The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine

by M.B. Zucker, Historium Press

The classical era of American history began with the Revolution and ended with emancipation. Between these bookends lies the absorbing yet overshadowed epic of a new nation spearheading liberty's cause in a world skeptical of freedom arriving at all, much less in slaver's garb. M. B. Zucker takes readers back to that adolescent country in the care of an enigmatic guide, John Quincy Adams, heir to one president by blood and another, Washington, by ideology. Adams is the missing link between the founders and Abraham Lincoln, and is nigh unanimously regarded as America's foremost Secretary of State. Through Adams' eyes, readers will experience one of history's greatest and most forgotten his showdown with Europe over South American independence, the conflict which prefigured the Monroe Doctrine. With his signature dialogue and his close study of Adams' 51-volume diary, M. B. Zucker's The Middle Generation is a political thriller and character piece that surpasses his achievement in The Eisenhower Chronicles and ascends to the cinematic heights of the historical epics of David Lean and Steven Spielberg. It is an unforgettable portrait and a leap forward for one of our rising historical fiction novelists. ***** "This captivating read offers an insightful portrait of one of the most important figures in American John Quincy Adams. The author's ability to portray the distant, flinty Adams, as a flesh and blood human being represents a remarkable achievement. This is historical fiction at its best, for the characters who animate Michael Zucker's novel ring true from the first page to the last. Zucker's novel is full of vibrant portrayals of all the key figures from the so-called Era of Good Feelings, including James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, and Henry Clay. The Middle A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine is an entertaining and enlightening read that all students of historical fiction and of American history will enjoy."- Stephen F. Knott, former Professor of National Security at the Naval War College and the author of Coming to Terms with John F. Kennedy  "M. B. Zucker goes well beyond a story of simple political intrigue. He offers one of the most moving literary portraits of a President I have ever encountered." -Dr. Jeffery Tyler Syck, Author of The Revolution of 1828: John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and the Origins of American Democracy "John Quincy Adams is one of a small group of presidents whose major achievements to his country preceded and followed his time in the White House. In this splendid account of Adams's years as Secretary of State, Michael Zucker, a rising star in the area of historical fiction, recaptures JQA's extraordinary vision and true greatness." -Alvin S. Felzenberg, Presidential Historian and Author of The Leaders We Deserved...Rethinking the Presidential Rating Game

Genres: Historical Fiction, Amazon, American History

434 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2023

About the author

M. B. Zucker has been interested in storytelling for as long as he can remember. He devoted himself to historical fiction at fifteen and earned his B.A. at Occidental College and his J.D. at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He lives in Virginia with his family. He is the author of three other novels. Among his honors is the Best Fictional Biography Award at the 2023 BookFest.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviewed this book for the Coffee Pot Book Club on my author blog.

As some of you know, I have great admiration for John Quincy Adams, the protagonist of The Middle Generation. I was captivated from the first page when I realized that Zucker had not only written about the great JQA, he had done so in first person from John Quincy's point of view!

How exciting!

And how intimidating! I have toyed with the idea of writing a novel about Dolley Madison, but I hesitate when I think about being tasked with writing dialog for the Great Little Madison. How could I sufficiently enter that amazing mind? So, I was enthralled to see how this author had done so with one of the most accomplished statesmen of the nineteenth century.

The book opens with Adams in a cabinet meeting where he is the smartest person in the room. He is always the smartest person in the room, and like most men who find themselves in this position, he knows it. I laughed to myself at his observations of Treasury Secretary Crawford (whose presidential candidacy I'm sad to admit James A Hamilton supported). It was a great start that sets the stage for the intellectual story interspersed with Adams snark that this novel promised to be.

We also see the more personal side of JQA, and how he holds his family to the same high standards to which he holds himself. This habit, inherited from his own parents, is damaging to relationships and many of the Adams clan that turn to alcoholism to escape it, but John Quincy, like his father before him, demands perfection.

When John Adams informs his son that he "must" achieve the presidency - and hold it for two terms, JQA feels the pressure even as an adult at that time serving as Secretary of State.

"It was now an issue of life and death. Failure would destroy me and my family. A disgrace for generations. Through history. My name synonymous with shame."

