The Thackery Journal

John Holt best book, in my opinion, good story, easy to follow as an audiobook and pretty good narration by John J. Irwin 4 ou of 5 book

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Powerful story; powerfully written

John Holt has written a truly good book with carefully drawn characters that work so well for the story era. He could not possibly have chosen a better narrator than John J. Irwin, whose made-for-the-book voice delivers the story in a carefully and deliberately paced manner that allows the reader to believe. I certainly believed every moment and found myself binge reading (listening) until that final page. Bravo Mr Holt, I will certainly recommend the audiobook as one of my favourite listens to date.

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Interesting tale of the American Civil War

I don't know much about the American Civil War and I like historical tales, so that was my motivation for listening to this book.
The fictional account gives an insight into the way the war might have been seen by both sides, how it affected friendships and families and a peek into the way those with power plotted to use others, double-cross and trick their way into more powerful positions.
The storytelling style was not one that left me hanging on and excited by the tale, but overall it's a decent story.
I was given a free copy of the audiobook for an honest review

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Interesting story and listen

Really enjoyed this completely different from the other books I have read by this author but it really worked you can tell it had been well researched. It was very well narrated.

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As grains of sand through the fingers

A novel which sharply delineates the emotional horror and futility of war, especially a civil war which, by it's nature, separates friends and tears families apart. This is a fictional story but set in the very real period of the first half of 1860s - the American Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln.
On the day that he signed up to join the Confederate army, Jacob Thackery decides to keep a journal (the one in the title) of those important times, and the book opens with his distraught and elderly father rereading it as he had done so many times before. Through shifts in time and place, Jacob's tale unfolds, from the earliest beliefs in the righteousness of the cause to the final dramatic finale. Side by side with Jacob's account is also that of his lifelong best friend, Miles, who takes a different path, enlisting on the Union side, believing that the South can never win. Their stories are well interwoven. The sense of actually being there is good and both of the two main protagonists are well drawn.

The book is simply written and easy to read. The short sentences give a feel of immediacy and conversation feels natural. The book's reading is ably executed by John J Irwin, whose slow and careful narration adds additional gravitas, his voicings of the characters distinct but not performed. Overall, a good presentation, if slightly too slow for this reader (who increased the playback speed slightly to 1.25).

As well as being a good listen, this book has a feeling of profound truths. War is terrible, and rarely is it noble, or a just cause. Instead, it leaves "shattered dreams and shattered lives." Although a fictional account, too, it had the resonance of an historical account, detailed and with dates included. But more than that, it is an emotionally charged and gently powerful read. My thanks to the author, John Holt, who gifted me a complimentary copy of his book. This review is given voluntarily and briefly expresses my true feelings about The Thackery Journal. Recommended

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2 people found this helpful

Historical book

Good book based on the American Civil War was a very good read loved it

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Great read for Civil War enthusiasts

This is an interesting story. It begins with an excerpt from President Lincoln's Gettysburg address, which sets the mood for the remainder of the story. My knowledge about the politics surrounding the civil war is minimal, so I was interested in the facts as they came out. Either the author is knowledgeable or did great research on the subject. To be honest, I did not much care for the reader. His reading was slow and dry for my taste. However, the recording quality was good. I feel I may have enjoyed reading the book as opposed to listening to it. I recommend this story to anyone who is interested in Civil War stories, most specifically the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. **I was gifted a free copy of the audio and asked to leave an honest opinion.

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Conspiracy

I loved listening to John J Irwin.

A tale of childhood friends, who end up frighting against each other in the American Civil War. A conspiracy theory. A great story.

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The American Civil War and Lincoln's Assassination

The tale of two childhood friends who fight on opposite sides during the American Civil War. Plot and intrigue around Abraham Lincoln's assassination and a final page cliffhanger. This novel, very well narrated, has it all to keep the listener wanting more. I even learned some American history as a bonus.

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The Thackery Journal

This is not my normal kind of book. I’m not a big history buff or really like war books either but have to say I enjoyed this one. This has a nice journey through the civil war as well as a conspiracy theory for Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Definitely worth the listen for most people.

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