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The Republic of Virtue
Revolutionary France, 1793. When Calvin Tarkington, a young Boston merchant-trader, arrives in Paris on July 4th, he finds a city in turmoil, riven by quarrels between revolutionary factions and threatened by advancing Coalition armies. Calvin’s brother Alexander, the family firm’s representative in France, has disappeared, suspected by a powerful Jacobin official of spying for the British.
As Calvin seeks to clear his brother’s name, his quest for the truth takes him from elegant townhouses to squalid gambling dens to the secret chambers of the Masonic Lodge of the Seven Sisters. Drawn into a shadowy world of intrigue and betrayal, Calvin becomes the hunted as France lurches toward the Reign of Terror.
Rich in historical detail and suspense, The Republic of Virtue tells a compelling story of love, courage, and loyalty set in a dangerous place at a dangerous time—the darkest days of the French Revolution.
As Calvin seeks to clear his brother’s name, his quest for the truth takes him from elegant townhouses to squalid gambling dens to the secret chambers of the Masonic Lodge of the Seven Sisters. Drawn into a shadowy world of intrigue and betrayal, Calvin becomes the hunted as France lurches toward the Reign of Terror.
Rich in historical detail and suspense, The Republic of Virtue tells a compelling story of love, courage, and loyalty set in a dangerous place at a dangerous time—the darkest days of the French Revolution.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2014
14 people are currently reading
1641 people want to read
About the author
Jefferson Flanders
14 books160 followersJefferson Flanders, a novelist, has been a sportswriter, columnist, editor, and publishing executive.
He is the author of CAFÉ CAROLINA AND OTHER STORIES, and the critically acclaimed First Trumpet trilogy of HERALD SQUARE, THE NORTH BUILDING, and THE HILL OF THREE BORDERS.
He is the author of CAFÉ CAROLINA AND OTHER STORIES, and the critically acclaimed First Trumpet trilogy of HERALD SQUARE, THE NORTH BUILDING, and THE HILL OF THREE BORDERS.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 4, 2021
“There is nowhere so much talk of virtue as in a state where it has ceased to exist.”
Thank you Jefferson Flanders, the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for a copy of this book for an honest review. Check out Melissa’s Acquaviva’s review because she wrote an excellent summary of the plot (a much better job than I could do).
Underlying this historical novel is a mystery. The Tarkington family owns a shipping business in the USA. Upon the father’s death, Calvin arrives in Paris from Boston to visit his brother, only to find that Alexander is missing. As Calvin tries to find his brother, we learn a lot about what was going on in Paris during 1793. There are several twists and turns before the satisfying ending.
I didn’t know much about this period in France’s history so it was extremely helpful that the author summarized events immediately before the time period in which this book was set (1793). The author did a masterful job of interweaving historical events and people into the story. There were certainly a lot of opportunists during this time! The novel also had a strong sense of place; I could imagine all the settings that the author described.
Initially I was struggling with remembering characters’ names, mainly because they were French and I was reading in short pockets of time. However, once I discovered the cast of characters listed at the end and read uninterrupted for an hour, I was fine. I am very thankful that the author kept the French dialogue to a minimum.
There was a nice blend of historical figures and original characters. The blossoming friendship between Sarah and Calvin provided the light relief the story needed.
The story was very well written, and I look forward to reading the next novel in this series. I lived in the Far East for many years so have a much better understanding of historical events that will no doubt be explored.
Thank you Jefferson Flanders, the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for a copy of this book for an honest review. Check out Melissa’s Acquaviva’s review because she wrote an excellent summary of the plot (a much better job than I could do).
Underlying this historical novel is a mystery. The Tarkington family owns a shipping business in the USA. Upon the father’s death, Calvin arrives in Paris from Boston to visit his brother, only to find that Alexander is missing. As Calvin tries to find his brother, we learn a lot about what was going on in Paris during 1793. There are several twists and turns before the satisfying ending.
