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From the author of the New York Times bestseller Dream West comes this vivid historical novel about the dawn of America and the personalities that shaped it.
Only three short decades after the revolution that created the young republic, a deeply divided America would be drawn into war once again. The war of 1812 would either make America a global power sweeping all the way to the Pacific-or break it into small pieces bound to mighty England. The principal actors in this drama were President James Madison and his beloved Dolley, General Andrew Jackson and his Rachel, and the young military talent Winfield Scott. From the White House, to the southern woodlands haunted by British-backed Indians, to the war's most celebrated battle in New Orleans, their courage and determination would shape America's destiny.
Finely tuned writing, vivid characters, and attention to historical detail make this a novel not to be missed.
Only three short decades after the revolution that created the young republic, a deeply divided America would be drawn into war once again. The war of 1812 would either make America a global power sweeping all the way to the Pacific-or break it into small pieces bound to mighty England. The principal actors in this drama were President James Madison and his beloved Dolley, General Andrew Jackson and his Rachel, and the young military talent Winfield Scott. From the White House, to the southern woodlands haunted by British-backed Indians, to the war's most celebrated battle in New Orleans, their courage and determination would shape America's destiny.
Finely tuned writing, vivid characters, and attention to historical detail make this a novel not to be missed.
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First published July 1, 1996
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About the author
David Nevin
38 books27 followersDavid Reinhardt Nevin was born in Washington. His father, a veterinarian in the US Army when it had a horse cavalry, was soon assigned to Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Mr. Nevin joined the US Navy as a teenager and served in the Pacific. After the war he did poorly in college, but could write well enough to be hired as a police reporter for The Brownsville (Texas) Herald. That led to work for Time and Life magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
November 29, 2010
I enjoy historical fiction, especially that based on well-researched facts and which includes prominent historical figures. I am also a fan of David Nevin's work, though I did find Dream West arduous and disappointing. But this book was a solid effort.
First of all, it gets extra credit for dealing with the not-often-explored-in-fiction War of 1812. Wedged between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, this conflict - the young United States' second war with England - is often forgotten. However, it was a pivotal and important war from the standpoint that it showed the world once and for all that the new country was a burgeoning force to be reckoned with in world affairs and not just some snotty upstart that needed to be put in its place.
The strength of the book is its crisp writing and well-developed characters. Nevin has a knack for taking historical events and making them come alive and in my opinion, his very best ability is describing scenes of battle. Each pivotal battle of the war was described in gorgeous detail from the point of view of someone who was there on the front line as a participant. (There is one exception to this. The naval battle at Plattsburgh was described through the eyes of the a third party, Sally McQuirk, a feisty female newspaper reporter.) The cruelties and yes, even beauty, of battle was more than adequately described in Nevin's capable hands, at times making the reader feel like they were actually there. In those sections, Nevin's descriptive abilities definitely shine through the page.
He also does a great job of bringing historical figures to life. The book revolves primarily around five characters:
--James Madison. The fourth President of the United States is best known for his part in drafting both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. And what he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in intellect, stubbornness, and patriotism. Refusing to back down in the face of strong opposition from all sides, he helps his young country stay the course while at the same time hiding a bone-deep weariness and deep desire to live out his life on his beloved farm, Montpelier. His feisty speeches and iron will, countered with his compassion and undiminished love for his wife make him a very endearing character.
--Dolley Madison. Long known as the beautiful young wife and consummate hostess, the Dolley in this book also has a sharp temper and quick wit that makes her seem less ethereal. She stands up for her husband with a fierce devotion while at the same time providing him with a safe place to let down his guard and be himself. And when the British sack the new capital at Washington, burning the White House to the ground, she bravely risks her life to save the country's legacy.
--Andrew Jackson. Strident and unbending, this Western militia general turned Hero of New Orleans demands respect from everyone - soldiers, citizens, and politicians alike. Possessing a dangerous and often violent temper, he nonetheless manages to use it to his own great advantage. A brilliant military mind with a peculiarly accurate intuition, he maintains single-minded focus on what he believes is his destiny: to become a prominent force in young nation's future by protecting its western interests. In this, he succeeds. His only weak spot and the only glimpse into his softer side involves his beloved wife, Rachel. Without her, he would have destroyed himself long ago. And without her, he would be a nearly unlikeable character.
