Robert E. Lee was destined for his later role of consistent leadership from a very young age when his respected father, "Light Horse Harry", absolved himself of all responsibility and left his family of six children and and aging wife and headed to the West Indies. Caring for his mother and younger siblings, Robert would later become a prominent military engineer, offered to command President Lincoln's enormous army in attempts to forestall a civil war. He would refuse this request, however, knowing he would not allow himself to fight against a fellow Virginian, where his true devotion lay, Virginia. He was promised a prestigious, comfortable career in the U.S. Army and wholeheartedly gave himself to his cause. He was fully aware the odds weren't in his cause's favour and at the cost of his personal luxuries (safety and family), he eventually assumed the position as the commanding general of the Confederate Army.
I'm ashamed to admit that I had never heard of Robert E. Lee before I discovered this book. I guess it's better late than never since this book introduced a gem of American History to me. I finished reading "Lee: A Life of Virtue (The Generals)" in a day and a half because I found his life truly inspiring and virtuous which is rare in today's times. I really enjoyed getting lost in the times of "the Civil War" or "the War between the States" and learning of Mr. Lee's personal relationships with other prominent figures in history. Mr. Lee's strong convictions and unwavering commitment to his family when consistently separated for long periods of time was very inspiring to say the least. I would recommend this book to anyone with a hunger for American History or any interest in biographies. I thought it was a great, light read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are my own.
