Review by Sandra Merville Hart

Richmond at War

I loved this book! This nonfiction book brings the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, during the Civil War (1861-1865) to life.

Furgurson arranged the book in mostly chronological order, which makes it an easy read. The author has a storyteller’s flair for opening up history. It was a page-turner for me.

The author gives details from history that bring the scenes vividly to life for readers. Descriptive details that involve the senses transport readers to the difficult days of the war. The author includes details such as distances between Richmond locations—such as a “block and a half away”—that were a real treasure for me as a historical author.

In fact, I bought this book for research purposes. My “Spies of the Civil War” series has two books set in Richmond in 1862—Boulevard of Confusion, Book 2 and Byway to Danger, Book 3. I took lots of notes and highlighted passages testifying to how it enriched my understanding of what Richmond citizens faced during the war.

Well-written. Well-researched. This is recommended for anyone interested in learning about the Civil War in Richmond, Civil War research, and history lovers!

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