--Rachel Jackson. Kind and pious and utterly devoted to her firebrand husband, she nonetheless possesses an iron core that allows her to endure his long and for her, nearly unbearable, absences. She's completely dependent on him for happiness, but has enough independence to keep their farm, The Hermitage, running while he's gone and to organize an 'army' of doctors and clergy to send to New Orleans to look after the needs of the army. She's stronger than she looks, though when she's finally reunited with Andrew at the end, you can't help but think she's better off by his side.
--Winfield Scott. Intelligent and handsome and an expert on military strategy, he begins the book as a Lieutenant. By the end, he's one of only five permanent Brigadier Generals in the US Army. And he's only 29 years old. He's highly ambitious and rather arrogant, but not unlikeably so. And he has the ability to back it up. Seeing the need for a trained army, he puts his skills to work to whip the northern army into a fighting force that becomes a formidable adversary for the professional British troops. Injured in battle, he nonetheless plays a critical role in the success of the US Army in the northern theater, thereby securing a place for himself in history.
Other characters also color the landscape, but the bulk of the story is told through the eyes of the five main characters. This use of alternating point of view helps tell a fuller, more complete story, which is another of the book's strengths.
That being said, despite Nevin's grasp of historical facts and his ability to weave them into novel, there were times when I found the narrative dragging a bit. In a few places, I had to force myself not to skip a page or two. Outside the battle scenes, the story, at times, seemed to lose focus as Nevin introduced characters, details, and side stories that bore very little significance to the overall story arc: Dolley's efforts to decorate the new presidential mansion and the story of one of their household slaves turning himself over to the British in the hopes of gaining freedom. While these stories added color, they were superfluous to the overall plot and could have been left out without damaging the story.
One side note. For a book about the political and military struggles of a new democracy, there was an awful lot of attention paid to sex. This isn't a criticism, just an observation. In my experience, love and romance tend to take a backseat to military maneauvers and political machinations. But in the first 60 pages alone, sex and/or sexual arousal was mentioned a handful of times. Frankly, this tickled me, which is the only reason I even mention it. And Nevin gets points for using the word 'tumescent.' Apparently, it's more presidential than 'erect.'
First of all, it gets extra credit for dealing with the not-often-explored-in-fiction War of 1812. Wedged between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, this conflict - the young United States' second war with England - is often forgotten. However, it was a pivotal and important war from the standpoint that it showed the world once and for all that the new country was a burgeoning force to be reckoned with in world affairs and not just some snotty upstart that needed to be put in its place.
The strength of the book is its crisp writing and well-developed characters. Nevin has a knack for taking historical events and making them come alive and in my opinion, his very best ability is describing scenes of battle. Each pivotal battle of the war was described in gorgeous detail from the point of view of someone who was there on the front line as a participant. (There is one exception to this. The naval battle at Plattsburgh was described through the eyes of the a third party, Sally McQuirk, a feisty female newspaper reporter.) The cruelties and yes, even beauty, of battle was more than adequately described in Nevin's capable hands, at times making the reader feel like they were actually there. In those sections, Nevin's descriptive abilities definitely shine through the page.
He also does a great job of bringing historical figures to life. The book revolves primarily around five characters:
--James Madison. The fourth President of the United States is best known for his part in drafting both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution. And what he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in intellect, stubbornness, and patriotism. Refusing to back down in the face of strong opposition from all sides, he helps his young country stay the course while at the same time hiding a bone-deep weariness and deep desire to live out his life on his beloved farm, Montpelier. His feisty speeches and iron will, countered with his compassion and undiminished love for his wife make him a very endearing character.
--Dolley Madison. Long known as the beautiful young wife and consummate hostess, the Dolley in this book also has a sharp temper and quick wit that makes her seem less ethereal. She stands up for her husband with a fierce devotion while at the same time providing him with a safe place to let down his guard and be himself. And when the British sack the new capital at Washington, burning the White House to the ground, she bravely risks her life to save the country's legacy.