This just before Abigail rings in with her own dig at them both, "Yes! We shall have a two-term President in this family."

And you thought you came from a dysfunctional family!

This novel is introspective. It serves to give access to the reflections of John Quincy Adams to those who will never read his volumes of diaries. Having read some of the entries that have pertained to my own research, I believe Zucker has retained the character of JQA in the thoughts and dialog he has written for him. And there's lots of dialog. As is appropriate for a novel about JQA, more time is spent in conversation than in action, and those discussions take place with all of the biggest names of the day: Monroe, Calhoun, Clay, and a variety of foreign diplomats.

The reader gains an appreciation for the work of Secretaries of State that often gets little attention or respect. JQA worked tirelessly to gain the US status as a strong, independent nation, and he had a vision for his Presidency that would have benefitted Americans if they hadn't been so obsessed with the authoritarian brute they elected to replace him instead. Adams was, like many great men before him, too far ahead of his time.

This novel ends before he fully realizes that, with his inauguration and hopes still intact. Maybe Zucker will write more about JQA. I'd love to follow him through his presidency and the defense of the Amistad captives - those years where he fully recaptured any virtue he might have feared lost through his partnership with Clay.

I wish Americans were more interested in these formative years of the early 19th century. If you are, I recommend picking up this book.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book addresses a period in American History that is pretty much below the radar, so to speak. I certainly knew very little about John Quincy Adams and the state of America once we get past our founding fathers. Our guide to this uncharted territory is Adams himself, related to us in first person. We are witness to his tenure as Secretary of State under President James Monroe—another shadowy figure to most of us. John Quincy Adams suffers—for lack of a better word—under the heavy expectations of his parents, who insist he become a two-term president. There is no middle ground between meeting their expectations and failure, and he does his best to make his father proud. Unfortunately, his onerous duties take him away from his family, and at the same time he pushes these impossible expectations onto his own sons who are not up to the task. We see a brilliant man who is a failure as a father and a husband, and who apparently is not well liked by any of his associates. His obsession with his own virtue and his future renown give him no space for humanity.

Trying to bring the average reader up to speed with the events of the period is a formidable task, and for about the first half of the book I was able to keep up. We are able to understand the unresolvable problem between slave and free states, and Adams, who despises slavery, fights a political battle that promises to destroy his career. His feelings are clear:

There was one narrow, vain, horrible scenario to redeem the country. One way to keep the Union without Slavery. The election of an antislavery President would trigger the South’s secession, bringing a servile war into the slaveholding states combined with a war between the two portions of the Union…I did not know who this man would be, or if I’d meet him, but I expected he was already born because otherwise he’d appear too late before slavery’s victory. Somewhere in the Union lived our only hope.

I shouldn’t have been surprised to see just how much the slavery issue overwhelmed the country, so early in the century. I think you might say that it’s amazing the breakdown of the Union didn’t happen sooner. My biggest takeaway from this book is the understanding that nasty politics and partisan divisions are nothing new in our government. Adams experiences a continuous stream of victories and defeats in his policies, so subtle that he must explain them to us after they just happened. But he feels his defeats most acutely. It seems to be a miracle that he achieves the presidency—and that with the aid of his former political enemy. Keeping track of his constantly changing allies and opponents is a challenge, as well as following the myriad of crises besetting the government. This is the kind of book that takes more than one reading to capture all the issues.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really in-depth interesting read about JQA and his life leading up to being elected the sixth President of the US. I did not know much about him or his family and this novel really did a deep dive into how he was raised, the expectations his parents put on him at a young age and how different things at home were compared to his work. JQA put everything he had into his career and often expected this of others, and because of that it brought a lot of disappointment amongst those in his family. His wife was also an interesting character and I am curious to learn more about her as well. She often wanted more of him to be home and family focused but yet she in a way ran the household and could often be the formidable wife when needed in social circles. JQA had many different beliefs that many in the government at that time, and often he was fighting for what was right for the people when too often those in power were doing things for greed and the hopes of more power in the future. He often thought outside of the box and mostly was professional in being able speak his mind knowing others would not agree or back him. He really was an interesting person in that he was a bit like Washington and yet was strongly against slavery like Abraham. I loved that this novel had a lot of history but yet it was written so that it could be read easily as a historical fiction novel. I really enjoyed learning about JQA and his interesting triumph to achieving his parents ultimate goal for him. Thank you to Author Marketing Experts for introducing me to this novel and to the author for the generous complementary book. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[Reader Views · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine” is a fascinating, heavily researched, and vibrant account of John Quincy Adams’ epic journey to forge his own legacy in Washington and help a young America grow into a middle power. Foremost in his achievements, he helped America navigate European discord over South America’s fight for independence from Spain. Still reeling from the War of 1812 and the burning of Washington only a few short years ago, Adams is desperate to avoid another war while also aiming to help America gain more power in the world so as not to appear weak to countries like Britain, Spain, and France.

