April 1865

The Month That Saved America

By: Professor Jay Winik

Narrated by: Professor Jay Winik

One month in 1865 witnessed the frenzied fall of Richmond, a daring last-ditch Southern plan for guerrilla warfare, Lee's harrowing retreat, and then, Appomattox. It saw Lincoln's assassination just five days later and a near-successful plot to decapitate the Union government, followed by chaos and coup fears in the North, collapsed negotiations and continued bloodshed in the South, and finally, the start of national reconciliation.

In the end, April 1865 emerged as not just the tale of the war's denouement, but the story of the making of our nation.

Jay Winik offers a brilliant new look at the Civil War's final days that will forever change the way we see the war's end and the nation's new beginning. Uniquely set within the larger sweep of history and filled with rich profiles of outsize figures, fresh iconoclastic scholarship, and a gripping narrative, this is a masterful account of the thirty most pivotal days in the life of the United States.

©2001 Jay Winik (P)2001 Recorded Books

Fascinating and well woven

Would you listen to April 1865 again? Why?

Would like to hear another narrator. Almost gave up too soon.

What was one of the most memorable moments of April 1865?

The several decisions made against defying the peace agreements by going rogue and keeping the country in turmoil. Agreement to honor the peace, especially by the Swamp Fox, helped stabilize the country at a critical time.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Unfortunately for me, the narrator seemed too inexpressive, too monotone, too professorial. I turned it off and moved to something else - several something elses - for quite a time. Once I committed to listening continually, I got so interested in the unfolding of events that I finished it, captivated by the amazing twists and turns of personalities and outcomes.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You're not gonna believe this......

Any additional comments?

Too bad history is not taught like this in school. Maybe we'd learn something from it besides dates. This gives an appreciation for what it takes to overcome dissension and fix what's broken. If we survived this history, maybe we can survive the present day machinations if we can find enough people of good will in powerful places. I hope so.

Great look at a critical time, poor audio quality

What a month April 1865 was for America. I think the author successfully argued it was the most important month in US history in terms of forging the American national identity. From Petersburg to the Appomattox surrender, Lincoln’s assassination to the death of Booth, this book covers it all. Sometimes the book off into the weeds a bit to provide global historical context , but that ultimately proves necessary when showing just how atypical some of the choices made truly were. Overall I definitely liked it but I can see some of the criticisms concerning pro-south or pro-Lee leanings. In the epilogue I found myself wondering of the author was arguing that secession was justified. I just rolled my eyes at these bits.

Be warned, the audio quality is pretty poor, periodically deteriorating in the second half all the way to the end.

a very schoalor book independent in facts

this book had alot of information and I learned alot. I thought it was apologetic towards the south. the narration was very slow and boring.

Great book

Lots of interesting details about the time and the people involved. Winik tells the story in a way that holds your interest even though you might already know how it ends.

If a professional narrator records this book....

I'll request an exchange. Mr. Winik's narration ruins what the first minutes promise to be an interesting book.