--Andrew Jackson. Strident and unbending, this Western militia general turned Hero of New Orleans demands respect from everyone - soldiers, citizens, and politicians alike. Possessing a dangerous and often violent temper, he nonetheless manages to use it to his own great advantage. A brilliant military mind with a peculiarly accurate intuition, he maintains single-minded focus on what he believes is his destiny: to become a prominent force in young nation's future by protecting its western interests. In this, he succeeds. His only weak spot and the only glimpse into his softer side involves his beloved wife, Rachel. Without her, he would have destroyed himself long ago. And without her, he would be a nearly unlikeable character.
--Rachel Jackson. Kind and pious and utterly devoted to her firebrand husband, she nonetheless possesses an iron core that allows her to endure his long and for her, nearly unbearable, absences. She's completely dependent on him for happiness, but has enough independence to keep their farm, The Hermitage, running while he's gone and to organize an 'army' of doctors and clergy to send to New Orleans to look after the needs of the army. She's stronger than she looks, though when she's finally reunited with Andrew at the end, you can't help but think she's better off by his side.
--Winfield Scott. Intelligent and handsome and an expert on military strategy, he begins the book as a Lieutenant. By the end, he's one of only five permanent Brigadier Generals in the US Army. And he's only 29 years old. He's highly ambitious and rather arrogant, but not unlikeably so. And he has the ability to back it up. Seeing the need for a trained army, he puts his skills to work to whip the northern army into a fighting force that becomes a formidable adversary for the professional British troops. Injured in battle, he nonetheless plays a critical role in the success of the US Army in the northern theater, thereby securing a place for himself in history.
Other characters also color the landscape, but the bulk of the story is told through the eyes of the five main characters. This use of alternating point of view helps tell a fuller, more complete story, which is another of the book's strengths.
That being said, despite Nevin's grasp of historical facts and his ability to weave them into novel, there were times when I found the narrative dragging a bit. In a few places, I had to force myself not to skip a page or two. Outside the battle scenes, the story, at times, seemed to lose focus as Nevin introduced characters, details, and side stories that bore very little significance to the overall story arc: Dolley's efforts to decorate the new presidential mansion and the story of one of their household slaves turning himself over to the British in the hopes of gaining freedom. While these stories added color, they were superfluous to the overall plot and could have been left out without damaging the story.
One side note. For a book about the political and military struggles of a new democracy, there was an awful lot of attention paid to sex. This isn't a criticism, just an observation. In my experience, love and romance tend to take a backseat to military maneauvers and political machinations. But in the first 60 pages alone, sex and/or sexual arousal was mentioned a handful of times. Frankly, this tickled me, which is the only reason I even mention it. And Nevin gets points for using the word 'tumescent.' Apparently, it's more presidential than 'erect.'
July 30, 2008
This book was written in exaclty the style that is easy to read history books, from the perspective of the people who lived through it. Though this might technically be considered Historical Fiction, there were no fictional characters, just an attempt to add reality to the events. I had already read another book about the war of 1812 but this one opened my eyes to many aspects I hadn't previously understood.
The book deals with the political struggle between the Federalists in the North and the Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists supported a strong government who wanted to maintain relations with England and were very close to succession of the Northern states. It is primarily about president James Madison but also deals with other figures such as Andrew Jackson, a very rough character who fought in duels, and would whip a man who crossed him, but who became transformed into a character loved by his subordinates and proved to be one of the few capable generals and who was responsible for perhaps the greatest military victory in US history at the battle of New Orleans.
This book actually took me a while to get into but after I got started I gained momentum. It gave me a lot to think about. Our nation was once a small, seemingly insignificant country, but the war of 1812, was among the most critical points in its history along with the revolutionary and civil wars.
Joel
The book deals with the political struggle between the Federalists in the North and the Democratic-Republicans. The Federalists supported a strong government who wanted to maintain relations with England and were very close to succession of the Northern states. It is primarily about president James Madison but also deals with other figures such as Andrew Jackson, a very rough character who fought in duels, and would whip a man who crossed him, but who became transformed into a character loved by his subordinates and proved to be one of the few capable generals and who was responsible for perhaps the greatest military victory in US history at the battle of New Orleans.
This book actually took me a while to get into but after I got started I gained momentum. It gave me a lot to think about. Our nation was once a small, seemingly insignificant country, but the war of 1812, was among the most critical points in its history along with the revolutionary and civil wars.
