Booth

by David M. Robertson

A gripping historical novel in the bestselling tradition of The Alienist and Time and Again, Booth brings vividly to life a figure who continues to haunt the American imagination--John Wilkes Booth. The story begins as an elderly John Surratt, the only conspirator to escape a hanging sentence for the murder of Abraham Lincoln, is asked by film director D.W. Griffith to recount the harrowing events of his youth during the screenings of Griffith's film Birth of a Nation. The request prompts Surratt to reread his detailed diaries, begun in 1864 when he was first befriended by John Wilkes Booth and was unwittingly enmeshed in Booth's plot to assassinate the President.

Told through a series of flashbacks, the novel both chronicles the young, naive Surratt's tragic coming of age as he belatedly realizes the nature of the plot Booth has sucked him into, and illuminates the motivations, larger-than-life appetites, and appeal of the charismatic and world-famous stage actor. As Surratt delves further into the diaries and transcripts, it is clear the young Surratt has become trapped in Booth's web of seduction and betrayal. Further insight into the assassination plot is revealed in a surprising twist when the genuine diary that Booth left behind, explaining his actions and implicating others around him, falls into Surratt's hands (a Booth diary, with several missing pages, does exist and is on public display at the Ford Theater in Washington).

Compulsively readable, and filled with brilliant period detail--as well as a dozen reproductions of actual photographs of the conspirators and their execution, Booth is a powerful evocation of a dangerous, chaotic, and tragic time in our history, a story that continues to resonate to this day.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, American, Novels, Retellings

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has been quite a year for assassinations, with Trump surviving two attempts on his life, and the murder of a health care executive. We could be in a wave of such activities.

John Surratt, the only known member of Booth's conspiracy to live tells us about it all at the end of his life. Very believable. I could see a sap like this being drawn into Booth's web.

Makes me wonder we know all this about Booth and Company, and almost nothing about the assassins that tried to kill Trump.

[Devon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, this book. I just...WOW.

The premise is actually super intriguing, IE following after Surratt rather than Wilkes yet titling your book “Booth”. I hadn’t paid much attention buying it and thought it would be about Booth, and, in a way, it was—painting a picture of Booth through the eyes of another.

The problem with this book for me, however, is just...the women, mostly. Sarah Slater (Ravenel for the novel, mostly) is a nude dancer who sleeps with Wilkes and has his baby. That’s why she’s helping the Confederacy—for him! Mary Surratt is a widower of a boarding house who...sleeps with Wilkes and unknowingly helps the Confederacy. These women and just the size of their roles in aiding the Confederacy continue to be debated to this day, but I sincerely doubt they took on such parts spurred by Wilkes’s prowess in the boudoir.

And speaking of the relationships—what was there between Sarah and John? He sees her dance naked, has one conversation with her at a later date, then they meet at his family’s boarding house and they have sex? He decides he has affection for her and values her? There’s literally no connection; they’ve barely even interacted with one another.

And Mary Surratt! Wilkes has ONE conversation with her and immediately leads her to her bedroom where they have sex. Mind boggling. The author says there has been debate as to whether they ever slept together. If they did in fact have sex, I sincerely doubt the middle-aged mother and widower who was known to be extremely devout would have instantly engaged in sex with a man she had known for all of possibly a half hour. That’s leaving aside it’s the nineteenth century where there were both customs for women as well as the pervading notion that actors (and actresses) were of a lower standing socially. Certainly it’s possible for people to act “poorly” in terms of what is expected of them, but it just doesn’t fit her character.

