One of the great intrigues of this work is the way that Mr. Skimin demonstrates Grant's constant struggle with alcoholism (although it was never described as such). Grant's problems with the drink are legendary and the historical rumors are even more leg endary. I found the human struggle for Grant that is demonstrated in this novel an educating experience.
Although I found this novel intriguing and enlightening, I also thought it had a few short-comings. One of the most striking of these problems was the way that the author portrayed James Longstreet. General Longstreet, who was the best man at Grant's we dding, was in one instance portrayed as a heroic general, who has a brilliant mind for tactics as well as the ability to implement them in battle. In another instance, Longstreet is described as a "crybaby" and the general responsible for losing Gettysb urg. Another short coming of this novel is the constant switching of perspectives. Mr. Skimin will be telling the story in the third person, then switch to a first-person perspective through the eyes of Grant, and then switch to the first-person perspec tive of William Tecumseh Sherman. Although this is a fine literary tool when used in a smooth transition, Mr. Skimin makes the transition within two pages ! This makes the story confused at certain points.
Even with these problems, I found Mr. Skimin's Ulysses an enjoyable and educating read, giving this Civil War buff a new perspective on one of the most important figures in our country's history.
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