Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: I couldn't put it down. His words on the page opened up the world of the 1860's in North Carolina. I agree with the reader who said this is not a book whose strength is in plot. The plot tends to ramble on. But the book "transcends" plot. When reading the book, I entered a world, not just of another time, but of another person in that time. Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: I Kept Wishing He'd Stop Walking
Review: This book was highly recommended by reviewers and friends, but I could barely make it through the trip home. I found myself wishing it would have ended about 200 miles sooner. Read"The Killer Angels" instead.
Rating:
Summary: Bleak
Review: This book is virtually relentless in its hopelessness. Apart from the development of Ada's character from self-absorbed, uninterested and uninteresting to mature, strong and caring, the positive points in this story are few and difficult to find. In my wildest dreams, I would not describe _Cold Mountain_ as beautiful or heart-warming, as some have done. It is extremely graphic in its descriptions of wretched living conditions and heartless acts of violence against man and beast. Do not read this book if you are an ethical vegetarian; animals are abused and slaughtered left and right. (Animals fare poorly even when the humans mean well. The plight of the mother bear and cub brought tears to my eyes.) The story often feels senseless and the moral appears to be that good things come to cowards and to drunks who abandon their families but not to heroes.It took quite a few pages for me to become accustomed to, but not comfortable with, the techniques this author uses to signify direct quotations - none of which involves quotation marks.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor ending spoils a great story
Review: After a wonderful journey through difficult situations, the story has an abrupt, unclear conclusion. More effort could have (and should have) gone into writing an ending that clearly explains the author's intent. I've read many books and stories that were better able to convey what was meant. Had to read the last few pages several times to try to understand the author's meaning. That isn't good writing.
Rating: 
Summary: one of the best
Review: this has to be one of the best books I have ever read. I live around the area the book was written about. It was very vivid in descriptions about the area. It is a wonderful book. I was very impressed, I am glad I selected this one to read.
Rating:
Summary: Superb writing, regardless of genre
Review: A beautifully written book, in which Frazier has managed to write about the ravages of the Civil War and convey a feeling of what it must have been like to live in that time. The astounding thing is that there is very little dialogue, and most of what the characters say is in their thoughts. Pass it up if you want rip-snorting action, but grab it if you want to be able to enjoy every word and phrase.
Rating:
Summary: Probably the best book I have read, ever.
Review: I simply was overwhelmed by the power of his language, his great skill and restraint. If I could give it ten stars, I would. Perfect!
Rating:
Summary: The classic journey,rich with historical detail.
Review: This novel takes you deeply into the psyche of both men and women during the Civil War. It is rich with historical detail without being pedantic. Both hero and heroine embark on a classic journey that brings them to a time and place where they can love and appreciate the person they have become. Powerfully written, it is an amazing story, one I will no doubt reread often.
Rating:
Summary: Captivating, a very good novel
Review: This is a very different war novel from recent releases in the genre like War of the Rats or The Triumph and the Glory. In fact it is more of an after the fact war novel, an examination of the emotional, social, and psychological aftermath of war. Inman is very well presented, I think anyone can really relate to his situation and empathgize with what he is going through. Five stars!
Rating:
Summary: A Beautifully Crafted Story
Review: This is a book that will remain with you always. Mr Frazier's prose captures the "flavor" of the times perfectly. This is not a book for those looking for a violence, or sex, or horror - though it has all that. The characters are strongly independent, yet Ada, Ruby, and Inman need one another to give them sustenance. I am still moved by this author's tale. Don't read this book if you are looking for King, Cornwall, or Grisham. This is literature, not a story drilled out by someone looking to make another buck.
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