35 pages • 1 hour read
Soldiers Heart: Being the Story of the Enlistment and Due Service of the Boy Charley Goddard in the First Minnesota Volunteers
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Book Brief
106
Novella • Fiction
American Civil War • 1860s
1998
YA
12-17 years
Super Short Summary
In Soldier’s Heart by Gary Paulsen, young Charley Goddard, at just 15, enlists in the Union Army during the Civil War, facing the harrowing realities of battle, including the initial optimism, the grimness of combat, and the profound physical and emotional tolls that lead to enduring trauma. The narrative examines the impact of war on soldiers' mental health and includes topics such as graphic violence, death, war, and suicide.
Dark
Gritty
Emotional
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
5,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gary Paulsen’s Soldier’s Heart offers a visceral portrayal of the Civil War through the eyes of a young soldier. Praised for its vivid detail and emotional depth, the book effectively conveys the brutal realities of war. However, some readers find the narrative too intense for younger audiences and the character development somewhat lacking. Overall, it is a compelling yet stark read.
Who Should Read Soldiers Heart?
Readers who would enjoy Gary Paulsen's Soldier's Heart are typically interested in historical fiction with a focus on the Civil War. Fans of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels and Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage will appreciate its vivid depictions of battle and the psychological impacts of war on young soldiers.
5,775 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nelson
Nelson
A soldier in Charley’s unit, who is optimistic about the war and arrives as a replacement after Bull Run. His experience highlights the naive attitude of inexperienced soldiers.
Charley’s Mother
Charley’s Mother
Charley’s mother is initially supportive of his decision to join the army due to the prevailing belief that the war will be short and not particularly dangerous. She becomes increasingly worried and urges Charley to return home as time passes.
106
Novella • Fiction
American Civil War • 1860s
1998
YA
12-17 years
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