Plot Summary

The March

E. L. Doctorow
Guide cover placeholder

The March

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974

Book Brief

E. L. Doctorow

The March

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1974
Book Details
Pages

363

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southeastern United States • 1860s

Publication Year

1974

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The March, by E.L. Doctorow, is a historical fiction novel about General Sherman’s notorious march through the South during the final stages of the American Civil War, told through multiple vignettes by diverse characters such as liberated slaves, displaced plantation owners, soldiers, and medics, all affected by Sherman’s strategic decisions and the ensuing societal upheaval. The book depicts wartime violence, trauma, and racial issues.

Gritty

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Emotional

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

15,066 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

E. L. Doctorow’s The March is lauded for its vivid historical detail and complex characters amidst the backdrop of Sherman’s Civil War campaign. Critics praise its immersive narrative and emotional depth. However, some find it overly fragmented due to its large cast. Overall, the novel is a compelling portrayal of the chaos and human cost of war.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The March?

Readers who appreciate historical fiction with rich, dramatic narratives and character complexity will enjoy The March by E. L. Doctorow. Fans of The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara or Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, which similarly blend historical accuracy with compelling storytelling, will find this novel captivating.

4.0

15,066 ratings

67%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

363

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Southeastern United States • 1860s

Publication Year

1974

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!