The man who did everything but stand on his head (Newt
Gingrich) to get Bill Clinton impeached for messing around with a
"aide" is now a semi-successful writer of historical fiction. Of
course, Newt, the disgraced former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was
busy playing the same game as Bubba about the same time. Along with his co-
partner William R Forstchen, a college Professor of History, he has written a
series of American historical fiction novels. Several years ago I borrowed To
Try Men’s Souls and gave it a C+ review. More recently, having read about his
“endorsement” of Donald Trump, I decided to check out one of his more recent
literary efforts. This on the theory that his literary talent couldn’t possibly
have sunk lower than his already rock bottom political judgments as
evidenced by endorsing Donald Trump, the
most unqualified Presidential candidate, ever…. The book was Victory at Yorktown. Being
careful that any money exchange would not go from the author to The Man Who
Would Be King, I purchased the book for $1 at Goodwill in the cause of teaching
employment skills.
Although Victory at Yorktown
is a historical fiction book it is obvious that it mirrors realistic
events and characters of the Revolutionary War.
George Washington and his British counterparts are central to the story.
It intertwines war, friendship, and heroism to make a very powerful and
compelling story. The authors explain in
the prologue why they chose to tell this event as a fictional story instead of
nonfiction: “We are historians, but we also love a good story and believe that
neglect of good stories has always been the failure of most traditional
histories, which turn such exciting adventures and personas into dull and
lifeless facts.” As a retired history
teacher, I couldn’t agree more with that premise.
Actually, if you’re looking for a readable primer on the
conclusion of the Revolutionary Was it’s rather good. The book seems basically
accurate in its depiction of the characters, real and imagined. The authors
have obviously made a special effort to humanize the stiff and faultless figure
of Washington. The desperation of a last throw of the dice
chance for victory over British colonialism clearly comes through. Some of the
scenes wander off into other venues but don’t seriously hamper the story. All
in all,I’d rate Victory at Yorktown a B+.
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@Barrie Summy
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@Barrie Summy
10 comments:
I wondered if Newt got his name on it first because he was more recognized
I'd say B+ is definitely a good rating, Trout. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hmmm...who knew Newt was writing books now. maybe he was before...I just never paid much attention.
I'm not sure this is a genre for me, but I enjoyed your review and commentary.
It's not a book for me but your write-up of the author was interesting.
A B + wow, it must be an okay read. Lately I have been reading about all of Hillery's gates...Pardongate really made me angry...and how about Cattlegate...if only it was that easy to make 485,000 $ then again it might be who you know. I would like to throw my vote a womans way...but I just CANNOT. She is just too crooked besides that I am deplorable:)
Well who'd have thunk a B+ out of Newt? I will try it also but like you I don't want to throw money his way so I'll see if the library has it. Thanks.
I had no idea Newt Gingrich was a writer of historical fiction! Thank you for educating me. And thank you for reviewing. I really like this time period and may check my local library for this book. Thanks again!
My husband was recently talking about Newt's writing career, and I was intrigued and somewhat impressed, in spite of not being a fan of Newt's politics. I'm sure his writing partner does the heavy lifting, but even so, impressive.
I wouldn't be able to read anything by Newt. For me, he is close to the devil.
B+ .... I like how you did this book review. ;-) A great history teacher indeed! :-)
I always appreciate your reviews. Thank You!
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