White Doves at Morning

by James Lee Burke
White Doves at Morning cover
Good Books rating 4.08
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6542
  • Added: 2025-11-21
  • Updated: 2025-11-21
  • ISBN: 9781409132820
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-11-25
  • Reviews: 3

Set in Louisiana during the tumultuous years of 1861-1868, this novel delves into the lives of men, women, and soldiers during the American Civil War. The story follows Willie Burke, a Confederate soldier and ancestor of the author, as he navigates the complexities of war and conflict with his superiors. The narrative is rich with historical figures and memorable characters, each bringing their own unique struggles and resilience to the forefront. /n/n The novel is praised for its unerring sense of place and enthralling story, making it a classic Burke novel. It explores themes of slavery, Unionist sympathies, and the moral decay of certain figures, all while maintaining a gripping and passionate narrative.

Reviews
Bard of the South · 2009-03-31
engrossing 4.50

The novel addresses profound themes related to the Civil War and the human condition, weaving together stories of love, redemption, courage, and fear.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of deep themes such as love, redemption, courage, and fear, which are intricately woven into the narrative. They find the story both engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting Burke's ability to capture the essence of the human experience during the Civil War. The reviewer also notes the novel's emotional depth and its ability to evoke a range of emotions from the reader.

Quick quotes

    The novel addresses many great themes related to the Civil War and the human condition.

    It weaves stories of love, redemption, courage and fear.

    The novel is a splendid and engrossing read.

The Times · 2003-04-06
majestic 3.75

The novel is a majestic but flawed exploration of the Civil War, offering a compelling counterpoint to nostalgic myth-making.

The reviewer acknowledges the novel's majestic qualities and its ability to provide a compelling counterpoint to nostalgic portrayals of the Civil War. They appreciate Burke's skill in creating a vivid and evocative narrative, but also note some flaws in the story. The reviewer finds the novel thought-provoking and engaging, highlighting its ability to challenge traditional views of the Civil War and its impact on society.

Quick quotes

    This majestic but flawed novel can be seen as a compelling riposte to Margaret Mitchell's nostalgic myth-making.

    Countering that the antebellum South was a place of romance and chivalry.

    The novel is a splendid and engrossing read.

The Guardian · 2003-03-30
compelling 4.00

The novel showcases Burke's skill in characterisation and dialogue, creating a vivid and evocative narrative. The story is a compelling exploration of the human condition during the Civil War.

The reviewer highlights Burke's ability to create memorable characters and evocative dialogue, which brings the story to life. They appreciate the novel's exploration of the human condition during the Civil War, finding it both compelling and thought-provoking. The reviewer also notes the novel's gritty realism, which provides a stark reminder of the horrors of war and its lasting impact on individuals and society.

Quick quotes

    Burke demonstrates again his bravura skill at memorable characterisation, acute dialogue and wonderfully evocative descriptions.

    The novel is a gritty and realistic peek into the horrors of war.

    It is also a reminder that war does not stop when the peace treaties are signed.

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