This novel might be considered as one of the best novels of the dawning twenty-first century. Though had never smelled the civil war, the author was able to account in full detail the feeling of a recruit excited to fight in the war. Following the experiences of 19-year-old Henry Fleming, a recruit in the American Civil War, the story is about the meaning of courage. One of the most influential American anti-war stories ever written.This novel might be considered as one of the best novels of the dawning twenty-first century. Though had never smelled the civil war, the author was able to account in full detail the feeling of a recruit excited to fight in the war. Following the experiences of 19-year-old Henry Fleming, a recruit in the American Civil War, the story is about the meaning of courage. One of the most influential American anti-war stories ever written.