John Surratt himself, the protagonist, is the most puzzling of all. The author has made him into an easy target who bumbled his way into Wilkes’s confidences and was promptly used thoroughly, without any knowledge of his role as a tool for a bigger plot until it was made known to him. I find that also incredibly hard to believe. Wilkes was an outlier to his own staunchly Union family, so it’s obviously possible to have differing opinions between close blood relatives, but Surratt’s sister was known to be pro-Confederacy. His brother was a Confederate soldier. His mother was pro-Confederacy. He himself in actuality carried papers and smuggled things for the Confederates, and proudly boasted about how stupid the Yankees were to not catch him. You want me to believe he was a neutral bystander who only wanted the war to end? Who accidentally did all these things without meaning to do so? I simply cannot. Also it was incredibly dangerous to be pro-Confederate openly; why would Wilkes risk taking a chance on a man who was neutral? How would Wilkes come to be acquaintances with a man like this? The others in Wilkes’s plot were extremely pro-Confederacy; it doesn’t make sense to take someone into your fold who doesn’t feel the same was as you do when your very safety and life is on the line. John Surratt being a helpful fool isn’t a good enough reason; leaving someone in the dark in that manner would be a good way to have yourself accidentally exposed, and Wilkes was very clearly a calculating and intelligent man, regardless of his faults. I also cannot believe that Surratt was not pro-Confederacy in nature, and vociferously so.

I don’t wish to be cruel and only leave one star, because I know writing is difficult and books are acts of passion. I’d like to think of a good point to the book, which would be that it really was a page-turner, although it did slow a bit once Wilkes had done the deed. That’s no fault of the author; I recently read another book about Wilkes and those around him and it seems as though it, too, worked itself up to the events at Ford’s Theatre as a natural climax.

The author, too, seems to be well-versed on what took place and did a good amount of research, to list another good point in his favour. It’s a shame that the characters bother me as much as they do, however, or else I would give this book a higher rating.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing tale of historical fiction! The almost too well-known steps leading to the execution of President Lincoln are recounted from the perspective of John H. Surratt (recruited friend and ultimate foe of John Wilkes Booth) courtesy of his diary. The story is written in a way that endears one to the young Surratt as he struggles with some of the universal concerns of youth in trying to please the beloved Booth at times contrary to his family ties and the opposite sex as well complicated by a Catholic upbringing and a religious mother in near proximity to the drama of his life. A reluctant follower/accomplice (?) of Booth who has taken his magnificent generosity to self and family as a wannabe friend/ family member instead of the intention-ed manipulator of heart and soul to get him to assist him in his ulitmate goal of escaping Washington City after the Deed unbeknownst to Surratt.

A good portrait of the lovableness of Booth by one and all based on his fame, fortune and universally-acclaimed good looks despite not even falling anywhere near his father's reputation
as an actor and celebrity status to his dismay. His generosity to the old and young alike witnessed by many is, in many ways, a finer performance than what comes out onstage which is not unnoticed by Surratt. The writer interspersed many time lines ie Surratt made feeble by cough and age yet strong enough in principle to be true to himself and most importantly the reputations of those loved ones who have gone before him when presented with an opportunity to tell all and provide glorify the newly produced The Birth of the Nation against the proceedings of his 1867 trial and yet the joy/challenges of working as a photographer's assistant and meet the demands of Wilkes as he refers to him in developing an alternate route for his friend's final ride into the Virginian countryside. The linkage of "Wilkes" with Mary Surratt was an unexpected twist especially given her personality and Victorian times in which they lived. I would have liked a better life outcome for Surratt but still a very worthwhile read from someone partial to historical fiction especially during the time of Lincoln.

[David Finger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an entertaining read, Robertson’s novel focuses on the relationship between Lincoln assassin John Wilkes Booth and John Surratt, the only person involved in the conspiracy who survived to old age. The story captures what one imagines the real Booth may have been like. He is charming yet manipulative, and with a narcissistic view of his own perceived greatness. Although many of the other conspirators come off as simpletons or individuals who are easily manipulated, Robertson’s Surratt feels more balanced. He is smart, but his loyalty to Booth becomes his undoing as even he cannot resist the charm of Booth.

The only drawback is that at times the story feels a bit convoluted at times. Sarah Ravenel’s presence in the story did add a romantic element to the novel, but it still felt forced in many ways. It felt like she was put in the story because she was a historic character and not because she needed to be part of this novel. But overall the book is enjoyable and worth checking out.

