Shades of Gray: A Novel of the Civil War in Virginia

by Jessica James

I confess I don’t know much about the American Civil War — my interests have always been with European countries, and so I am not an expert on the subject. The few details I vaguely recall from high school American History seem to focus on slavery as the cause of the war, however this novel dispels that notion and shows a fair assessment of the values and beliefs of both North and South. Through Andrea, a Southerner spying for the Union, and Hunter, an honorable Rebel colonel, we get a glimpse of both sides of the conflict — and the rights of government that each is fighting for.

The first part of the book, for me, was a bit implausible – a high-bred, intelligent woman choosing a soldier’s life and infused with extremely unwavering views. Her stubbornness and lengthly conversations were exhausting to read. However, once her past is broken into and she starts to realize the war is not a good versus evil ordeal, but has many layers of rights and wrongs on each side, the story moves right along and is much a more engaging and pleasurable read.

There are many likable characters and different personalities in this book, which is absolutely vital to hold one’s interest (see my last review for an example of the opposite). Andrea’s honorable ways ultimately outweigh her willfulness and pride and she becomes a true heroine.

I don’t think this novel is a good fit for the average romance reader, as it is lengthy and very wordy (the author has quite a vocabulary), but those who read historical fiction and Civil War literature will really enjoy it.