is your next read! Rita Mae Brown takes the well-trodden ground of Civil War novels and flips it by focusing on women - strong, complex, and courageous - taking on roles as soldiers, nurses, and more. The vivid, richly-researched setting and multidimensional characters (especially Geneva and her mother, Lutie) make for immersive reading. Fans of unconventional heroines, little-known history, and anyone who enjoys a blend of adventure, romance, and real-life grit will find lots to like here.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the ending a bit abrupt, wishing for more closure with certain characters. Others noted that the book's portrayal of slavery can be inconsistent, and if you prefer light stories to heavier themes, the realistic depictions of war might be tough to digest. If you like stories to wrap up every thread neatly, this one might leave you wanting more.
About:
'High Hearts' by Rita Mae Brown is a historical fiction novel set during the American Civil War, focusing on the protagonist Geneva Chatfield who disguises herself as a man to fight alongside her husband. The book delves into themes of personal honor, love, loyalty, and the horrors of war. Rita Mae Brown's writing is praised for its rich character development, gripping storytelling, and the exploration of a lesser-known aspect of the Civil War where women took on unconventional roles.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains content warnings related to themes of slavery and war violence.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in High Hearts, intertwined with the central plot.
From The Publisher:
From the celebrated author of Rubyfruit Jungle and Bingo comes a stirring novel of the Civil War, a tale of true love and mistaken identity. Brimming with colorful characters and vivid settings, High Hearts is Rita Mae Brown at her most ambitious and entertaining.
April 12, 1861. Bright, gutsy and young, Geneva Chatfield marries Nash Hart in Albemarle County, Virginia, the same day Fort Sumter's guns fire the start of the Civil War. Five days later she loses him as Nash joins the Confederate Army. Geneva, who is known as the best rider since Light Horse Harry Lee, cuts her hair, dons a uniform, enlists as "Jimmy Chatfield," then rides off to be with her beloved Nash. But sensitive Nash recoils in horror from the violence of war, while Geneva is invigorated by the chase and the fight. Can she be all the man her husband isn't? She'll sure as hell try. But there is a complication, and his name is Major "Mars" Vickers. This macho major, to his own shock and amazement, finds himself inexplicably attracted to the young soldier named "Jimmy." And this is only the beginning of a novel that moves with sureness and grace from the ferocity of battle to the struggle on the homefront, and brings passion and sly humor to a story of dawning love. High Hearts is a penetrating, delightful and sweeping tale that gives fresh life to a fascinating time.
What can you read after
High Hearts?
About the Author:
Rita Mae Brown is the bestselling author of the Sneaky Pie Brown series; the Sister Jane series; the Runnymede novels, including Six of One and Cakewalk; A Nose for Justice and Murder Unleashed; Rubyfruit Jungle; In Her Day; and many…
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