Welcome to the discussion for "Making Sense of the American Civil War".
My name is Jim Stewart, I'm a retired history faculty member at Macalester College and I'm looking forward very much to meeting you when at our first discussion on the 12th of this month.
Our initial class will divide into two parts--
First, we'll talk a bit about the Civil War and try to determine together what makes it--150 years late---, such a compelling subject. Why do we want to come together in a course like this one after a century and a half? What brings you out at night to discuss history rather than doing something else?
Then, we'll talk about the plot, characters, and our personal reactions to the novel March by Geraldine Brooks. We'll see for ourselves how she portrays the Civil War and how that matches up with our reasons for wanting to study this subject.
It is no accident that March received the Pulitzer Prize. It is really, really compelling reading and will, I can almost guarantee, stir up vivid reactions and strong ideas.
If you'd like to share those reactions and thoughts even before we meet, here's the place. I'll be glad to respond to whatever you want to share.
Tell us how the novel strikes you as it tries to present historical truths by telling us a fictional story.
Hope you try it!
See you soon,
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