Another great historical account from Erik Larson. This is not at all your boring historical text, but rather written in an engaging, story-telling way, while maintaining everything factual. It is easy to get absorbed into the stories of the individuals, events, and motivations behind such an important piece of American history and how it changed the course of the country. I was expecting to have to make myself get through the book in my journey to better understand history, but instead I kept reading for the pleasure of it.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

On November 6, 1860, Abraham Lincoln became the fluky victor in a tight race for president. The country was bitterly at odds; Southern extremists were moving ever closer to destroying the Union, with one state after another seceding and Lincoln powerless to stop them. Slavery fueled the conflict, but somehow the passions of North and South came to focus on a lonely federal fortress in Charleston: Fort Sumter.

Master storyteller Erik Larson offers a gripping account of the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Sumter—a period marked by tragic errors and miscommunications, enflamed egos and craven ambitions, personal tragedies and betrayals. Lincoln himself wrote that the trials of these five months were “so great that, could I have anticipated them, I would not have believed it possible to survive them.”

At the heart of this suspense-filled narrative are Major Robert Anderson, Sumter’s commander and a former slave owner sympathetic to the South but loyal to the Union; Edmund Ruffin, a vain and bloodthirsty radical who stirs secessionist ardor at every opportunity; and Mary Boykin Chesnut, wife of a prominent planter, conflicted over both marriage and slavery and seeing parallels between both. In the middle of it all is the overwhelmed Lincoln, battling with his duplicitous Secretary of State, William Seward, as he tries desperately to avert a war that he fears is inevitable—one that will eventually kill 750,000 Americans.

Drawing on diaries, secret communiques, slave ledgers, and plantation records, Larson gives us a political horror story that captures the forces that led America to the brink—a dark reminder that we often don’t see a cataclysm coming until it’s too late. (Goodreads synopsis)

I enjoy Erik Larson’s writing. His novels, while as historically accurate as he can possibly make them, have a sort of dramatic element to them. It’s almost like hearing the musical track to a movie.

It’s also very poignant, because of our current events. Larson only mentions Jan 6th, 2021, at the beginning. However, there is an underlining deja vu as the reader is being informed of the concerns for Lincoln’s election and inauguration.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

I was really excited to get an advanced copy of Erik Larson's newest book from Netgalley, and it didn't disappoint. His newer books have a little slower pacing than his earlier books, but still fascinating. This was well-written, thoroughly researched, and the theme of Southern chivalry throughout the book was really effective to paint the picture of how the Civil War began--something I really didn't know much about before reading this book. Excellent book!

Absolutely loved this book. I thought I knew a lot about the civil war, but I realized while reading this that I had no idea how the civil war actually came to be. I learned so much. One of my favorite nonfiction reads of the year.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
I've read many other books by Larson in the past, and this continues in the same stream as his others. Focused on the window of time leading up to the beginning of the Civil War (For Sumter), it centers in on a few parallel story lines- a debutante in Charleston, Major Anderson station at Fort Sumter, Lincoln and his cabinet, and a few southern rebels pushing for secession. It took awhile to get into the book (and to keep the various stories straight); once you get past that point, then it's smooth sailing from there. I have a background in American History and have studied the Civil War a lot; there were still nuggets of information in Larson's book that were new to me which was nice. Appreciate that he didn't just focus on the big stars of the story (Lincoln et.al.)- he gave equal time to to everyday people who lived and witnessed these events.

I'm not sure that I will finish this one--I may try to pick it up again at another time, but for now, it felt like it lacked the propulsive narrative that usually draws me into Erik Larson's books so well. The universe of characters felt too broad to connect to like I did with his past books. At first I thought this might have been due in part to the uncomfortable subject matter, but "In the Garden of Beasts" covered similar terrain but was focused on specific personal and social perspectives of the war, making it more engaging in my view. I think this would be enjoyable for those who are really into the Civil War, but I don't see it having the broad appeal of Larson's other historical nonfiction works.

I am usually a big fan of Erik Larson, but this one did not do it for me. I think there are huge gaps in this narrative – specifically, where are the words noted abolitionists, northern freed and free people? Why don’t we see any narratives from or about the enslaved peoples? Instead, there are dozens of pages dedicated to the diary of the loathsome Mary Chesnut. Edmund Ruffin is evil yet the way he is portrayed practically gives him hero status. Even though you know the ending, Major Anderson's plight is horrible and sad. Larson states that he was driven to write this book after the January 6th insurrection but all he succeeds in doing is elevating the successionists rather than finding learnings from their treason. Perhaps Larson shouldn't have veered off into writing fiction as it seems to have influenced his style - not for the better.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the audiobook ARC.

