Citizen Washington

by William Martin

A fictional account of George Washington portrays a man full of imperfections and limitations who overcame personal struggles to become one of history's greatest leaders

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Presidents, The United States Of America, Audiobook, War

592 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Meet 'the king of the historical thriller' (Providence Journal). William Martin is a New York Times bestselling author of twelve novels, an award-winning PBS documentary, book reviews, magazine articles, and a cult classic horror movie, too. He is best known for his historical fiction, which has chronicled the lives of the great and the anonymous in American history while bringing to life legendary American locations, from Cape Cod to the Sierra foothills during the California Gold Rush. His latest, December '41, sweeps us across America in the weeks after Pearl Harbor and has been hailed as "propulsive," "cinematic,' and "riveting" by critics. He was the recipient of the prestigious 2005 New England Book Award, given to "an author whose body of work stands as a significant contribution to the culture of the region." And in 2015, the USS CONSTITUTION Museum gave him the Samuel Eliot Morison Award. He has three grown children and lives near Boston with his wife.

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author essentially does a “360” on Washington, telling us about him from the perspective of those who knew him from each of their own, unique perspectives, including characters both historic (Jefferson, John and Abigail Adams, Lafayette), and every day citizens like his personal slave, a warrior Indian and Dr. James Craig, his private physician.

The beauty of the book is in the excellent job Martin does of getting inside the heads of each of these narrators so that we really feel we know them, which makes the sharing of their individual insights toward Washington all the more compelling and credible.

Consider this quote from the learned Dr. James Craig about the barbarity of field surgery of the period:

“Cutting off a limb is ugly business. The screaming is truly the wail of the banshee. The blood and the mess would sicken a vulture. And the sight of living bone, white and pure in the midst of bleeding meat, speaks volumes of the fragility of life itself.”

Sort of sets the stage for someone who is both “real”, and knows what he’s talking about, doesn’t it?

Youthful Washington...

There were too many great insights here from which to choose, but three of my favorites included:

The fact that Washington read, learned, and lived: “Youth’s Behavior, or the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation..” His advice, as applicable to us today as it must have been then: “You’d do well to study it.”

A comment from every day citizen Draper, primary narrator of the tale and one not given to adulent regard for the young soldier leader he observed:

“Our leader was just another boy soldier lookin’ for glory.”

And this insight from Draper regarding the essence of Washington’s demeanor, character and intelligence; one that’s fully intended to challenge any inclination we might have toward simply imagining Washington one dimensionally:

“And he (Washington) gave me that flat stare, like he was tryin’ to see through me. Later, people said that stare showed how smart he was. Said he’d look hard, think hard, say nothin’ till he had everything straight. Others said the look showed just the opposite. Said that while he was looking’, he was tryin’ to figure out what to think about the thing he was lookin’ at.

What he really had, though, was one of those heavy minds, like a mill wheel, just sittin’, waitin’ for the river to rise so the keeper could thro the lever and engage the gears and the wheel could start to turn, and then ‘twould turn so slow and steady you wouldn’t be able to stop it.

Even if George took a bit of time to get somethin’ straight, he usually got it.”

Washington Matured...

Reflecting upon Washington, based upon her long time personal observations, and contrasting her husband’s somewhat flippant response regarding what Washington’s legacy was likely to be, Abigail Adams had this to say:

“I felt that my husband missed the point of his predecessor’s greatness. Washington had such a presence, such a proud demeanor, and so happy a faculty of appearing to accommodate another person’s opinion while carrying his own point, that if he had not really been one of the best intentioned men in the world he might have been a very dangerous one.”

And so I’ll give wise Abigail the last word on the subject of this excellent book by Mr. Martin.

[Khadija · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this at a museum bookstore, (was it Valley Forge?) and it was a great find. Told from the perspective of several people in George Washington's life - his personal slave, an early rival, his wife and a couple others, it is a unique look at a familiar character. I found it very interesting and an informative and enjoyable read.

[Jim C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is is classified as historical fiction but I believe there is more truth than fiction in this novel. In this book, we get an outsider's look at George Washington from his childhood days to the day he died. Each character shares their observations of the man. The historical fiction part comes into play as there are several made up characters as well as well known characters like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams.

This was an interesting way to pen this book. Sometimes history can be a little dry and with this way of telling the story we get a view of actual events from a perspective that is rarely seen. We also get to see the effect this American icon had on different people and why he was so revered. The highlight of this book was how the author deconstructed this American hero as he was not infallible. He made mistakes but in doing so I have gained an even higher respect because of what this man had to deal with while he fought for our freedom. There is an abundance of information in this book including his personal life, the battles, and the beginning of political parties that help form this nation. This information did run a little dry at times but there are also some amazing scenes. There were times I was worried about the colonists with their fight with the British even though I knew the outcome.

I have enjoyed plenty of books by this author. One of the aspects that I enjoy from his books is that I gain knowledge while being entertained. This one fell into that pattern also.