“The Middle Generation” by M B Zucker was surprisingly captivating. While reading the book, I realized how few historical narratives there seem to be about this period in our country’s history. A lot of historical fiction centers on the Revolution, the Civil War, or the World Wars. I remember the Monroe Doctrine as being an annoying concept I was forced to interpret or write essays on in middle and high school. I think I would have appreciated it a lot more with a book like this that really lays out the problems leading up to it, and why it was so important. The book is informative yet imaginatively told and gives a voice to a historical figure who tends to get lost behind the shadow of his forefathers and, later, his successors following the Civil War.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I think a lot of that had to do with me already being a history buff. “The Middle Generation” is written in a way that makes it accessible to a wide audience of readers, but I am not sure it will necessarily pique the true curiosity of all those readers at this point. The narration and diary-style prose give the book a consistency and distinct tone but also hinder the pacing a little. I did have times when I felt my concentration wandering and had to refocus on what I was reading. For that reason, I think the book’s best target audience would be fans of historical fiction, particularly set in the colonial, Revolutionary, and antebellum periods.

Overall, I enjoyed reading M B Zucker’s “The Middle Generation” and am interested in reading more from this author in the future!

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine. M.B. Zucker. Historium Press, 2023. 507 pages.


When I first heard of The Middle Generation, my interest was immediately piqued. Historical fiction about John Quincy Adams, probably the most intellectual president ever and one of the most accomplished American figures in history who is unfortunately often placed on lists of worst presidents ever, set during one of the most critical time periods in American history? And it was implied that the book was something of a political thriller, well researched by the author who based it on Adams' personal journals and letters. What a unique idea!

John Quincy Adams himself represents a major transition between the classical revolutionary America and the America that became a world player. He was groomed for greatness from childhood b his father and revolutionary leader John Adams, acting as his personal secretary by his early teens, bridging generations of American political leaders. He was the first President to wear long trousers instead of knee britches. He was a staunch opponent of slavery and an advocate of industrializing and diversifying the national economy. He envisioned the United States as an equal to the European powers, ready for a seat at the table.

Like his father, though, he was never a politician, and he never had the personality for it. He was blunt, direct, and found social situations and everyday small talk tedious and pointless. In short (pun, get it?), like his father, he was "obnoxious and disliked." Quincy comes off poorly in this book, cold and distant, a terrible father and husband. His constant struggle is to live up to his parents' expectations for greatness and legacy. His wife is portrayed as perpetually miserable, grieving the loss of a child, dealing with Adams' distance, and always overshadowed by her mother-in-law who was a very strong woman and equal partner to husband, yet Quincy never seemed to see Louisa as a real partner. Their children come across as spoiled, entitled, whiny brattish losers who constantly disappointed their parents and grandparents.