Eric Larson does it again! This great book details the Civil War and what led up to it in an interesting and readable fashion. It is full of details that you didn’t learn in history class, along with interesting anecdotes and little known facts. His writing style is so comfortable for a nonfiction book, and pulls you in from the very beginning. I love Eric Larson, and his books, my only complaint would be that he doesn’t write more books more often! (Which is highly understandable, given the research required for his deep dives into historical events.) Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rounded up to 3.5 stars, this book was really hard for me. I found the history intriguing, and I absolutely loved “Devil in the White City” by the author, but maybe I just wasn’t in the right head space for Civil War history this month. The author definitely did a ton of research and I did enjoy seeing everything that led up to the beginning of the war.

THE DEMON OF UNREST is Erik Larson's newest title (published on April 30, 2024). Larson's strength is captivating narrative nonfiction; he delves into an historical moment and finds rich detail, bringing it to life.

In THE DEMON OF UNREST, he takes us to the time of Lincoln's election and the turmoil brewing between the states. South Carolina will secede before the inauguration, and other states follow. Then there is the tension surrounding Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor as events escalate and a battle feels imminent.

It is no easy feat to take events from centuries before and yet have readers on the edge of their seats with tension and anxiety, yet I was riveted. I have a general understanding of the events surrounding the Civil War, but the nuance and detail were not known to me.

This focus feels prescient, and Larson discusses how he began wondering during the polarization of the pandemic how the Civil War began, and the Insurrection at the Capitol on January 6 felt like a heightened moment juxtaposed against the certification of Lincoln's election.

Even with a host of strong reviews, this was my first Larson title, but it has certainly whetted my appetite for his backlist. His accolades are well deserved.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

This was dense and took me awhile to get through, but the pay off, as usual with Larson, was absolutely worth it. I learned so much and the narrative voice pulled me through. Highly recommend.

I don't think I would have read a book on this topic if the author wasn't Erik Larson, but he has never disappointed me before so read it I did and I was rewarded!,
I'm sure most Americans know that after Lincoln was elected, southern states began to secede. Then the Confederate Army fired on Fort Sumter in SC and the Civil War ensued. This is the story of the details of those events and there was so much I didn't know about all of this. A couple of my favorite tidbits:
Most Southerners assumed that the Union would be fine with them leaving. After they formed their government, they sent a delagation to Washington, expecting to be politely welcomed as the representatives of any foreign governement would be.
"States rights" was not just something the South grabbed hold of as a justification for the war. The Governor of South Carolina had a brother whose given name was "States Rights"! (But articles, speeches, and documents from the time make it very obvious, right from the start, that the war was about keeping the institution of slavery alive.)
The story of the defense of Fort Sumter encompassed months of uncertainty, frustration, drama, and courage.
I'd never heard any of this before. Great history book, with some important lessons for our nation today.

Here is the short version of the lead up to the Civil War. Driven by greed and bigotry, the rich plantation owners of the South were creeping towards separation from the United States. From its beginning, the United States had accommodated, compromised, and twisted itself into knots to appease the Southern states, but that wasn’t enough for them. They demanded total capitulation. They were finally driven over the edge by the fear that the election of Abraham Lincoln would end the reign of their business plan that depended on a pool of unpaid labor. The fact that Lincoln had no such plan didn’t get through to them, so some entitled idiots in South Carolina declared themselves free of the union of states and decided to attack Fort Sumter. The southerners got their fort, and four years of war. That is what happens when you give sway to the very worst of human nature.

This book details the long (extensively researched) build up to the attack on Fort Sumter. It covers only 5 months, but they were extremely tense and eventful months. President James Buchanan dithered and basically did nothing while the southerners plotted. Lincoln faced threats of assassination and was thrown into a crisis even before his inauguration. Major Robert Anderson managed to secretly smuggle his troops to Fort Sumter (that was actually exciting as well as clever). There is a lot of political maneuvering.

The book relies on written records for everything. These people were committed diary keepers. There is a lot of detail about biographies, personalities, physical characteristics and ailments. That could have been tedious to read, but I didn’t mind it. The book did not feel long, and 25% of it contains the bibliography and notes. I loved Will Patton’s narration of the audio book.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Very well researched. The writing creates a sense of foreboding and “unrest” as the title suggests. This novel is debuting at a time where a feeling of unrest is felt in this country which adds to its themes. It read more like a textbook than a novel, and I’m struggling to continue at about halfway after two months.

This book is about the leadup to the United States Civil War. It looks at Lincoln’s election, and viewpoints from southerners and the tension around Fort Sumter. I know a lot of history, but there was a lot in this book I didn’t know until now, so I loved that. I really like that the author made the point that it was about slavery and not about other things as people like to say now. Definitely recommend.