I didn’t know much about this period in France’s history so it was extremely helpful that the author summarized events immediately before the time period in which this book was set (1793). The author did a masterful job of interweaving historical events and people into the story. There were certainly a lot of opportunists during this time! The novel also had a strong sense of place; I could imagine all the settings that the author described.
Initially I was struggling with remembering characters’ names, mainly because they were French and I was reading in short pockets of time. However, once I discovered the cast of characters listed at the end and read uninterrupted for an hour, I was fine. I am very thankful that the author kept the French dialogue to a minimum.
There was a nice blend of historical figures and original characters. The blossoming friendship between Sarah and Calvin provided the light relief the story needed.
The story was very well written, and I look forward to reading the next novel in this series. I lived in the Far East for many years so have a much better understanding of historical events that will no doubt be explored.
February 20, 2021
* I’d like to thank Jefferson Flanders and Goodreads Giveaways for the copy of The Republic of Virtue (The Tarkington Book 1) for an honest review.
The Republic of Virtues is an extremely interesting tale set against the backdrop of the Jacobin Assumption of power in the French Revolution. This is a period of history that is well known on the surface for the major events that occurred during the Revolution, however the levels of power and intrigue that were going on behind the scenes are less well known to the general population. The famous characters are all there, including mentions of maybe the most famous of all, King Louis and his Queen Antoinette (of the “Let them eat cake” fame, as she supposedly said in one context or another, realizing these things get mishmashed in the historical record), as well as Robespierre, Rousseau, Jean Paul Marat, the Marquis de Lafayette and one of my personal favorites, the early feminist herself, Mary Wollstonecraft.
The story revolves around the Tarkington family, namely the two brothers, Calvin and Alexander, who run a shipping company out of Boston and are a little bit involved in some illicit smuggling activities into Paris during the Revolution. Calvin hasn’t heard from his brother Alex in some time and travels to Paris to inform him of their fathers death. When he arrives, he finds his brother missing and a mystery to be solved amidst the political turmoil around him. Unwittingly, he is drawn into the Jacobin plots by an unknown spy who has been using his family name and the disappearance of his brother to hide his own nefarious activities. Calvin meets the beautiful and intelligent Sarah Gomez Hays, an American Jewish expat who is living in Paris with her father and cousin. He quickly begins to fall in love with her, despite the differences in their faith. Sarah is best friends with the author and promoter for Women’s Rights Ms. Mary Wollstonecraft, who is scandalously living outside of marriage with her lover, Gilbert Imlay. Sarah holds many of the same beliefs in equality for women as Mary and wants to marry a man who will respect those beliefs and views. She finds this with Calvin.
The two assist each other on the quest to find out what happened to Alex. Eventually, the mystery is solved and the culprit is unmasked. Unfortunately, the political situation in France becomes too dangerous and Calvin has to escape. Sarah is left to meet with him back in America when she and her father can safely leave Paris.
The story is actually fascinating. I really enjoyed learning about the political situation behind the French Revolution, how the Marquis de Lafayette went from a hero to an enemy of the people and who the major players were in each party. It was truly scary how easily you could fall from favor and be imprisoned or guillotined without trial or representation. Very politically unimportant people became hugely powerful in making decisions about who would live or die and whether they liked you or not had everything to do with it. Even having protection and immunity from citizenship of a neutral country couldn’t save you if they really wanted to cook up enough “evidence”.
The love story was sweet and actually had a bit of realism to it. It was nice to see the rights of women discussed by a male author in such a positive and progressive way for characters in the 1700’s. Well done! I loved the relationship and banter between Sarah and Calvin . They were a breath of fresh air. The mystery behind Alex’s disappearance was handled well. I had no idea who the culprit was until the reveal. Again, well done!
Great book! I look forward to reading the rest in the series.