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. There were some settings that seemed very, very real. I was unsure at some point whether or not it was historically accurate because I don’t know much about that particular event although I know the pertinent facts. His acknowledgment section does a great job of outlining the different places that he changed facts in order to line up with his story. It was a great story. I wondered if The main character had really kept a diary, but I knew that if he did then getting rid of it at the end of the novel would ensure that nobody knew what he really wrote in that diary. So he made up the fact that he wrote a diary. I didn’t realize that Booth had written a diary. I have been to Ford’s Theater. I don’t remember the diary. I remember the blood stained pillow. Great book :-)

[Todd Honig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was an admirable attempt to tell a highly fictionalized account of the Lincoln assassination co-conspirators that ultimately failed. My biggest issue was the first person narrative the author chose to use to tell the story. None of the John Suratt Diary entries felt like authentic diary entries, more like something somebody would write as a memoir years after the events. First person narratives are probably the hardest kind of fiction to pull off. Maybe in the hands of a more experienced novelist it would have worked. But in the hands of this one it just ultimately fell flat.

[Luann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was about far more than the history of Abraham Lincoln's assassination by John Wilkes Booth. This fictionalized account delves into the psyche of a murderer. However, I don't think the author quite developed the profile of the protagonist enough to let the really fully understand what was going on in his mind. I didn't dislike this book, but neither did I really like it a lot. However, something kept me reading to the end.

[Bradley Brill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insight into the one of the most infamous people in American history.

[Geo Forman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written and, for me, informative. In the afterword, the author explains any fabrications as well as historical accuracies

[liz schutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing. Must read for any history buffs.

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow but good

[K. McDevitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book ages and ages ago on BookCrossing, and have been feeling guilty for not getting to it sooner. I finally made my way through it and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I do like some fiction with my history. And this was an interesting take on things, though I was hoping it might answer some questions. it presents the accounts of the assassination attempt as told by Booth's friend, who was asked to be part of the kidnapping conspiracy but ended up not going through with it. We also get bits and pieces from diary entries, trial transcripts, and more to build a picture of John Wilkes Booth for ourselves based on how other characters see him throughout. I liked the idea of that, but the problem was that we don't come away with a complete understanding of what really happened. Then again, we might never know exactly what happened and why, so maybe this is as good an account as any, really.

My favorite element in this book was the main character becoming an apprentice to a photographer. One of my favorite parts of touring Gettysburg is the Civil War Battlefield photography on display on table markers, where you can compare the scenery to the scene back then. So to dive into that world a bit and see what it was like to photograph on a battlefield or in a studio was really wonderful. I was devastated to read the note at the end and find out that that particular person never worked in that profession at all. It was a great element to add, but that level of fictionalization was painful for me after I'd really fallen in love with that aspect!

In all, I thought the book was well done. There was a lot of jumping about, which I think lent to the feeling of uncertainty at the end. But there was also a vivid picture of Booth painted. He was someone everyone took notice of (including, I suppose, the main character's mother) and someone who thought he was doing something that would ultimately save lives and preserve a way of life. I could understand a little why he planned to kidnap the president. But the extremes he ended up going to are hard to sympathize with.

[Graceann · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to read this relatively slim volume, and I think that's part of why my rating is closer to three stars than four. While the story, by the end, was an interesting one, I had a hard time caring enough about it to put other things I was reading down in order to get back to it.

John Surratt, Jr. was the only one of the accused Booth conspirators to live to the end of his natural life. His mother, on the other hand, was executed along with three others in connection with the assassination, and the strength of the evidence that convicted her has been a matter of endless debate for more than 150 years.

This book is about John Surratt, however, and the author's novelization of his friendship with John Wilkes Booth. Booth here is manipulative and smarmy; Surratt naive and needy. Surratt is initially awed by Booth's attentions, and then disillusioned.

The story is highly fictionalized, though Robertson takes time in the afterword to tell us what was real and what was part of his imagination. It is intriguing to consider what might have occurred if Surratt and D.W. Griffith had met and if Surratt had shared his memories, but that experience exists only in the pages of this novel. Ditto Surratt working as a photographer's assistant.

