Lay Down My Sword and Shield

by James Lee Burke
Lay Down My Sword and Shield cover
Good Books rating 4.13
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6540
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-28
  • ISBN: 9781409132929
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-11-25
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Hack Holland, a complex figure shaped by the South's old and new, finds himself at a crossroads when his congressional candidacy ignites conflicts with those around him. His involvement in a violent civil rights struggle forces him to confront his past and reassess his future. The novel is a powerful exploration of history, shadows, and the personal demons that haunt us. /n/n James Lee Burke, acclaimed author and master of the crime genre, delivers a richly layered narrative that blends historical context with intense personal drama. His prose, praised by contemporaries like Michael Connelly and Stephen King, brings to life a story that is as much about the American South as it is about the individuals who inhabit it.

Reviews
Lynne Perednia Substack · Lynne Perednia · 2022-01-01
fascinating 4.50

The book provides a fascinating glimpse into life during the '60s, combining stories that are both important and evocative.

Lynne Perednia's review highlights the book's ability to offer a unique and important perspective on life during the 1960s. The combined stories within the novel are described as evocative and significant, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the era. The narrative is praised for its depth and authenticity, making it a compelling read. Perednia appreciates the way the book captures the essence of the time, making it both educational and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Their combined stories provide a fascinating and important glimpse into what life was like for some people during the '60s.

    It is evocative of a set of class, attitude, and a way of thinking.

    With his skillful blend of engaging plotlines, compelling characters, and graceful prose, James Lee Burke demonstrates the shimmering clarity of vision that has ...

Goodreads · 2000-01-01
engaging 3.90

The book is praised for its engaging plotlines, compelling characters, and graceful prose. It showcases the author's shimmering clarity of vision.

Readers have highlighted the book's ability to captivate with its well-crafted plotlines and deeply engaging characters. The prose is described as graceful, contributing to a vivid and immersive reading experience. The author's vision is noted for its clarity and depth, making the book a standout in its genre. The combination of these elements creates a compelling narrative that resonates with readers.

Quick quotes

    With his skillful blend of engaging plotlines, compelling characters, and graceful prose, James Lee Burke demonstrates the shimmering clarity of vision that has ...

    It is evocative of a set of class, attitude, and a way of thinking.

    Their combined stories provide a fascinating and important glimpse into what life was like for some people during the '60s.

The Storygraph · 2000-01-01
outstanding 4.00

The novel is set in 1968 Texas and depicts a moral and ethical coming of age for Hackberry Holland. It is considered an outstanding political novel.

This book offers a deep dive into the political and social landscape of 1968 Texas, focusing on the character Hackberry Holland. The narrative is seen as a profound exploration of moral and ethical growth, making it a significant political novel. Readers appreciate the historical context and the way the story sheds light on the complexities of the era. The character development is particularly noted for its depth and authenticity, providing a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.

Quick quotes

    Originally an outstanding political novel set in 1968 Texas and depicting a kind of moral and ethical coming of age for Hackberry Holland a drifting and deeply ...

    Their combined stories provide a fascinating and important glimpse into what life was like for some people during the '60s.

    Highly recommended. I love James Lee Burke. I will read anything he writes.

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