Alas, the book is not a political thriller. Instead, it focuses on Adams' service as Monroe's Secretary of State and his role in securing US borders with Canada, acquiring Florida, and negotiating the Missouri Compromise and the Monroe Doctrine. It's kind of like a "West Wing" 1820, mostly debates and discussions with and amongst the President's cabinet, Speaker of the House (and presidential rival) Henry Clay, and various foreign ambassadors. It's interesting if you're a political wonk, but political thriller it definitely is not.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not knowing much about John Quincy Adams I couldn’t wait to dive into this novel and at the beginning we meet him in a cabinet meeting with President Monroe another president not truly well-known but as the book goes on we see not only the pressure he puts himself under put the pressure to be a success in his father‘s eyes and although he sacrificed his family to do it I don’t think he was much different from any other father of the time. Although his father only served one term as president he expected much more from his son something he wouldn’t deliver but he still is a president to be respected and admired for his stance on slavery and the rights of indigenous people An at a time where instead of party affiliations people were more tied to their geography and their stance on slavery. Again that was something he was definitely against. And I don’t want to end this review without mentioning the John Quincy Adams was an advocate for Scientific advancement in learning in many ways he was a man ahead of his time and although out of his four children only one was successful having had one die in infancy and his other two sons to die from alcoholism George Washington Adams would’ve made his father proud since reading this book I have learned he was a prolific diary Journal or wrote in his diary‘s daily something else mentioned in the book I love when a good book compels you to read another and that is what this novel has done and although most of the dialogue was made up by the author I thought you did a great job setting a historical atmosphere and she seemed well-versed in the verbiage of that time. Although when Mrs. Adams tells young Charles to stay healthy he should avoid me I did find that statement dubious but again it was made up by the author irregardless this was still a top-notch read and one I totally loved and found hard to put down a truly great five star read. I want to thank Book Sirens and the author for my free arc copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine, M. B. Zucker elegantly crafts a historical fiction narrative spotlighting the life and times of John Quincy Adams, one of the notable Presidents of the United States. Set against the backdrop of 1817, the tale plunges us into the heart of the White House, where Adams, serving as Secretary of State, aids President James Monroe in navigating the pressing diplomatic challenges of their era. Readers are introduced to eminent figures like Andrew Jackson, John Calhoun, and Henry Clay. Zucker also paints a compelling depiction of Adams' wife, Louisa, highlighting the intricacies of balancing domestic responsibilities with public duty.

This meticulously researched novel not only provides a deep dive into history but also offers an engrossing portrayal of dialogues and deliberations involving European dignitaries like Lord Castlereagh, George Canning of Britain, and Metternich, the Austrian Foreign Minister. Taking information from Adams' personal diaries, Zucker is able to immerse readers into the past and experience the conversations with these famous people from history. Themes such as the contentious issue of slavery are tackled with nuance, illuminating the diverse perspectives of that period.

While the novel is dialogue-rich and action-light, it offers a reflective experience that may resonate more with readers who appreciate a deep exploration of characters and their conversations. I yearned for a deeper insight into John Quincy Adams by the story's conclusion.

The Middle Generation will undoubtedly resonate with enthusiasts of American political history, offering a fresh perspective on a crucial chapter of the nation's past. This engaging work of biographical fiction provides readers a look at the life of this often-overlooked political figure.

[Moona · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.B. Zucker's The Middle Generation: A Novel of John Quincy Adams and the Monroe Doctrine offers an immersive dive into a formative era of American history, blending meticulous research with compelling storytelling. Set during the pivotal period between the American Revolution and the Civil War, the novel explores the early United States' struggle to assert its ideals of liberty on a global stage.

The narrative centers on John Quincy Adams, a figure often overshadowed by his father and successors, yet instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy and its identity as a nation. Through Adams’ perspective, readers witness the complex geopolitical maneuvers that culminated in the Monroe Doctrine, America’s bold proclamation of independence from European influence over the Western Hemisphere. Zucker's rich dialogue and close study of Adams’ extensive diaries lend authenticity to the portrayal, capturing both the man’s reserved, intellectual nature and his moral convictions.

The novel also vividly animates other historical figures of the "Era of Good Feelings," including James Monroe, Andrew Jackson, and Henry Clay, offering readers a panoramic view of the political landscape. Zucker transcends the genre of political intrigue, crafting a deeply human portrait of Adams as a visionary navigating a young nation’s growing pains.

At 434 pages, The Middle Generation is both a riveting political thriller and a character-driven masterpiece. Historical fiction enthusiasts and students of American history alike will find this novel enlightening and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to the enduring legacy of one of America's most accomplished yet underappreciated statesmen.

