Rating: 
Summary: Tremendously valueable as entertainment and enlightenment
Review: This is quite simply one of the finest works of historical fiction I have ever read. It goes to great lengths in exposing an aspect of the Civil War that has been greatly underutilized in literature until now-the impact that the war had on those not immediately on the battlefield. In this manner, it is wonderful learning experience. But the degree of pleasure obtained from its reading is unparalleled by any other book, in my opinion. Frazier manages to tell an amazing story that is accompanied by fascinating characters, and manages to do it in a way that transcends typical prose. The language used borders on being poetic, and beautifully so. This presents a hidden hazard in that if the reader reads the book too quickly, they will cease to appreciate the lurid descriptiveness and calming imagery that is ever-present. In summary, I urge any and all literary enthusiasts to read this book, especially those with an inclination toward historical epics. One word of caution: as you read it, pretend that you are being paid by the hour, not by the job. In other words, take your time!
Rating:
Summary: A triumph
Review: Charles Frazier' superb look at the Civil War through the eyes of Inman is masterful. It puts a face and a heart into the incredible numbers and statistics this terrible event generated adn reveals the true meaning of the American ideal of courage and persevearance.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: It's funny to see that a single book can have so many different opinions about it. I have to admit, I bought it because of the prizes it won, and because I always want to read a widely acclaimed book when it is its author's first one. Frazier has created a very good book indeed. It starts slow, and then the speed increases, just as the main character, healing from his Civil War wounds does. The language Frazier uses sometimes is boring and anachronic, but most of the time the reader doesen't remember he's reading a first-book and keeps paying attention to the story. It's interesting to read about Inman's traveling encounters and how Ada's doing on her own in the farm. However, Frazier has made a mistake in letting his most interestings characters as secundary. It happens with Stobrod and his fellow Pangle, and Ada's father, Monroe. About the ending, I didn't like it, not a little bit. Inman and Ada deserved a happier finale. It's stupid the way the book ends, frustrating. Frazier could have worked better the ending.
Rating:
Summary: Great storyl! And..er..what was it called again?
Review: There's plenty wrong with Cold Mountain. 100 pages too long, highly improbable, a High Plains Drifter for a central character, some overly enthusiastic researching and, despite the carnage, an overly romantic view of American civil war-era history. Compare it with something similar like "An Englishman's Boy" and you have a fairly empty, forgetable novel.Cold Mountain, however, is an adventure story, so who cares. It is great fun but nothing more. Not sure about the awards, but it deserves a good Hollywood film adaptation. If only Clint Eastwood was 60 years younger...
Rating: 
Summary: Historical Schmaltz
Review: In the great tradition of "The Waltons", "Little House on the Prairie", and "Dr Quinn Medicine Woman", Comes this much praised offering in the flourishing historical schmaltz genre. Reading like a Readers Digest book of the month, Cold Mountain attempts to revivify the frontier myth, with all the sexism, racism and violence that is implicit in it, dressing up these obnoxious ideas in glowing, award winning prose. Fazier is careful to drain his narrative of any politics or ideas that may question the conservative values of the well-heeled demographic it is obviously aimed at, producing a level of banality that has Hollywood written all over it . Cold Mountain the movie! Starring Brad Pitt, Directed by Robert Redford, Music by James Horner etc...
Rating:
Summary: Don't quit - it's worth your time.
Review: This book is not for people with short attention spans. It dwells on description and luxuriates in the voice of its period. There is a predictability to the story that only helps to make it more believable. The unexpected turn should be reserved for action movies and the like. Once I got to know the characters and the connection between the leads, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable and, now, memorable read. If you enjoyed "Lonesome Dove" and can do with a little less action, this is a book you should try.
Rating:
Summary: poetic, lyrical, transporting--language that is truly litera
Review: I am only halfway through this book and am amazed by the reviews. Frazier's poetic and moving descriptions of the landscapes and the characters responses to their environments draw me into this world and I think I want to stay there for a while. What do readers want? Action? Plot? Watch TV. For beautiful language, read this book, with a dictionary.
Rating:
Summary: Life altering-Terrific saga!
Review: The book was a marvelous journey. Inmann's life has had a real impact on me, and it will take me a long time to get over it. I now view history in a different way...and see the inestimable value of living a down to earth life. So much can be savored in simply existing! I can't even pick up another book until the dust from this one settles in my heart! Thank you Charles Frazier.
Rating:
Summary: Baucis and Philemon
Review: After you read the ending, look up Baucis and Philemon on the internet to learn about their story. Then, remember the story Inman tells Ada about the shining mountains before he goes off to war. The story takes place during the war, and Inman is a southerner who has deserted. I didn't like the ending at first, but you have to understand how the Greek myth, Indian story, and historical time period go together with the result of their last few days together.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I have ever read!
Review: So detailed and realistic, and because I live close to the Smoky Mtns. and have hiked and camped there all my life, I could actually smell the campfires/woodsmoke, the undergrowth, the pines and hardwoods, , mountain laurel, etc. I absolutely LIVED this book as I read it, and I didn't want it to end. My only consolation to the ending will be if Mr. Frazier writes a sequel. I would love to read how the farm progresses and also how the lives of Ada and her daughter and Ruby and her family continue to live and learn together. I also have to say that I just could NOT stop laughing where Veasey asks Inman to try his hand at catching the catfish, and later Veasey's comment was "They God." I could just picture Inman watching amused... Hilarious!!!
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