Joel
October 14, 2022
This is a novel that brings to the reader the drama, tensions, and impact that the War of 1812 had on the U.S. and a number of fictional and historical figures of the period. I highly recommend it.
(I bought this novel from a BORDERS bookstore on June 12th, 1999.)
(I bought this novel from a BORDERS bookstore on June 12th, 1999.)
October 31, 2023
Nevin sets out a historical fictional narrative on a little-talked-about War of 1812. While it's little talked about, it had great consequences for this little country just starting out, and Nevin really draws this out.
I tend to enjoy military history, especially about early American history. Overall, I enjoyed this one too, particularly the depictions of battles, as well as the political and diplomatic maneuvering involved throughout the war. It gave me a better understanding of and appreciation for historical individuals like Andrew Jackson, James Madison, and Winfield Scott.
However, I'm grieved by the sexual immorality throughout the book, which was more graphic than I would have expected from a book about this era (in which, I imagine, such things would have been grossly scandalous to the general public). I don't enjoy any form of sexual immorality in a book, and I don't make exceptions for aesthetic or narrative demands - but this was completely unnecessary on both accounts. It added nothing to the story. In fact, it took away from the story. For example, it wasn't until the end of the book that I realized that one of the main characters, Sally McQuirk, was entirely fictional. She added nothing to the story except as a platform for Nevin's fantasizing about women's rights and a short-lived tryst for a historical character.
Overall, can't recommend. There are probably other books on 1812 that would better serve this epoch in history.
I tend to enjoy military history, especially about early American history. Overall, I enjoyed this one too, particularly the depictions of battles, as well as the political and diplomatic maneuvering involved throughout the war. It gave me a better understanding of and appreciation for historical individuals like Andrew Jackson, James Madison, and Winfield Scott.
However, I'm grieved by the sexual immorality throughout the book, which was more graphic than I would have expected from a book about this era (in which, I imagine, such things would have been grossly scandalous to the general public). I don't enjoy any form of sexual immorality in a book, and I don't make exceptions for aesthetic or narrative demands - but this was completely unnecessary on both accounts. It added nothing to the story. In fact, it took away from the story. For example, it wasn't until the end of the book that I realized that one of the main characters, Sally McQuirk, was entirely fictional. She added nothing to the story except as a platform for Nevin's fantasizing about women's rights and a short-lived tryst for a historical character.
Overall, can't recommend. There are probably other books on 1812 that would better serve this epoch in history.
November 18, 2025
Audible/ Kindle
Rating: 2.5, and that’s me being generous because I like an American Victory.
I went into this thing ready to have a grand time, because the War of 1812 is catnip for anyone who likes cannons, chaos, and nations behaving badly. Instead, the book sort of limped along like a wounded militia volunteer. Sure, bits were interesting, but the narrative flow was nowhere to be found. By the last hundred pages I was basically rowing for shore, determined to finish but deeply questioning my life choices - not the Rhum - never that.
Credit where it’s due: the author plays it straight with the history. Real people, real events, very little nonsense. I respect that. It just would’ve been nice if the whole thing weren’t such a jumble.
And the era itself is incredible: America flexing like it’s auditioning for the world stage, Britain too distracted wrestling Napoleon to notice the colonies trying out this “nationhood” thing, and Manifest Destiny revving its engines. I’ve got a soft spot for the key figures too. Madison (JMU Go Dukes), Jackson, Winfield Scott. Patriotism cranked to eleven. Great stuff.
The book, though? Just okay. No real character development. Events happen as abruptly as a squall in the Chesapeake. And then there’s poor (chubby) Dolley Madison, who gets treated like comic relief centered entirely around meals and snacks. Not exactly riveting...but hey, thanks for saving the goods from the burning White House!
Large swaths of dialogue felt like being trapped below decks with someone who wants to explain barrel-making in real time. I skimmed. I regret nothing.
As for the pearl-clutching over the flirtation and the sex scenes, I don’t get the outrage. These were actual humans, not marble statues. People flirt, people sleep together, civilizations somehow survive. But yes, those parts of the book are definitely the weakest links.
