April 1865

The Month That Saved America

By: Professor Jay Winik

Narrated by: Professor Jay Winik

This New York Times best seller from noted historian and acclaimed author Jay Winik forever changes common perceptions of the final month of the American Civil War.

April 1865 could have destroyed the nation. Instead it saved it. As April begins, the battered Confederate capital of Richmond falls to the Union Army. Robert E. Lee surrenders his forces to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox one week later. In good spirits and sensing the war's end, President Abraham Lincoln attends a comedic play - and is assassinated. Simultaneously, Secretary of State William Seward is brutally attacked but survives. Along with fears that remaining Confederate soldiers will break into guerrilla bands, these events threaten to plunge America into turmoil. But it is not to be.

Winik's engrossing narrative sweeps listeners along from one incredible moment to the next until, remarkably, peace is reached. A provocative and deeply researched account, this modern classic is a major reassessment of the 30 most pivotal days in United States history.

©2001 Jay Winik (P)2001 Recorded Books

If a professional narrator records this book....

I'll request an exchange. Mr. Winik's narration ruins what the first minutes promise to be an interesting book.

Fascinating and well woven

Would you listen to April 1865 again? Why?

Would like to hear another narrator. Almost gave up too soon.

What was one of the most memorable moments of April 1865?

The several decisions made against defying the peace agreements by going rogue and keeping the country in turmoil. Agreement to honor the peace, especially by the Swamp Fox, helped stabilize the country at a critical time.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Unfortunately for me, the narrator seemed too inexpressive, too monotone, too professorial. I turned it off and moved to something else - several something elses - for quite a time. Once I committed to listening continually, I got so interested in the unfolding of events that I finished it, captivated by the amazing twists and turns of personalities and outcomes.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

You're not gonna believe this......

Any additional comments?

Too bad history is not taught like this in school. Maybe we'd learn something from it besides dates. This gives an appreciation for what it takes to overcome dissension and fix what's broken. If we survived this history, maybe we can survive the present day machinations if we can find enough people of good will in powerful places. I hope so.

Great look at a critical time, poor audio quality

What a month April 1865 was for America. I think the author successfully argued it was the most important month in US history in terms of forging the American national identity. From Petersburg to the Appomattox surrender, Lincoln’s assassination to the death of Booth, this book covers it all. Sometimes the book off into the weeds a bit to provide global historical context , but that ultimately proves necessary when showing just how atypical some of the choices made truly were. Overall I definitely liked it but I can see some of the criticisms concerning pro-south or pro-Lee leanings. In the epilogue I found myself wondering of the author was arguing that secession was justified. I just rolled my eyes at these bits.

Be warned, the audio quality is pretty poor, periodically deteriorating in the second half all the way to the end.

a very schoalor book independent in facts

this book had alot of information and I learned alot. I thought it was apologetic towards the south. the narration was very slow and boring.

Great book

Lots of interesting details about the time and the people involved. Winik tells the story in a way that holds your interest even though you might already know how it ends.

Excellent book/ terrible narrator

The author's narration of his own book is so annoying that I almost gave up on listening. The book itself is well written and very interesting if you can bear with Jay WInik's reading.

Fantastic book, terrible performance

Incredibly impressed by the work done here, a moving, harrowing tale.

That said, while I understand the desire to read your own book, this guy is just not a performer. the book itself is a real achievement. But I wish it had been read by somebody else.

That said, incredible story, and I hope he writes more. He’s done the country a real service by writing this book. Grateful for that.

Inspiring story of our nations leaders

Very well researched and so much information shared I hadn’t heard before. Great book. Author is a little on the dry side but he’s a professor and I appreciate his insights and work to overlook the performance side.

It Could Have Been Different

the series of events that took place in April 1865 could have easily prolonged the war. remarkably they did not.

Deeply insightful

I have studied the Civil War and the life of Lincoln for years. However, this was a whole new perspective. Definitely worth it.