Savannah Reviewed, a Book Review of Savannah, or A Gift for Mr. Lincoln by John Jakes: A Heartwarming Civil War Christmas Tale Full of Hope and Humanity
Dec 16, 2023
2 min read
4
152
I recently finished a wonderful trilogy by one of my new favorite authors, T.I. Lowe—her warm, faith-filled stories are pure comfort. Then it felt right to pick up an older gem: John Jakes' Savannah, also known as A Gift for Mr. Lincoln (copyright 2004). It's a perfect holiday read, set in Savannah, Georgia—a city I've always longed to visit. As a longtime fan of Jakes' sweeping Kent Family Chronicles, I knew this one would speak to my patriotic heart.
The story unfolds during the War Between the States (often called the Civil War or War for Southern Independence), blending perspectives from both North and South through richly developed characters. At the center is young Hattie Lester—a quick-tongued, forward girl who relocates with her mother and their beloved pet pig, Amelia, from Silverglass Plantation to a friend's home in Savannah. As more characters are introduced the narrative flows smoothly, never overwhelming despite the growing ensemble, and they bring the era to life: We meet injured Southern veteran Legrand Parmenter, Black Irish reporter Captain Stephen Hopewell, Sergeant Wink and his friend Zip, and even General Sherman himself.
One passage that stuck with me captures the charm and steel of Southern women through a Northern character's eyes:
"Hattie slitted her eyes at Stephen in an unfriendly way, but she obeyed the older woman who he guessed to be her mother. Quite a handsome creature, excepting her wartime pallor and general state of disarray. Stephen liked most of the Southern women he'd met—charmingly soft-spoken, with a faintly exhausted air, as though perpetually suffering from the heat. He had no illusions about what lay beneath the face: iron. Southern women managed to conceal it graciously, in contrast to many New York females who aggressively bashed you over the head with their wants, whims, and opinions."
What I treasure most is the thread of light in the darkness—hope, kindness, and humanity amid hardship. It reminded me to be deeply grateful for my own blessings: faith in Christ, equality, love, peace in my community, education, clean water, warmth, shelter, and food on the table. If you love historical fiction, stories of liberty, Christmas spirit, wartime resilience, a touch of romance, poetic nods (like to William Wordsworth), and moments of gentle humor, this novel will warm your heart.
Jakes reminds us beautifully: "Regardless of our many differences, we are all members of one family." That's the kind of truth I want to spread through Twilight Letters—love for reading, for honesty, and for our great country.
Grab a copy and dive in this holiday season (or anytime!):
Check it out on Amazon (paperback, hardcover editions available): Savannah: Or a Gift for Mr. Lincoln
Or on Barnes & Noble (eBook and other formats): Savannah: Or a Gift for Mr. Lincoln
It's a quick, uplifting escape that makes a thoughtful gift too.
What historical fiction has moved you lately, or sparked gratitude during tough times? Share in the comments below, or tag me on X @TracyKubiayk—I'd love to discover more recommendations and connect with fellow readers!
Wishing you peace, love, and joyful reading this season and always. God bless you, God bless the United States of America, God bless our earth!
Love,
Tracy
Savannah Reviewed
#civilwar #southernwomen #bestfiction