The Republic of Virtues is an extremely interesting tale set against the backdrop of the Jacobin Assumption of power in the French Revolution. This is a period of history that is well known on the surface for the major events that occurred during the Revolution, however the levels of power and intrigue that were going on behind the scenes are less well known to the general population. The famous characters are all there, including mentions of maybe the most famous of all, King Louis and his Queen Antoinette (of the “Let them eat cake” fame, as she supposedly said in one context or another, realizing these things get mishmashed in the historical record), as well as Robespierre, Rousseau, Jean Paul Marat, the Marquis de Lafayette and one of my personal favorites, the early feminist herself, Mary Wollstonecraft.
The story revolves around the Tarkington family, namely the two brothers, Calvin and Alexander, who run a shipping company out of Boston and are a little bit involved in some illicit smuggling activities into Paris during the Revolution. Calvin hasn’t heard from his brother Alex in some time and travels to Paris to inform him of their fathers death. When he arrives, he finds his brother missing and a mystery to be solved amidst the political turmoil around him. Unwittingly, he is drawn into the Jacobin plots by an unknown spy who has been using his family name and the disappearance of his brother to hide his own nefarious activities. Calvin meets the beautiful and intelligent Sarah Gomez Hays, an American Jewish expat who is living in Paris with her father and cousin. He quickly begins to fall in love with her, despite the differences in their faith. Sarah is best friends with the author and promoter for Women’s Rights Ms. Mary Wollstonecraft, who is scandalously living outside of marriage with her lover, Gilbert Imlay. Sarah holds many of the same beliefs in equality for women as Mary and wants to marry a man who will respect those beliefs and views. She finds this with Calvin.
The two assist each other on the quest to find out what happened to Alex. Eventually, the mystery is solved and the culprit is unmasked. Unfortunately, the political situation in France becomes too dangerous and Calvin has to escape. Sarah is left to meet with him back in America when she and her father can safely leave Paris.
The story is actually fascinating. I really enjoyed learning about the political situation behind the French Revolution, how the Marquis de Lafayette went from a hero to an enemy of the people and who the major players were in each party. It was truly scary how easily you could fall from favor and be imprisoned or guillotined without trial or representation. Very politically unimportant people became hugely powerful in making decisions about who would live or die and whether they liked you or not had everything to do with it. Even having protection and immunity from citizenship of a neutral country couldn’t save you if they really wanted to cook up enough “evidence”.
The love story was sweet and actually had a bit of realism to it. It was nice to see the rights of women discussed by a male author in such a positive and progressive way for characters in the 1700’s. Well done! I loved the relationship and banter between Sarah and Calvin . They were a breath of fresh air. The mystery behind Alex’s disappearance was handled well. I had no idea who the culprit was until the reveal. Again, well done!
Great book! I look forward to reading the rest in the series.
Want to read
October 10, 2021Jefferson Flanders writes the best books. This book is a series and such a interesting and fast moving book. I love the mystery in it. I liked this book so well I’m buying his others.
January 20, 2015
The Tarkingtons, a series of historical novels by Jefferson Flanders that begins with The Republic of Virtue, continues with The Boston Trader.
It is an audacious novelist who can so knowingly prefigure the symbolism at the heart of his own work without threatening the success of the entire enterprise. It is fortunate, then, that Flanders is a writer of subtlety and skill. Flanders’ tale the weight not only of the revolution that would tear France apart but also of the war-torn centuries since, the twinned history of progress and bloodshed. The result is a book that is unsettling and, ultimately, optimistic.
This story takes place in Paris of the summer of 1793, Surrounded by its enemies, the Republic stood in grave peril. Real people and places are interwoven throughout The Republic of Virtue. Gouverneur Morris, Thomas Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft, Gilbert Imlay, Peter Ostiquette, Citizen Curtius and his daughter Marie (later the Madame Tussaud of wax museum fame). These people lived in Paris during the summer of 1793. “They are portrayed in a manner consistent, I believe, with their life histories and reflective of their opinions of the contemporary scene.” The Theatre, and the Hotel all once existed at the locations in Paris found in this novel. “The Hotel de Ville, the Ecole Militaire, and the Palais-Royal today retain much of the physical appearance they had in the 1790s.”