In the end, the history is sturdy. The storytelling… less so. Let’s just say I’ve read after-action reports with more personality.
Rating: 2.5, and that’s me being generous because I like an American Victory.
I went into this thing ready to have a grand time, because the War of 1812 is catnip for anyone who likes cannons, chaos, and nations behaving badly. Instead, the book sort of limped along like a wounded militia volunteer. Sure, bits were interesting, but the narrative flow was nowhere to be found. By the last hundred pages I was basically rowing for shore, determined to finish but deeply questioning my life choices - not the Rhum - never that.
Credit where it’s due: the author plays it straight with the history. Real people, real events, very little nonsense. I respect that. It just would’ve been nice if the whole thing weren’t such a jumble.
And the era itself is incredible: America flexing like it’s auditioning for the world stage, Britain too distracted wrestling Napoleon to notice the colonies trying out this “nationhood” thing, and Manifest Destiny revving its engines. I’ve got a soft spot for the key figures too. Madison (JMU Go Dukes), Jackson, Winfield Scott. Patriotism cranked to eleven. Great stuff.
The book, though? Just okay. No real character development. Events happen as abruptly as a squall in the Chesapeake. And then there’s poor (chubby) Dolley Madison, who gets treated like comic relief centered entirely around meals and snacks. Not exactly riveting...but hey, thanks for saving the goods from the burning White House!
Large swaths of dialogue felt like being trapped below decks with someone who wants to explain barrel-making in real time. I skimmed. I regret nothing.
As for the pearl-clutching over the flirtation and the sex scenes, I don’t get the outrage. These were actual humans, not marble statues. People flirt, people sleep together, civilizations somehow survive. But yes, those parts of the book are definitely the weakest links.
In the end, the history is sturdy. The storytelling… less so. Let’s just say I’ve read after-action reports with more personality.
June 30, 2018
I bought this book because of the highly positive reviews on Amazon. Mistake!
Good historical fiction is a real art and there is a great deal to be learned from it. This book does not fit into this category. It seems as if Nevin could not make up his mind which of four very different books to write, and threw it all into the pot, producing a real mess. The first is a military history of some of the key battles of this war, each battle seen through the eyes of one protagonist. This was by far the best part of the book, the descriptions are vivid and well written, taking the reader into the heart of the battle. The second book is a highly tendentious and sub-par account of the political battles between political parties over this war. Nevin is definitely in the pro-war party, and treats its opponents as little better than cartoon character traitors - not even Daniel Webster comes alive. The third book is a propaganda screed for American expansionism and Manifest Destiny. This is highly repetitive, the same images are used over and over again. The author's rah-rah account of the colonisation of the west treats Native Americans as mere savages and does not begin to touch on the century of genocidal wars waged against them. And the final part of the book turns around its female characters, some of them real historical figures (Dolley Madison, Rachel Jackson), others the author's invention. This is by far the worst part of the book, seldom transcending the level of a bodice-ripping Harlequin Romance/male sexual fantasy of heaving bosoms and tumescent men. Sex scenes are notoriously difficult to write - each one in this book could be a candidate for that prize for the worst sex scenes in fiction.
Good historical fiction is a real art and there is a great deal to be learned from it. This book does not fit into this category. It seems as if Nevin could not make up his mind which of four very different books to write, and threw it all into the pot, producing a real mess. The first is a military history of some of the key battles of this war, each battle seen through the eyes of one protagonist. This was by far the best part of the book, the descriptions are vivid and well written, taking the reader into the heart of the battle. The second book is a highly tendentious and sub-par account of the political battles between political parties over this war. Nevin is definitely in the pro-war party, and treats its opponents as little better than cartoon character traitors - not even Daniel Webster comes alive. The third book is a propaganda screed for American expansionism and Manifest Destiny. This is highly repetitive, the same images are used over and over again. The author's rah-rah account of the colonisation of the west treats Native Americans as mere savages and does not begin to touch on the century of genocidal wars waged against them. And the final part of the book turns around its female characters, some of them real historical figures (Dolley Madison, Rachel Jackson), others the author's invention. This is by far the worst part of the book, seldom transcending the level of a bodice-ripping Harlequin Romance/male sexual fantasy of heaving bosoms and tumescent men. Sex scenes are notoriously difficult to write - each one in this book could be a candidate for that prize for the worst sex scenes in fiction.