There are a lot of "what ifs" here, but that's what makes historical fiction enjoyable. Taking the known narrative and asking how differently the story might go if a few curve balls had been thrown into the mix is great fun.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3 1/2 stars

An interesting and creative blend of historical fact and fiction, this book tells about the events surround one of the saddest chapters of American history: the Civil War and the assassination of President Lincoln.

Using trial transcripts, pictures and diary entries, we're taken through the events--for the most part--by John Surratt, the only Lincoln conspirator not to be put to death. (Later in the book there's a short section where Booth takes over as narrator detailing the events of the assassination and his flight from justice.) Events flash back and forth through time from 1864-64 to 1867 to the final days of Surratt's life in 1916.

I like the fact that at the end of the book the author detailed what creative licenses he took and why, and also took great pains to separate fact from fiction as it pertains to the historical figures he wrote about versus the versions he created.

It took me awhile to get into it, but once I did, I read through it pretty quickly.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Booth is an historical fiction novel about John Wilkes Booth and the assassination of Pres. Lincoln as told by John Surratt, the only conspirator who was not put to death. I am not particularly drawn to these types of novels but I found this one quite fascinating. I could not put the book down and read it in one day.

The novel is written in such a way as to make one believe it is fact. There are diary entries, trial transcripts and actual photographs which tell the story.

I found this book on quite a whim in that I happened to notice it on the library shelf and was attracted to the cover. I was quite surprised to find that there are hardly any reviews of this book here. I would highly recommend it!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I've never really read a lot on John Wilkes (i like his brother Edwin quite a bit) and i thought this book did a good job of portraying how he'd use his acting skills to get desired reactions from people, explaining why he still killed Lincoln after Lee's surrender and showing the wartime life of Washington. I also found the way the author hinted that Lewis Powell suffered from PTSD to very interesting and made him sympathetic(he's a very small part). The pictures were also helpful in identifying characters and Lewis's portrait is one of the most beautiful and haunting I've seen from that era. Not completely historically accurate, but it is fiction and he has an interesting twist on the famous missing 12 pages of Booth's diary.
Great book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this many years ago, and the story stayed with me so strongly, I felt compelled to seek out and purchase another copy when my son began studying the civil war era in school. I have never been a student of history or a fan of the historical novel, but found this story so fascinating that it piqued my interest in both. I have enjoyed re-reading it just as thoroughly as I did the first time. It puts a human face and perspective to a distant and seldom considered aspect of this moment in history. Highly recommend.

[Alan Enderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I like politics, it was fun to learn so much about Lincoln's assassination. This book, although not written in a sparkling fashion, recreates Civil War era Washington very well. I'm still not certain about some of the facts of Lincoln's assassination, such as: how much of a role did Mary Surratt really have in it, was Dr. Mudd an accessory, and did they actually capture Wilkes Booth? I suspect the answers are: yes, no, and yes.

[Russell Goodman]

I took a break from reading novels so that I could catch up on reading my "Nines" Magazine, the official publication of the Saab Club of North America.
http://www.saabclub.com/index.php?opt...

Now, that I'm caught up, thought I'd dig into something that isn't my usual reading interest.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. Since the book is historical fiction you have to take everything with a grain of salt, but I found the story line believable. Most of the historical aspects of the novel seem to be accurate.

[John]

historical fiction

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A creative retelling of the events surrounding the assassination of Abraham Lincoln told from the viewpoint of John Surratt, one of Booth’s supposed coconspirators. Or was he?

[Kerry Gavin]

Excellent insight into the mind of a somewhat self indulgent, intense, naive fatalist.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never realized how incredibly interesting the chase after John Wilkes Booth was after he assassinated Abraham Lincoln! Great book!

[Amy Darsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While there was a lot of fiction, this was a fantastic read and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and alternate history novels.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clever fictional account of John Surratt being lured into the Lincoln assassination by John Wilkes Booth. Interesting read and well written, though a work of fiction (not fact).

[Hannah C Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow-moving and hard to get through.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

slightly interesting if you are a history nerd but pretty boring otherwise.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on a historical event.... Enjoyed very much.