Amazing storytelling about the civil war. Very interesting how we see aspects of history repeating from Lincoln to Trump. Always good to watch out and learn from our mistakes. I didn’t realize South Carolina had more slaves than whites. Overall an amazing book! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC

The Demon of Unrest is about the period leading up to the Civil War, and what events took place to for it to happen. I loved how he took a different approach to Lincoln's time, and mentions all the little known characters that normally aren't mentioned when you study the history. Erik Larson is a master of his craft! His writing is so lyrical that even one uninterested in history would find this book compelling.

THE DEMON OF UNREST by Erik Larson (The Splendid and the Vile) is subtitled "A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War" and the best-selling author definitely chronicles the exploits of some unsavory characters. For example, Larson recounts James Henry Hammond's sexual abuse of his nieces and subsequent selection to Federal office, serving as Senator for South Carolina. Often commenting on other parallels to today's headlines, Larson writes, "I had the eerie feeling that present and past had merged. It is unsettling that in 1861 two of the greatest moments of national dread centered on the certification of the Electoral College vote and the presidential inauguration." This text is extensively researched with approximately twenty percent devoted to a lengthy bibliography and detailed notes. THE DEMON OF UNREST did receive starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly. While highly regarded, it did not feel as compelling as earlier works by Larson, however.

Erik Larson’s latest book delves into a frequently overlooked period of American history with impressive depth and meticulous research. It showcases Larson’s signature talent for bringing history to life through rich, detailed narratives and well-crafted prose. His ability to illuminate the nuances of the era is particularly commendable, providing readers with a profound understanding of the social, political, and cultural landscapes of the time.

Larson's exploration of the period between Lincoln's election and start of the Civil War is both educational and insightful, presenting a wealth of information that is rarely given due attention in mainstream historical discourse. His meticulous approach ensures that even the most minute details are brought to light, enriching the reader's perspective on the complexities and significance of the era. This depth of research is one of the book’s strongest attributes, reflecting Larson's dedication to historical accuracy and storytelling.

However, despite the book's academic rigor and rich historical tapestry, it lacks the gripping narrative momentum that characterized some of Larson's previous works, such as The Devil in the White City or Dead Wake. While those books seamlessly blended history with a page-turning sense of suspense and intrigue, this latest effort feels more restrained in its pacing. The narrative, although compelling and well-written, doesn’t capture the same level of dramatic tension and urgency.

In summary, Erik Larson’s new book stands out for its impressive depth and insightful exploration of a neglected chapter in American history. It is a testament to his skill as a historian and writer, even if it doesn't quite achieve the same level of gripping narrative found in his earlier works. For readers who appreciate detailed historical accounts and nuanced storytelling, this book is a valuable addition to Larson’s repertoire, offering a rich and enlightening journey through a fascinating but often overlooked era.

In The Demon of Unrest, Erik Larson gives the history of the months leading up to the 1861attack on Fort Sumter seen as the opening salvo in the United States Civil War. I will admit to knowing only the bare bones of the attack or the war in general so I was excited whe I received an early copy from Netgalley and the publishers. I finished it a while ago but found writing this review difficult because I have mixed feeling about it.

On the plus side, Larson’s writing is clear, factual, well- researched and -documented including contemporaneous documents and letters, while avoiding the dry writing of most academic history, thus making it more interesting and easily accessible to everyone. And I must say, it is very interesting.

However, my problem with it is, as other reviewers have said, he gives us a great deal from the perspective of White slave holders but very little from Black people, whether enslaved or free. He documents some of the injustices and horrors inflicted on enslaved people but also some of the small kindnesses given them as well as showing them aiding in preparations for the attack. But the only actual Black voice we hear is that of Frederick Douglass, responding negatively to a speech by Lincoln which seemed meant to placate the South and this was followed by a more positive response from a Lexington lawyer who saw it as a judicial attempt at reconciliation. Interestingly, if it was, the South perceived it as hostility towards them.

I suspect Larson was trying to give a balanced and unbiased view of what can still be seen as an emotionally charged issue. The January 6th insurrection occurred while he was researching this book and he wondered about parallels. In fairness to Larson, this isn’t meant be one of those dry history tomes which, by the way, can also show biases, but I kind of felt, in his effort to be objective, he seems to give too much weight to the Southern perspective.

But that’s just me and my perspective may be skewed by being a non-American. Overall, despite these criticisms, I did quite enjoy reading this book. As I said, Larson makes history interesting, even fascinating and I found this book impossible to put down.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Crown Publishing in exchange for an honest review