September 13, 2011
Having finished this, one can only think that reading the end of the story is much like the Battle of New Orleans and the end of the war. It was already over when the Battle took place. We had so many more pages to go, when the story really was over.
While I may not believe that some of the attributes he gives to the leading characters in the story, the Madisons, Winfield Scott and Andy Jackson, are correct, Nevin has done his homework. It is a large historical novel and telling us some of what happened is quite well done.
Some is not. When I studied this part of history, a long time ago, much was made of the causes for the war. I would think that we would have seen a great deal more of that from James Madison's viewpoint. We don't. Not enough to justify a war.
And then we get into the war and the fragmentation of having so many focal characters, makes it a difficulty to stay with any one aspect of the tale. With so much prestory to the actual events of the war, and preparing one with so many pages after the war is over for what comes next in American History, we don't get a tight tale at all.
Michener is quoted on the front of my copy, but his tales which often cover centuries, provide a better scope then we have with Nevin. This war was a very brief few years. A non-historical narrator near the great people who Nevin has made his protagonists, may have worked better.
For me, I shall not be able to pick up this volume again for a reread, it is not that kind of a story. And Nevin's handling of such pivotal characters may make me question them when I come across them in history or in fiction in the years to come.
While I may not believe that some of the attributes he gives to the leading characters in the story, the Madisons, Winfield Scott and Andy Jackson, are correct, Nevin has done his homework. It is a large historical novel and telling us some of what happened is quite well done.
Some is not. When I studied this part of history, a long time ago, much was made of the causes for the war. I would think that we would have seen a great deal more of that from James Madison's viewpoint. We don't. Not enough to justify a war.
And then we get into the war and the fragmentation of having so many focal characters, makes it a difficulty to stay with any one aspect of the tale. With so much prestory to the actual events of the war, and preparing one with so many pages after the war is over for what comes next in American History, we don't get a tight tale at all.
Michener is quoted on the front of my copy, but his tales which often cover centuries, provide a better scope then we have with Nevin. This war was a very brief few years. A non-historical narrator near the great people who Nevin has made his protagonists, may have worked better.
For me, I shall not be able to pick up this volume again for a reread, it is not that kind of a story. And Nevin's handling of such pivotal characters may make me question them when I come across them in history or in fiction in the years to come.
February 11, 2012
Good but with problems
If you do not already know something about the War of 1812, I cannot recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Why not? The author, David Nevin, goes into the story without much of an explanation of who the characters are and just assumes you know who they are. I would have recommended a small two to three page introduction that laid out the issues of the day and something about the personalities of the day as well.
Instead, we spend page after page getting these introductions as a part of the story. Along the way, Nevin introduces us to the innermost thoughts of such people as James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Winfield Scott and Dolley Madison. Nevin seems fascinated in exploring each of these characters as sexual beings. We get to read about James Madison's lusting for Dolley (he refers to her breasts so often that I blush when I see Madison in my history book)...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...
If you do not already know something about the War of 1812, I cannot recommend this book for your reading pleasure. Why not? The author, David Nevin, goes into the story without much of an explanation of who the characters are and just assumes you know who they are. I would have recommended a small two to three page introduction that laid out the issues of the day and something about the personalities of the day as well.
Instead, we spend page after page getting these introductions as a part of the story. Along the way, Nevin introduces us to the innermost thoughts of such people as James Madison, Andrew Jackson, Winfield Scott and Dolley Madison. Nevin seems fascinated in exploring each of these characters as sexual beings. We get to read about James Madison's lusting for Dolley (he refers to her breasts so often that I blush when I see Madison in my history book)...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2012/...
July 9, 2012
I picked this book up to read mainly because it is the 200th anniversary of this war and I knew I would be visiting an exhibit at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa (1812 Four Perspectives). I hadn't realized that the book was written from the American perspective until I started reading it and initially I was disappointed as I like to hear the Canadian perspective on such things. I found myself really enjoying the book and it certainly made it so I better enjoyed the exhibit at the museum when I finally saw it (on the 4th of July!) Although written as a novel, it is clear that many long hours of research went into the writing of this book and the author then brought it alive through character development. The only drawback to the book was that it only showed the American viewpoint but I would still heartily recommend it.
