Savannah {or} a Gift for Mr. Lincoln

Written by John Jakes

Narrated by Dylan Baker

The author of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers sets his sights on the jewel of the South-Savannah-and brings it to life in his inimitable style.
Georgia, 1864: Sherman's army marches from Atlanta to the sea. In its path, the charming old city of Savannah where the Lester ladies -- attractive widowed Sara and her feisty twelve-year-old daughter Hattie -- struggle to save the family rice plantation. When Sherman offers the conquered city to President Lincoln as "a Christmas gift," Hattie and the feared general find themselves on a collision course that will astonish both of them.
In this rousing new tale, "the godfather of the historical novel" -- (Los Angeles Times) -- tells a story of battlefield danger, wartime romance, and indomitable courage. The rich cast of characters includes a corrupt judge; a fast-talking, piano-playing reporter from New York; a pair of thwarted young lovers; a raffish Indiana cavalryman; a valiant former slave; and a whole bagful of rascals, rebels, and real soldiers who marched with Sherman.
Together they bring to life an almost-forgotten moment in the Civil War -- a season of simmering hostilities, rising hopes, and empty stockings -- perhaps the most strife-torn yet heartwarming Christmas in all of American history.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Oct 1, 2004
• ISBN: 9780743561679

John Jakes

John Jakes (b. 1932), the author of more than a dozen novels, is regarded as one of today’s most distinguished writers of historical fiction. His work includes the highly acclaimed Kent Family Chronicles series and the North and South Trilogy. Jakes’s commitment to historical accuracy and evocative storytelling earned him the title of “the godfather of historical novelists” from the Los Angeles Times and led to a streak of sixteen consecutive New York Times bestsellers. Jakes has received several awards for his work and is a member of the Authors Guild and the PEN American Center. He and his wife, Rachel, live on the west coast of Florida. 

Reviews for Savannah {or} a Gift for Mr. Lincoln

[northandsouth_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A cute story describin the Christmas of 1864 when General Sherman and his army peacefuly occupied the southern city of Savannah, Georgia. An interesting collection of characters become interconnected as the heartwarming story unravels. An edifying and easy read that will bring a smile to your face as well as enlighten you about the hardships faced civilians during a civil war and military occupation.

[lamour_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Jakes does a good job of invoking the fear and hopelessness of the people facing the fast moving Sherman army as it tore across Georgia in late1864. His descriptions of the rag tag army of boys & old men facing Sherman outside the city and the starving, helpless populace in the city give one a sense of a city under siege. The myths that both sides had created about the other side as a result of propaganda and ignorance also add to the destruction but these attitudes start to collapse once the City falls and the people starting seeing that the other side is made up of human beings like themselves. If you have been to Savannah, you will enjoy the book that much more as you will easily visualize the city as the action takes place in and around those famous city squares and waterfront. While the violence of war is depicted, there are happy endings to many of the narrative threads to make everyone happy.

[yabookfest · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The story focuses on a 12 year old spitfire of a girl in Savannah, just as Sherman's army has taken over the city. Overall, the book was quite disappointing. While the author might have intended to create a human picture of war and bring humor to a dark period in history, the characters are either sentimental or ludicrous: paper cutouts of a villain trying to steal land from the lovely war widow; an oversized southern bell who wishfully worries about being ravaged by the enemy, and so on. I would not be inclined to try Jakes again.

[crazy4reading · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I just decided to pick a book up while at the library. Savannah just grabbed my attention when I read the summary. Hattie and her Mother Sara are trying to save their family rice plantation in Savannah Georgia in 1864. Sherman brings his army through Atlanta and is heading right to Savannah.Listening to the story was very entertaining. Hattie has no problem standing up to Sherman. Her mother doesn't care for the cavalrymen because she is a widow because of the war. The romances that do blossom throughout the book are very intriguing.