My favorite quote in the book:
“A man in a revolution resolving to do nothing which is not strictly
according to established form resembles a man who has lost himself in the
wilderness, and who stands crying, ‘Where is the king’s highway? I will walk
nowhere but on the king’s highway.’ In a wilderness a man must take the
track which will carry him home.”
- Sir John Maynard (1689)
It is an audacious novelist who can so knowingly prefigure the symbolism at the heart of his own work without threatening the success of the entire enterprise. It is fortunate, then, that Flanders is a writer of subtlety and skill. Flanders’ tale the weight not only of the revolution that would tear France apart but also of the war-torn centuries since, the twinned history of progress and bloodshed. The result is a book that is unsettling and, ultimately, optimistic.
This story takes place in Paris of the summer of 1793, Surrounded by its enemies, the Republic stood in grave peril. Real people and places are interwoven throughout The Republic of Virtue. Gouverneur Morris, Thomas Paine, Mary Wollstonecraft, Gilbert Imlay, Peter Ostiquette, Citizen Curtius and his daughter Marie (later the Madame Tussaud of wax museum fame). These people lived in Paris during the summer of 1793. “They are portrayed in a manner consistent, I believe, with their life histories and reflective of their opinions of the contemporary scene.” The Theatre, and the Hotel all once existed at the locations in Paris found in this novel. “The Hotel de Ville, the Ecole Militaire, and the Palais-Royal today retain much of the physical appearance they had in the 1790s.”
My favorite quote in the book:
“A man in a revolution resolving to do nothing which is not strictly
according to established form resembles a man who has lost himself in the
wilderness, and who stands crying, ‘Where is the king’s highway? I will walk
nowhere but on the king’s highway.’ In a wilderness a man must take the
track which will carry him home.”
- Sir John Maynard (1689)
June 19, 2020
The Republic of Virtue (The Tarkingtons Book 1), by Jefferson Flanders, is an historical set in revolutionary France in 1793. Calvin Tarkington, a trader from Boston, arrives in France intending to meet his brother in Paris. However when he arrives, his older brother is nowhere to be found. Calvin has no interest in the politics of France, but his search for his brother pulls him deeper into the political intrigue, and suspicions of the times.
I enjoyed learning more about this time period, and thought the book was well written. Because there were so many characters, I had some difficulty sorting them out. (Note: there is a cast of characters at the end of the book.) Also, I never fully warmed up to the main characters. I didn’t hate them, but I didn’t love them either. They felt a little flat to me.
I do recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction. I am very grateful to the author and publisher for the Kindle book I received through Goodreads Giveaways.
I enjoyed learning more about this time period, and thought the book was well written. Because there were so many characters, I had some difficulty sorting them out. (Note: there is a cast of characters at the end of the book.) Also, I never fully warmed up to the main characters. I didn’t hate them, but I didn’t love them either. They felt a little flat to me.
I do recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction. I am very grateful to the author and publisher for the Kindle book I received through Goodreads Giveaways.
January 13, 2015
I received this book for free from Goodreads first reads program.
I really enjoyed this book I have not seen very many books set in this period of time most books I have read about the french revolution focus more on the earliest days of the revolution. The story blends together new characters with real historical figures to create a lively and very realistic feeling mystery. I particularly enjoyed how at the beginning and end of the book the author set the scene for the book by describing the historical climate for those who are not familiar with the period.
I really enjoyed this book I have not seen very many books set in this period of time most books I have read about the french revolution focus more on the earliest days of the revolution. The story blends together new characters with real historical figures to create a lively and very realistic feeling mystery. I particularly enjoyed how at the beginning and end of the book the author set the scene for the book by describing the historical climate for those who are not familiar with the period.