March 8, 2014
James and Dolley Madison and Andrew and Rachel Jackson are the central characters in this exciting historical fiction entry about the War of 1812. I learned a lot (must have been absent the day they taught this war) and now want to dig into Jackson a bit. Certainly the stories about how he came to be called "Old Hickory" and his leadership at the Battle of New Orleans ("We fired our guns and the British kept a comin'...")are stirring, as are Dolley's actions to save key historical records from the White House, James' attempts to honor the Constitution and keep the country whole and Winfield Scott's efforts to create a professionally trained US army. (Also watch for a musical cameo by Frank Keys...)
December 18, 2025
This wasn't really that good. Long, long boring stretches in the narrative. I did like the characterization of General Winfield Scott and enjoyed his portions of the book. The British are completely absent and that to a great detriment to the book.
We don't have a lot of War of 1812 fiction so I was looking forward to reading this, but it was ultimately very disappointing.
We don't have a lot of War of 1812 fiction so I was looking forward to reading this, but it was ultimately very disappointing.
January 6, 2016
I liked the book because of its american history and its characters and its detail.It was one of the biggest and hardest books but soon I understood it.It actually had lots of suspense.If you like to read about action and american history ,this book is for you.
October 2, 2020
I was hoping to give this book a great review as there are too few historical fictions written about the war of 1812. However this book was a lot of fiction and not much history.
The historical errors were overwhelming from the small minuscule of how guns, uniforms and bayonets operated and appeared to the sweeping lay outs of battles. The editor must have been sleeping as even obvious errors were missed. The author had not visited battles sites as at least some of his descriptions were impossible to have happened and came purely from his imagination. He has cannons and troops doing maneuvers which are geographically impossible. All that could be explained by literary license but the destruction of forts by fleeing troops and impossible troop numbers make the reader wonder if the author read reliable historical accounts of the actions.
I could well have just read the book and enjoyed it as a work of historical fantasy which can be a good read as well but it often broke into unsolicited preaching. The book made no effort to be balanced or provide the reader with meaningful characters who had equally strong opponents. All enemy were savages or debased humans capable of in human actions while all Old Hickory and Winfield Scott should be canonized if the book is accurate.
I wish I could have wrote a more positive review but I really could find very little redeeming substance in this work. I probably will not read more books by this author.
The historical errors were overwhelming from the small minuscule of how guns, uniforms and bayonets operated and appeared to the sweeping lay outs of battles. The editor must have been sleeping as even obvious errors were missed. The author had not visited battles sites as at least some of his descriptions were impossible to have happened and came purely from his imagination. He has cannons and troops doing maneuvers which are geographically impossible. All that could be explained by literary license but the destruction of forts by fleeing troops and impossible troop numbers make the reader wonder if the author read reliable historical accounts of the actions.
I could well have just read the book and enjoyed it as a work of historical fantasy which can be a good read as well but it often broke into unsolicited preaching. The book made no effort to be balanced or provide the reader with meaningful characters who had equally strong opponents. All enemy were savages or debased humans capable of in human actions while all Old Hickory and Winfield Scott should be canonized if the book is accurate.
I wish I could have wrote a more positive review but I really could find very little redeeming substance in this work. I probably will not read more books by this author.
January 10, 2023
I actually was going to give this book a lower rating, but changed my mind. Much as I didn't care for the writing style (too bombastic - and if I had to read another "What a woman!" comment . . . ) the history was worth it. While I had read about A. Jackson before, I never have read about the Battle of New Orleans and that was just . . . wow.
I have always felt that during times of enormous change, like tipping points in history, there seems to be That Guy (usually a guy, because we are talking history) who comes along and puts everything personal aside to make the most freakingly enormous sacrifices for the good of others. Andrew Jackson is one of Those Guys. Certainly not the most mentally centered person, but for the time and place, utterly perfect.
