Sarah Vowell, a fantastic historian, and multiple New York Times Bestseller, has written several novels on American presidents, framers, and events that led to the country we see today.
Her most revealing, and best executed novel is Lafayette in the Somewhat United States. While many may have learned of Lafayette’s dedication to the Revolution in the United States from Lin Manuel Miranda’s hit Hamilton, Vowell expressed his heroics far earlier.
Vowell’s novel follows Lafayette's relationship with George Washington, his place in Washington’s army, and Lafayette’s hopes for the American Revolution versus what actually occurred. While following Lafayette’s life we also learn about extreme battles, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, the powers in France, and the Quakers.
Vowell uses light humor and sarcasm to make the historical events surrounding Lafayette and his life seem more contemporary, and different from what is usually printed in a high school textbook.
The best part of Vowell’s work is that it is just as interesting in print or audiobook. Vowell uses her fantastic wit and comedic friends to make history sound less like a lecture, and more like a serial drama.
Comment
Comments