Lee: A Life of Virtue by John Perry

I really like history, and especially Civil War history, though I have read very few books on the subject. I was very excited to receive this biography of General Robert E. Lee. The book takes you through the entire life of General Lee, where I learned about his family, his career, and his personality. Of course, there is play-by-play of his career and decisions as General of the Confederate States of America.

I really enjoyed the read. I loved learning the reasons behind General Lee's decision to leave the United States army and join the Virginia Militia, and then the Confederate Army. But even more than the war history, I was enthralled in the relationship between Robert and his wife, Mary. The letters they wrote to each other, for they lived much of their life apart, and the love they shared. The war details did get a little drawn out at points, however I think that if I had a better grasp on the geography, I would feel differently.

Mainly, this book further established in my mind that 1) the Civil War was not chiefly fought over slavery and I am not sure the United States did the right thing; and 2) that I would love to read more of Mary letters to the General. I think I could learn a lot from her about being a godly wife to my husband.

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