This reinforces my view that the "people" who were involved in storming the capital in OUR lifetime have no, repeat NO, clue as to the history of our country (OK, they're probably really well versed in their version of the Civil War, but it would be their version, not what actually transpired) or what a democracy actually is, or what the Constitution actually stands for. They certainly have zero concept of sacrifice. This book just reinforces for me how appalling (and treasonous) that whole episode really was. The people who sacrificed and died for this country when there was actually a reason to do so deserve so much better than the "legacy" we are currently creating.
I have always felt that during times of enormous change, like tipping points in history, there seems to be That Guy (usually a guy, because we are talking history) who comes along and puts everything personal aside to make the most freakingly enormous sacrifices for the good of others. Andrew Jackson is one of Those Guys. Certainly not the most mentally centered person, but for the time and place, utterly perfect.
This reinforces my view that the "people" who were involved in storming the capital in OUR lifetime have no, repeat NO, clue as to the history of our country (OK, they're probably really well versed in their version of the Civil War, but it would be their version, not what actually transpired) or what a democracy actually is, or what the Constitution actually stands for. They certainly have zero concept of sacrifice. This book just reinforces for me how appalling (and treasonous) that whole episode really was. The people who sacrificed and died for this country when there was actually a reason to do so deserve so much better than the "legacy" we are currently creating.
June 8, 2020
I liked the historical fiction approach to this book. I have read a few biographies and other books surrounding this time frame and the facts seemed nicely in place (but I’m not expert). I enjoy historical fiction as a genre so I think that helped me a lot. I didn’t read the first one and I don’t feel like I missed out. My only complaint was the book felt a little long. Not sure how I would have shortened it, but it was a bit long. That said, and in total contradiction to it, I kind of wish there were an epilogue. Ha!
March 29, 2020
I listened to the audiobook version. As historical fiction it followed my understanding of the military events of the war. I enjoyed a picture of the leading characters of the war. It added a more personable perspective from the military books I had read. I enjoyed it much and i finished it with much the same patriotism that much the young nation felt following the battles of Baltimore, Plattsburgh, and New Orleans.
June 30, 2017
This book was excellent. I think of it s historical fiction with some accommodation. The author does a great job if getting you involved with a character and then leaves you hanging with many questions when he expose you to another character. Resolving the characters take place later and relieves your frustration. Wish I could have given 4 - 1/2 stars.
June 28, 2018
it was a good book and did humanize the War of 1812 and help the reader better understand it. I don't think it's his best book. There were passages of the book where I did get bogged down a bit. But overall great read! If you want to better understand the War of 1812 in an entertaining manner, I highly recommend this book.
June 25, 2025
Fantastic historical fiction. Nevin weaves brilliant story-telling with historical events, with just enough "color" to fill in the gaps. One of the very first "history" books that I absolutely could not put down.
Check the back of the book for the fictional parts Nevin discloses. You'll never look at this period of American history the same way again.
Check the back of the book for the fictional parts Nevin discloses. You'll never look at this period of American history the same way again.
July 15, 2017
I enjoyed this book. I thought the author did a good job with dialogue and with the inner-thinking of the characters (historical figures) in this book. He did take it for granted that the reader has some background knowledge of the period.
August 27, 2020
A good read for a better understanding of a forgotten/unknown war. This war is so important to this country's foundation. A dramatization yes, but well done & historically correct. A must read for those unfamiliar with this time in US history in an enjoyable reading manner.
May 22, 2017
I initially was disappointed to learn this was historical fiction rather than history, but it wasn't bad. There was a lot of history contained within.
June 14, 2017
This book sat on my shelf for years. Finally grabbed it to accompany me on a long flight. What a read! He really makes history come to life.
August 25, 2017
Giving it four stars just because it encouraged me to go so further historical research several times.
September 5, 2017
Finally! Interesting in parts, hard to read/comprehend in others. Not being battle oriented, there was much that missed me.
June 30, 2018
interesting take on the war of 1812
October 19, 2018
Researched and very interesting. Sheds light on that portion of American history. Took a bit of time but it is well worth it! Something for everyone.
February 23, 2019
Well worth reading. It is a fantastic portrayal of the many historical figures that were involved in this conflict that most Americans don’t know much about.
January 22, 2020
Entertaining and educational
April 8, 2020
Read this one in high school, it was entertaining for sure. I liked it. It's a good read, I recommend it.
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