Fiction or History?

Whether fiction or history, E.L. Doctorow believes in telling the truth. His recent novel, The March, remains popular with critics and the masses alike. What was Doctorow's intention as he mixed fiction with history?

"My purpose for writing this book was to finish writing this book," the writer said matter-of-factly.

Doctorow found the subject of Sherman's march worth exploring. "Sherman's march uprooted an entire civilization. Freed slaves attached themselves to the march, and so did white people whose lives were disrupted, both poor and wealthy alike."

Among U.S. Generals, Doctorow says Sherman and Grant are the best writers. "Their memoirs are well worth reading." And unlike many memoirs, they tell the truth.