[Janellyn51 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I wouldn't go out of my way to read a book about Washington, but for the fact that I enjoy William Martin's books so much. Citizen Washington didn't disapoint at all. I had read a book not too long ago about the Founding Fathers, so I was somewhat familiar with Washington's bearing and people's perceptions of him...that he didn't say a lot, listened much....and it was all about his reputation, and honor. The book is well written with characters that you care about. I was really quite bereft at the end with Jacob and Nelly sitting together...I really think they should assign books like this in high school. While it is historical fiction, the battles are gripping, and I think it would have even girls more interested in history put to them in a story with relationships and warmth added.

[LemonLinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great blend of fact and fiction giving us George Washington, the young man trying to find his way in the world, the young officer blindly leading a militia against the French and the Indians, the young statesman realizing that the yoke of the British must be cast aside, the more established soldier as General of the Continental Army, the president of the Constitutional Congress uncovering how the new nation was to be governed, the first president feeling his way with dignity and reserve, and the man once again putting aside all claims for glory and honor as he voluntarily steps down from the presidency establishing a great precedent.

The premise here is that Washington has recently died and one of his contemporaries/adversaries, a newspaper owner in Alexandria engages his young nephew/writer to "find the story behind the man" as he does not believe that Washington should be so revered and elevated to godlike status. The nephew interviews everyone connected to Washington, including family, friends, slaves and those who served with him in war and in the newly formed government, friends and foes alike. What emerges is a great man, complete with flaws and imperfections, but one who binds together a young united nation out of the very fragmented and loosely held together union of states.

[Debbie Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good historical fiction, the author does justice to the historical events in the struggle for independence with Washington at the center of it all. The story of Washington's life is told from the perspectives of historical figures Adams, Jefferson, Hamilton, Lafayette, etc as well as ordinary individuals both friend and foe. He shows how Washington was a great man, but not a god as sometimes history portrays him. He was a man who made decisions some of which were mistakes, however he took responsibility for his decisions and overall he essentially held everything together as the United States was being formed. The story also shows the beginnings of a two party system with differing views on how the country should be formed and the efforts of some to manipulate Washington to support their views. I enjoyed this book and the look back at history as well as the author's take on how each of the individuals viewed Washington and the struggle for independence.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those books where we get a bunch of shifting viewpoints to try to make sense of the life of a single person; in this case George Washington.

Some subjects just aren't meant to be "edgy."

[Lynne Radcliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel about George Washington. William Martin uses the letters and interviews of the people that knew and worked with Washington to tell a story of the man. I have always enjoyed reading about our first president and this historical fiction gave a snap shot of Washington that I found interesting. The format of this book worked extremely well for me.

[Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take the title seriously and don't assume this is another boring, hard-to-read biography that focuses on the Revolutionary War and a presidency. William Martin uses a highly effective approach to make CITIZEN WASHINGTON very easy to read with numerous narrators who address different perspectives on portions of Washington's life. Collectively, a broad story evolves that enables the reader to appreciate how this individual's will and discipline led to the emergence of an American legend...and a united group of colonies. You won't find stories about chopping down a cherry tree, but rather entertaining accounts of how fierce resolve and discipline can overcome personal struggles and roadblocks at every turn. This book, while very entertaining, helps one really appreciate that the issues involved in the initial development of this nation were much more challenging than what we experience today. This is a quick and easy read, but packed with great information. You will be glad you took the time to read this book!

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well constructed, fictionalized biography of George Washington. The premise of the book is this: Hesperus Draper, publisher of a Republican newspaper, calls in his nephew Christopher in 1800 and tells him to find out what was in the letters from George to his wife, Martha. Martha burned the letters after her husband's death. Hesperus wants to find something to make Washington look bad,and therefore the Federalists and John Adams, running for reelection as President, just as bad.
Christopher sets out to interview everyone who knew Washington. The interviews start with Washington's birth and carries through to his death. It is a long book, 583 pages, but I enjoyed it and give 4 out 5 stars.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Excellent! Well done, William Martin! Thank you.

This is an incredible approach to the story of George Washington, our Revolution, the Founding Fathers. The petty, the peevish, small & mean behaviors are balanced against moments of greatness.

This novel makes one wonder how we ever created the United States. It makes you wonder how we stayed together. Actually, it gives me hope for today!

Recommended to readers of American HF, especially our early years.

[Patty Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very readable and cleverly written piece of historical fiction. While fiction, it's also very informative about the early stages of the American Revolution and the different characters who shaped our history. The story is told as a series of interviews done by an aspiring young author who sets out to write a biography of Washington shortly after his death. It's set in the 1700 and 1800's before, during and shortly after the revolution. For lovers of history and historical fiction.

[Gerry Connolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Citizen Washington is William Martin's impressive novel of George Washington's life from modest plantation owner to towering revolutionary icon. A very human series of narratives and accurate history.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I'd read a few others of his I enjoyed. This one, though, was a game changer for me. It's historical fiction, sure, but I had to know after reading it how much was based on fact. I found to my surprise that very much of it is! Of course I already knew Washington's general story (no pun intended) from my school days, but I never thought too much about it back then, and we certainly never dived into his psyche. I guess I read this at the right time. It was riveting; I had to know more. So I went to lectures, read more books (nonfiction), collected items and went to Mount Vernon. Bottom line, this book sparked a lifelong interest in not just George, but U.S. history and politics, for which I am grateful.