[Neena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award-winning author Zucker’s latest novel is a taut and engrossing portrait of a man and a nation in transition. Set during John Quincy Adams’ tenure as Secretary of State in the so-called Era of Good Feelings, the novel intertwines his political triumphs—such as acquiring Florida and crafting the Monroe Doctrine—with the private struggles of a man torn between ambition, virtue, and self-doubt. Zucker humanizes Adams, presenting a statesman renowned for his diplomatic brilliance alongside an introspective, flawed individual striving for moral perfection. The novel juxtaposes Adams’ public achievements with his internal conflicts, exploring strained relationships with family and colleagues. Rich in historical detail, the book vividly reconstructs early 19th-century America, offering sharp insights into its political complexities, including Adams’s uneasy alliances with figures like Monroe and Jackson.

Zucker examines the darker undercurrents of the era—slavery, inequality, and corruption—while highlighting Adams’s vision for unity amid rising sectionalism. Zucker’s elegant prose balances grandeur and nuance, capturing the era’s ideological clashes and the subtleties of human emotion. Sharp dialogue and meticulous research bring the story to life without overwhelming the narrative.
A richly detailed and evocative tale that seamlessly merges personal and political drama.

[Eric Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

M.B. Zucker’s The Middle Generation is a compelling and timely novel that illuminates the often-overlooked era between the American Revolution and the Civil War. Through the lens of John Quincy Adams, a brilliant yet conflicted figure, the book masterfully explores the tensions of a young nation struggling to survive, though tensions seek to rip it apart both without and within. Adams navigates political ambition and moral virtue, balances America’s founding ideals against unresolved conflicts like slavery, and mediates between European monarchies and emerging republics in the Americas. The title perfectly captures this generation’s pivotal role, caught between revolutionary fervor and civil strife, as well as Adams’s personal quest for balance in a fractured political landscape.

This book needs to be essential reading for today, offering insight into America’s formative struggles. Modern readers may question why the Founders didn’t swiftly resolve issues like slavery, but Zucker vividly illustrates the complex political, regional, and generational forces Adams and the country faced. The novel highlights the diverse perspectives of the time, revealing parallels to today’s polarized politics. It fosters a renewed appreciation for this generation’s challenges and their relevance to our own.

[Kat Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In M. B. Zucker’s "The Middle Generation," readers are plunged into an era of American history that often remains relegated to the footnotes of textbooks, despite its pivotal nature. Anchoring the narrative is John Quincy Adams. Through his eyes, the chaotic politics of early 19th century America come alive, presenting a vivid tapestry of ambition, compromise, and ideology.

Zucker’s command over the era is evident in his rigorous attention to detail. Yet, despite the depth of the political backdrop, at its core, this novel is a tale of human frailties, ambitions, and emotions. The internal struggles of Adams, as he grapples with familial pressures, self-doubt of his popularity, and the weight of a nation's expectations, add layers of complexity to an already intricate plot.

One of the novel's standout qualities is its rich character portrayals. The dynamics between the many historical figures portrayed drive the narrative forward, highlighting the personal animosities, alliances, and betrayals that shaped the politics. Readers should be prepared for dense passages filled with political machinations and extended dialogues. While these sections may challenge the casual reader, they remain essential to understanding the nuances of the time.

Zucker's portrayal of the women of this era, particularly Adams' wife, offers a window into the social fabric of the period. While politics might have been a man’s world, the influence and resilience of women were undeniable. The intricate social dance of hosting and attending parties, combined with the intense pressure of Washington's social circle, provides a fascinating counterpoint to the political intrigue.

The conclusion reaches a crescendo during Adam's race for the presidency—not to be missed. "The Middle Generation" is a must-read for those who revel in the intricacies of history and the eternal drama of human ambition.

[Donna]

Received this book as part of a free giveaway from Goodreads. The author had the ability to make me feel as if I was in the same room as John Quincy Adams when he was discussing various topics with the President, members of the cabinet or other foreign dignitaries, which was amazing. The books flow was flawless. It was hard for me to put down. The quality and enjoyment of this book has led me to order another one of the authors books - The Eisenhower Chronicles.

[William Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

I was amazed how the author blended the characters during the time period with the developing United States and changing world. I found the story most interesting and well written. I am looking forward to Mr. Zuckers next read.