Rating: 
Summary: A Chilling Love Story
Review: This book is a marvelous attempt by it's author to capture a compelling Civil War love story within the pages of a book. It is easy to fall into the daily routine of the characters, and to catch yourself feeling as if you are a part of the story; a by-stander. The main idea of the plot is great: A soldier decides that he would rather be at home with his love than be involved with the Civil War any longer. The switching between the two main characters, Inman and Ada, was also nice. However, there is something about the end of this book that GREATLY troubled me. In the epilogue, I could not help but notice that Inman's name was never mentioned. Exactly what happened to Inman in the end? Sure, it tells a hint of what might have happened, but it never tells for sure. I have never felt so unaware of the outcome to a story before. Perhaps it is just me being somewhat picky about his name not being mentioned in the conclusion. Also, it is hard to read a book that replaces dialogue with explanations. I also wish Frazier would have toned it down a bit with the detail he put into the background of the woods ... hearing about poplar and dogwood over and over again can be repetitive and dull. And where were the quotation marks? Overall, this book was a great thing to read, though I wish Veasey would have lasted a bit longer throughout the story. This book deserves 4 stars, and in my opinion, should be considered a modern-day classic. Charles Frazier did a great job on this, his first book, and I congratulate him on being a good writer. But Frazier, I must ask you one question about Inman: What is his first name?(Now, I have something that I must get off of my chest. This has nothing really to do with the book itself, but relates to a mini-review on the back of this book. Raleigh News & Observer is quoted to say this book is "As close to a masterpiece as American writing is going to come these days." I must ask this question: What the hell does that mean? Are they implying that there are no modern day writers capable of creating a masterpiece? Charles Frazier is a good writer, and there are many of them out there. I thought that was a totally biased and inconsiderate review to print on the back of a book.)
Rating: 
Summary: Must See TV watchers need not open the cover...
Review: Reading the reviews by some of the readers of this wonderful book highlights the sad state of the reading public in the U.S.. Cold Mountain is one of the finest pieces of Modern Literature I have ever had the privilege to read. Frazier mesmerizes with his prose, and develops characters as well as Vonnegut. If you're looking for a quick and easy read, don't bother -- I'm sure you'll be satisfied to watch 3rd rock from the Sun instead. If you want reassurance that there are some real writers left in America, read Cold Mountain.
Rating:
Summary: Fine historical novel
Review: I thought this book was great and I am astonished by the criticism levelled at it by some of the readers. No plot? It has a very clear Odyssey-like plot. And the descriptions of the way the poor lived in 1864 are a very interesting contrast to the way we live today. Beautifully-written, too.
Rating: 
Summary: Boring
Review: Please end...that was all I could think when I was reading this oh so boring book. There were essentially 2 chapters in this book: hungry Inman and I'm not used to working Ada. Your reward at the end of this reading odyssey....melodramatic nonsense.
Rating: 
Summary: OK
Review: I agree with the reviewer who liked the detail but kept waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN. Like that reader, I kept waiting for SOMETHING TO HAPPEN. But NOTHING EVER REALLY HAPPENED. So I tossed the book aside unfinished and read the other book I ordered from amazon last week, "The Triumph and the Glory". And guess what ? SOMETHING HAPPENED ON EVERY PAGE! It was GREAT! The ending was magnificent, so at least one of the two was worthwhile.
Rating:
Summary: Heard such good press, only to be disappointed
Review: Well written and populated with good characters. But the whole thing should have started about a hundred fifty pages after where it really started. So much of the old preacher just wandering around looking at stuff, other people looking at stuff, people being poor, being grumpy, etc. Once the story finally started, it was good. In fact I really liked it. Makes me wonder if the editors could have made a suggestion or two. I would definitely look for another book by Frazier in the future.
Rating: 
Summary: This is a National Book Award Winner?
Review: I'm halfway through the book and thought it would save time to find out what other people think. I very much like the detail, which is the only interesting aspect of the novel. The plot is trite and fantastic; real-life civil war stories are far more dramatic. It doesn't sound as if it gets any better even from the descriptions of those who like the book. This is probably why I rarely read fiction.
Rating:
Summary: A great depiction of late XIX century Civil War times
Review: A wonderful novel, full of related stories that make it fun to read. The knowledge from the beginning that the two main characters will meet once again sometime in the book makes one hang to the story and wait for the meeting. A good depiction of the South and its inhabitants over a century ago. It's interesting to read episodes that talk of farm and wild life in such a different time.
Rating:
Summary: Evocative
Review: The use of language in this novel is beautiful and sometimes one has to remind oneself that this is a contemporary author. The characters are not static and Adas personal journey mirrors Inmans physical one. The ending left a little to be desired but a small criticism of an otherwise good book
Rating:
Summary: Memorable!
Review: Cold Mountain is a heart-warming account of a Civil War soldier's struggles to return home after the South fell. It captivated me, much as the recent WWII novel, The Triumph and the Glory did. Each book brought tears to my eyes, which is a rare occurance indeed.
|