August 4, 2015
An interesting mystery against the backdrop of the of the Jacobin takeover of the French Revolution. A good deal of historical information with a decent plot and interesting characters. Calvin Tarkington, an American, trying to negotiate the schemes of political intrigue and romance to find his missing brother in Paris 1793.
December 16, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the history and the mystery in this one. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
September 4, 2021
I received this book free from Goodreads. This historical novel about the French Revolution takes a microscopic view of events in 1793 France, between the death of the king and the beginning of the Terror in 1794. American Calvin Tarkington arrives in Paris to meet his brother Alexander, who is conducting business for their trading company. Many historical persons (French, English, American) appear in the novel, and the protagonist, Forest Gump-like, participates in the events of that year. There is a spy/murder plot, as well as much exposition on the birth of a new era of government of virtue which will rid mankind of all the excesses and corruptions of previous eras. Because the book is so concentrated on one year in the Revolution, many confusing and turbulent events sorted themselves out for me.
May 28, 2020
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A story set in the background of the French revolution. A young Bostonian merchant finds himself in the middle of things on his arrival on the fourth of July. Each side is ready to clash as things are about to get bloody. His brother who is the firm representative is missing and accused of spying.
As he looks for him, he will soon be hunted as he navigates a world of gambling and secret chambers of the masonry network.
This is a fascinating read.
A story set in the background of the French revolution. A young Bostonian merchant finds himself in the middle of things on his arrival on the fourth of July. Each side is ready to clash as things are about to get bloody. His brother who is the firm representative is missing and accused of spying.
As he looks for him, he will soon be hunted as he navigates a world of gambling and secret chambers of the masonry network.
This is a fascinating read.
July 31, 2020
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
This is set during the French revolution, which I am not much into history. The story was interesting, but I probably lost some of that not knowing much about this history.
There were a lot of names and background in the beginning that got me all caught up in things, and lost some of it. All in all a decent story, but I think more history knowledge would make this book more enjoyable.
This is set during the French revolution, which I am not much into history. The story was interesting, but I probably lost some of that not knowing much about this history.
There were a lot of names and background in the beginning that got me all caught up in things, and lost some of it. All in all a decent story, but I think more history knowledge would make this book more enjoyable.
Read
June 24, 2020Revolutionary France, 1793 is the time frame for this story. . Calvin Tarkington,a young American has the task of searching for his brother in France at a very uncomfortable time period in history. As he works his way around France, from Brothels to homes of the rich, he is admirable brother who wans to solve the mystery. I would be happy to read then next book of this series~!~!
March 8, 2022
A brother’s love
Calvin leaves the United States to go to France to see his brother, Alexander, and smooth out their work dealings. Upon arrival, Calvin cannot find his brother and begins a quest to find him. Instead, he meets scoundrels, goons, the law, and a beautiful and intelligent woman. Will he meet his brother before the law catches him?
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Calvin leaves the United States to go to France to see his brother, Alexander, and smooth out their work dealings. Upon arrival, Calvin cannot find his brother and begins a quest to find him. Instead, he meets scoundrels, goons, the law, and a beautiful and intelligent woman. Will he meet his brother before the law catches him?
#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 9, 2020
Very appropo for this time as it is all about the French Revolution! Many comparisons to US at this time! Confusing because of the many characters you need to get to know at the beginning of the book! You try to keep track of who is on which aide and how it all relates to Britain and the us.
March 5, 2015
Calvin Tarkington (Boston merchant-trader) arrived in Paris, France on 7/4.1793.
Governmental politics, the military & citizens were all in odds of each other.
Alexander (Calvin brother, family firm representative) has disappeared
& a Jacobin big-shot has accused him of being a spy.
Calvin goal is too clear his brother of those charges & the family name.
His travels take him to the best/worst parts of Paris.