[David Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work of historical fiction read slowly for fiction, but quickly for history I suppose. It never hooked me, but I enjoyed it well enough when I read it. Took me quite a while to finish as a result. I think I learned quite a bit about that time in history in America, about George Washington, and surprisingly, I think even a bit about leadership. All books can’t be page-turners. I’m glad I read it!

[Serena Gulledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging tale of Washington's life as told through those who knew him. While some aspects of the story are largely fictional, it's a great read if you're an American history buff. William Martin maintains the voices for each narrator, and Washington brilliantly comes to life on the page. Highly recommended.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Citizen Washington is masterfully crafted by William Martin. The format of remembrances by individuals being bound together by a descendant of one of the players, and then pushed back a few more generations by putting the manuscripts in a safe, is absolute genius. Martin knows his craft and has created a balanced, insightful and intriguing account of Washington and his times. A great read.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is a story of Washington told from the perspective of several characters who each have a distinct voice, so it rarely drags like some historical novels can do. It's one of maybe three books that everyone in my family has read and liked.

[Jackie Kenney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes a little too dry, but I enjoyed the building of the portrait of our first president. And from the time he crossed the Delaware I couldn't put it down. Wonderful descriptions of life in the period and the changes in thinking, and the rising patriotism of those around him.

[James Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

William Martin has done it again!
Excellent piece of historical fiction, weaving fact into a driving story.
This is written as a biography told from the point of view of 16 different people who knew George Washington.

[KA Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am trying to read 1776 but have gotten bogged down in the details. Citizen Washington, while remaining an historical novel, touches on many of the same subjects, making them more interesting. Yes, the book is fiction but, in researching many of the real topics and people, it brings into view the interactions and thoughts of people we learned in school were great friends and infallible men, only to find out they were not. Many of their desires and actions they felt best for the development of our country remain the same areas of contention today. Washington was a great man but he was not always the decisive, magnanimous, compassionate leader history can paint him to be. This is not revisionist history; it is history as it should be taught.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is scary to me how much of my reading seems to be tied to movies and tv ;D I've had this book a long time, and I always get it out and read it around the 4th of July. This time I was watching "John Adams" on HBO, and since the docudrama is really crap, I got this book out again to read and make me feel better. An exceptional novel, much of it is historically based, and is in a format that really makes the people and history of our country come alive. Each section is narrated by someone who knew Washington, and different people tell the narrative at different times. And at times, the number of "people" speaking in this book could get confusing ("who was that again?"), but the book really deserves more than one read, and in subsequent readings, the characters become more memorable. Paints Washington as both a hero and a blunderer, mythic and real. A very compelling read.

[John Siphers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Telling the story of Washington (mostly as a young man and soldier) through the eyes of others was interesting. The battle scenes aren't described as technically as in Michael Shaara's books, but well done from a "first person" point of view. The description of Washington's service in the French and Indian War made me want to read more about that period of our history. If you enjoy historical fiction about the revolutionary period, you will enjoy this book.

[Joe Spoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the way this book was written. There were short narratives from people closely associated with George Washington. Much of it was fictional, but the setting was historical. If you are looking for a biography, read Joseph Ellis' biography of George Washington, however if you are looking for an entertaining easy read this is a good choice.

[Fay Fawcett]

I really enjoyed reading about Washington before he became president. To find out he was just like all of us, Scared to make the wrong decision, but not taking the advice of others. The book is full of things we did not know about Washington and our country in its babyhood.

[Michael Kott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great undertaking I'm sure but was well researched and written. Fills holes in on Washington's life. Best book I read all year. Don't know why I waited so long, my copy was getting yellow pages. We can sure use a Washington today!

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this book. As a history buff, this novelization of Washington's life is greatly entertaining, as well as informational. Great stuff.

[Kara Mayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author's books. He does historical fiction so well!

[Ronen Ben-simon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read biographies of Washington and biographies of most of the principle historical figures in the book, like John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, so I have some familiarity with the time period.

I felt like as a historical fiction, it fell flat. The writing wasnt inspiring to me and the entire premise of the story as shown in the prologue ended up barely being addressed. Where the book shines is its historical accuracy. The author uses actual quotations from the historical figures and I felt comfortable taking as fact things that related to domestic life and the lives of regular people, because the accuracy of the major figures was top notch.

I would recommend this book for people who want to learn about Washington and this time period, but dont want to read an historical account which I know can be dry. As history I think its pretty good, as a story it didnt interest me.

[Gareth Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

A highly textured account of Washington’s life, from boy to retired two-time president, told through the accounts of a plethora of witnesses. Martin evokes the memories of many a famous character and leavens them with a few products of his imagination. This combination weaves a sometimes contradictory but ultimately affectionate and admiring biography.
Characters speak with authentic tones and conjure up the tensions and mores of the times. All major events in Washington’s life are covered and set in their immediate context.
An enjoyable, well-crafted, imaginative and effectively researched work of biographical fiction. I believed almost all of it!