audiobook Woman of Valor: Clara Barton and the Civil War by Stephen B. Oates in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An interesting bookBy AnnI am still in the process of reading this book with my daughter for a book report. The author has taken information from real people and directly from Miss Clara Barton's own diaries. It makes for a very interesting story. The reader is guided through the story and all the information about where she is and what is happening is very real. Descriptions abound throughout and the storyteller leaves the reader wanting more. I would say; the only downside is probably that the book is divided into only parts and not chapters. I had to divide the book myself so that we could digest the story in small doses for discussion. One other thing that I did not realize; Miss Barton lead a very storied life and some rather graphics details were included that we did not find tasteful or useful for the report and were therefore omitted from our reading. This; by-the-way was not any of the gory battle scenes; but her love life. On the whole; I have enjoyed the biography thus far and would recommend it for more mature audiences to read.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The unloved; frighten child who founded the Am Red Cross and needed to be neededBy CustomerI used this as a major reference; supported by other works; to write a Chautauqua-style first person script of Clara Barton. I found it useful for my purpose. The narrative of the battles and impoverished medical plans were accurately problematic for the Union at the time of the Civil War.If the objective is to understand Clara's unique role in the Civil War this is a good reference. To understand the battles; it is necessary to review Ken Burns; Civil War documentary along with the book.Clara Barton was insecure individual; unwanted by her mother; and her only memory of a childhood was one of fear - fear of being seen and noticed. Compensating for that developmental problem; she developed an obsession for being needed. Complicated by depression; she ran a single track of frenetic control and needing respect with approval throughout her life.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. What a woman!By ravenHistory with gusto! This was an excellent book. I learned so much about the Civil War and some of the important battles as well as about Andersonville. Clara Barton cared for and honored our brave soldiers; north or south; white or black.