5+ stars!!! This should be a required novel in our American schools. I fear our children have no concept of the sacrifices, courage, and determination5+ stars!!! This should be a required novel in our American schools. I fear our children have no concept of the sacrifices, courage, and determination that was needed to sever the ties with the British crown. I applaud the talent and vision of Harmon. This historical fiction was an exceptional read. I also appreciated the author's notes that clarified certain points for me.
On another note: It is always fascinating for me to see Judaic precepts presented in a novel that is most certainly NOT Jewish. The author gives us a heroine named Deborah Samson. Deborah quotes from Proverbs (Ketuvim) throughout the novel. The Prophetess Deborah (from the tribe of Ephraim) and Samson (aka Shimshom from the tribe of Dan) are found in the Sefer Shoftim (Book of Judges), the second book in Nevi’im (Prophets), the second section of the Tanach (Torah/ Jewish Bible).
Hamon refers to biblical heroines, but doesn't acknowledge that they were JEWISH women.
"I wanted to be a warrior like Jael, the woman who slayed a mighty general and liberated her people from the fist of oppression. Mostly, I wanted to free myself."
I understand that Christian readers identify with these stories and language. I just wish that there was a nod towards understanding "from whence they came."...more
There is quite a bit going on here, and not all of it is fascinating reading. I skipped too many pages to honestly say that it was a gripping, page-tuThere is quite a bit going on here, and not all of it is fascinating reading. I skipped too many pages to honestly say that it was a gripping, page-turner. There were areas which I felt were slow and drawn out, and other subjects that begged for more definition. The work is in dire need of a good editor and proofreader; and as much as I rooted for the protagonist's success, I struggled to fit his Quaker upbringing with some of his actions. I kept thinking of Gary Cooper's, 'Sergeant York' or James Stewart in 'Shenandoah.' Our hero was courageous and a patriot, but I found Joshua Rutledge just a tad bit lacking. I was very pleased to see that the author spared us the negative stereotyping of the many Jewish characters. Greene was generous with his research and inclusion of the community's impact on the war effort....more
Not quite 4 stars. I should have loved this novel, after all; the premise of the Jewish contribution to the American Revolution, historical sites and Not quite 4 stars. I should have loved this novel, after all; the premise of the Jewish contribution to the American Revolution, historical sites and figures coupled with romance and intrigue should have warranted five stars! Nevertheless, I never truly warmed towards either the heroine or the hero, for that matter! It was not a Clean Read. There were distressing and uncomfortable adult situations, and while not pornographic; a more sensitive reader will not appreciate the sexual violence and occasional swearing. The narrative is told in alternating chapters, with both Rachel Meares and Tristan Ames relating their story in the First Person. Because each character repeated information, told by the other's point of view, the novel seemed to drag a bit. There was continual hardship and angst AND misunderstanding. I was not comfortable reading some of the more derogatory details about Rachel's family and their business. I did enjoy how the author tied things up at the end, in particular with Tristan. The detailed, meticulous research about Sephardic Jews, the Dutch and the American Revolution was appreciated and I would urge others to inform themselves of these under acknowledged events.
There are over 1700 reviews of this book on Amazon; what can I possibly add to what has already been addressed? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and glaThere are over 1700 reviews of this book on Amazon; what can I possibly add to what has already been addressed? I thoroughly enjoyed this book and gladly recommend it to those like minded readers who enjoy historical fiction. Based during the Revolutionary War, this book provides danger and intrigue, heartbreak and courage, camaraderie and romance, along with an interesting view into the world of midwifery. ...more
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