He also encounters the Masons who belong to the Masonic Lodge of the Seven Sisters.
Will Calvin be successful?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
PS & History were 2 of my several undergrad majors. A retired Army I love all things about War.
A very awesome book cover, cool map, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written intense historical fiction after Revolutionary War era book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great after Revolutionary War era movie, or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Governmental politics, the military & citizens were all in odds of each other.
Alexander (Calvin brother, family firm representative) has disappeared
& a Jacobin big-shot has accused him of being a spy.
Calvin goal is too clear his brother of those charges & the family name.
His travels take him to the best/worst parts of Paris.
He also encounters the Masons who belong to the Masonic Lodge of the Seven Sisters.
Will Calvin be successful?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
PS & History were 2 of my several undergrad majors. A retired Army I love all things about War.
A very awesome book cover, cool map, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written intense historical fiction after Revolutionary War era book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great after Revolutionary War era movie, or mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Story Cartel; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
November 3, 2015
Very good historical fiction read about the turmoil during the 4th portion of the French Revolution in Paris in the 1880's. Author does a good job of blending in his fictional characters with actual historical figures and all of the horror of that time, as Dr. Guillotin's device came in to much too frequent use. Lots of spies, treachery, and mystery in the book. Why not a 5*****, well I actually thought the last 10% was boring. Had hardly any interest in the remainder of the book after the mystery was solved, and this could have been a result of the authors switch to what I consider to be a Romantic style as we focus on the main characters love and it just bored me to tears. We knew it would happen, so get on with it and lets not drag it out. But other than that it was a very good first effort by the author, with the book being the first in the Tarkington history series, but which appears to only last one more novel before the authors switches to more modern times. Fast read, Give it a try!
February 5, 2015
The Republic of Virtue is carefully researched and well-crafted. Jefferson Flanders succeeds in taking the reader forcefully back into Paris in the uncertain period following the French Revolution. Calvin Tarkington's search for his brother, Alexander, exposes France's fading glory under the Jacobins. I was fascinated by the intricate detail and historical accuracy which set the scene without detracting from the story-line.
I do think, for those readers unfamiliar with French names, referral to a character list would be beneficial especially if the historical characters were highlighted against the fictional
I do think, for those readers unfamiliar with French names, referral to a character list would be beneficial especially if the historical characters were highlighted against the fictional
August 26, 2016
I won this book through Goodreads Giveaways.
I found the story to be interesting, although somewhat predictable. I felt at the beginning there was an excessive amount of names, so by the time we found out who had betrayed the Tarkingtons I had already forgotten which character they were based on interactions with Calvin. I may have enjoyed the book more if I was more knowledgeable on the French Revolution. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read.
I found the story to be interesting, although somewhat predictable. I felt at the beginning there was an excessive amount of names, so by the time we found out who had betrayed the Tarkingtons I had already forgotten which character they were based on interactions with Calvin. I may have enjoyed the book more if I was more knowledgeable on the French Revolution. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read.
April 17, 2022
Some time ago, I read (and enjoyed) the second book in this series, The Boston Trader. And it was fun to discover the earlier experiences of Calvin Tarkington. But the real pleasure was being introduced to the behind the scene aspects of the French Revolution. It makes an exciting and suspenseful read that pulled me into the adventure. Now I have to find out what Calvin's next thrilling adventure will be.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.
March 1, 2016
Interesting and gripping
I enjoyed this one and didn't like to stop reading. It kept me wanting more. The bits of history in this make me want to read more about the period. I think such effects of one book to cause you to want other books whether from that same author or not is really special and important.
I enjoyed this one and didn't like to stop reading. It kept me wanting more. The bits of history in this make me want to read more about the period. I think such effects of one book to cause you to want other books whether from that same author or not is really special and important.
December 6, 2014
Want more!
thanks
thanks
December 23, 2025
I liked this better than I thought I would.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews