The Last Full Measure is the concluding novel in Jeff Shaara's Civil War Trilogy, following the characters from the aftermath of Gettysburg through the end of the war. The book covers the desperation and hopelessness of the Confederate Army, the determination of Grant and Chamberlain, and provides a clear and meaningful portrayal of the battlefield. The novel delves into the major generals of the conflict, providing a credible and engaging perspective on the last two years of the Civil War.

Characters:

Characters are richly developed, representing both Union and Confederate perspectives, and are depicted with emotional complexity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style alternates between perspectives, aims for emotional engagement, and seeks to mirror the father's style, though inconsistently.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on key figures like Grant and Lee and employs fictional characters to provide emotional depth, tracking the last years of the Civil War and significant battles.

Setting:

The setting is the American Civil War, mainly in Virginia, emphasizing the harshness and reality of warfare.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some chapters focusing on minor skirmishes while key events build emotional tension.

Notes:

The Last Full Measure is the final book in Jeff Shaara's Civil War Trilogy.

This book shifts focus primarily to Generals Grant and Lee, with Colonel Chamberlain added for perspective.

Unlike previous books that alternate between many perspectives, this book concentrates on fewer characters.

The novel explores the humanity of its characters extensively, making them relatable.

It introduces fictional soldiers to highlight key moments dramatically.

The narrative doesn't delve deeply into the logistics of battles, making it accessible even for casual readers.

Knowledge of Civil War battles enhances the reading experience, but it's not essential.

The trilogy appeals to a wider audience beyond just history buffs due to its human drama.

Some criticism exists regarding the focus on less significant battles over major ones.

The book depicts intense action during the final sieges, including multiple attacks and counterattacks.

Jeff Shaara felt he found his stride with this installment, producing a compelling narrative.

The ending compresses the post-war lives of Grant, Chamberlain, and Lee, which some found less effective.

Readers commented on the emotional weight of scenes like Lee's surrender and Chamberlain’s salute to the Confederate army.

The book successfully evokes the atmosphere and emotional stakes of the Civil War battles.

Shaara's storytelling has been noted for its understanding of the motivations behind the soldiers' actions.

Some feel the book lacks the dramatic flair of his father’s writings, particularly in depicting continuous conflict.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains depictions of violence, battle fatalities, and emotional turmoil related to war.

From The Publisher:

In the Pulitzer prize-winning classic The Killer Angels, Michael Shaara created the finest Civil War novel of our time. The Last Full Measure tells the epic story of the events following the Battle of Gettysburg and brings to life the final two years of the Civil War. Jeff Shaara dramatizes the escalating confrontation between Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant-complicated, heroic, and deeply troubled men. For Lee and his Confederate forces, Gettysburg has been an unspeakable disaster, but he is determined to fight to the bitter end; he faces Grant, the decisive, hard-nosed leader the Union army so desperately needs in order to turn the tide of the war. From the costly Battle of the Wilderness to the agonizing seize of Petersburg to Lee's epoch-making surrender at Appomattox, Shaara portrays the riveting conclusion of the Civil War through the minds and hearts of the individuals who gave their last full measure.

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About the Author:

Jeff Shaara is the New York Times bestselling author of The Fateful Lightning, The Smoke at Dawn, A Chain of Thunder, A Blaze of Glory, The Final Storm, No Less Than Victory, The Steel Wave, The Rising Tide, To the…

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The Last Full Measure

Jeff Shaara

Book 3 in the series:The Civil War Trilogy