The List

by C.D. Baker

When the British arrive in Philadelphia on the heels of the departing American army, Joseph Galloway begins compiling a list of influential men loyal to the Crown--a list that could threaten the future of the young nation. While the misery and the dangers of British occupation bring turmoil into the lives of Philadelphians--loyalist and patriot alike--the destiny of liberty hangs on the tip of a quill pen poised above a piece of parchment. A meticulously researched novel based on a mystery that changed the course of the American Revolution, 'The List' brings to life the times that set us free. Highly recommended for young and old.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, American Revolutionary War, Historical

349 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2003

About the author

C. David Baker’s first novel, A Journey of Souls, was released in 2000 and re-released in 2004 as Crusade of Tears…a Christee Nominee. He has written nine historical novels, two Christian devotionals, and a children's book published variously in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Ukraine and Russia. Research has taken him throughout Europe, and his interviews have included a variety of fascinating people such Manfred Rommel, son of Fieldmarshal Rommel, and Johann Voss, author and veteran of the Waffen-SS, both of whom contributed much to Baker’s 'Seduction of Eva Volk.

The descendant of early German and Scottish immigrants to Pennsylvania, Baker’s family tree is an assortment of Mennonite, Reformed, and Presbyterian families including Adam Neff–the flag bearer who stood by Zwingli as he died during the battle of Kappel, William Rittenhouse–the first American paper maker, and William Penn’s Dutch grandmother. Twenty of his ancestors served in Pennsylvania militias during the American Revolution.

The father of two sons, Baker lives on a small farm with his wife, Sue. Together they raise livestock with an interest in natural/organic methods and a passion for humane treatment. Failure has been part of his life as well. It has been these deep valleys that have led David to the well of Grace from which the essence of his writing is drawn,

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The List by C.D. Baker is a very good insight on the lives of families during the Revolutionary War, and the hardships they suffered. It focuses on one family, the Brownes, which allows the reader to see the specific and personal problems of the war. Baker does a very good job of showing the theme of division: division in the country, in the city, and in the family. It also shows the sacrifice, the fear, the loss, the danger, and much more. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to find an interesting view point on the Revolutionary War, and anyone wanting to learn specific problems for families during the war.

[Luca · Rating 4 out of 5]

The List is a very enjoyable book. It has many twists and turns in it's great plot. It also shows the life of the people in early America. The streets, the culture, the religions, it's all there. Many of the characters were loyalists or patriots and Anglican or Puritan. There were conflicts between these people in their beliefs ,and it gave us a stronger and deeper understanding. This is a fun and educational book and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in the early America's, anyone who is learning about it ,and anyone who just wants to read a good book.

[Stude · Rating 5 out of 5]

The List is a historically fictional book that takes place in Philadelphia. The story plot is very nice and expresses the real hardships of a family torn by the Revolutionary War. It introduces many fictional characters such as Archibald, Katherine, and Thaddeus, but real characters are there too, such as Alan McLane, and Joseph Galloway. It takes the breath away from you sometimes but it shows the meaning of family. I liked this book so much. I recommend this book to any history or adventure book lovers:)

[dragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The List is an information filled book, combining old world history with a fun story line. I would recommend this book to any child eager to learn about the history of our nation. The fiction-like story line keeps the reader wanting to turn the pages and find out what happens next. With fun characters and some twists along the way, C.D. Baker crafted a great story that should encourage children to learn more about the history of their ancestors.

[A.F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The List is a historic fiction novel written by C.D. Baker that depicts the life of the Browne family during the Revolutionary War. Even though the family contains members of both sides of the war they still put family in front of everything else. It is a very exciting book and is very interesting to read. It is written very well and also gives many details of what life was like in that period of time. Overall, it was a very good book.

[the_bookish_took · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative.

[Sarah]

I enjoyed how well researched this felt. I just wasn't enjoying the story.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As iron sharpens iron – may our differences be forged into ploughshares of peace.”

Following the Browne family in the British-overtaken city of old Philadelphia as they try to remain true to their beliefs and together as a family during this unsteady time in history was very enlightening to the facts and feelings going on for families all over the colonies in the 1700's. Join twins Penelope and Thadeus as they seek to each serve the Lord, their family, and their country... both England and the newly forming nation of America.

“Neither Thadeus nor Penelope could longer postpone what their consciences required of them. Duty had called. Yet for each the reasons were different. Cross-purposes had been beckoned toward a common goal, an unusual irony reserved for few of life's dramas.”

The first revolutionary book I've read from the perspective of a divided household in this time period; part Loyalist and part Patriot, with one brother fighting with Washington, a Loyalist mother, and a Patriot father. Divided by cause, but united in their love and respect of one another. “The List” has a very G.A. Henty/ R.M. Ballantyne feel to it's writing, making it enjoyable yet absolutely PACKED with true historical content! I learned a great deal, and this will sure to be a favorite among history-loving homeschool families. Excellent!

“My heart breaks at every command to fire on these Americans, sir. I am slaughtering my cousins, free men like myself who share my heritage, who worship my God. These good people speak our language, eat our food, sing our songs, and still call Mother England 'home'. I think we have wounded them, neglected them, exploited them, and denied them the rights and privileges they are due. I abhor their rebellion, but I love them and their good land.”

[Jaiden Lashei]

Going into this book, my expectations were very low. It didn’t initially seem like something that would catch my interest, but I was genuinely surprised by how much I ended up enjoying this book! I really enjoyed the twins in this story, Penelope and Thaddeus. They added such charm and humor, and made the entire reading experience more enjoyable. Their dynamic was engaging and often made me smile. The flow of the book was easy to follow, and I didn’t find myself struggling to get into the story like I expected I might. That said, I do feel like I missed the initial plot of the story, but even with that, I still found myself wanting to keep reading. I’m so glad I did because it was such a satisfying ending. It was unexpected in the best way and ended up being my favorite part of the whole book.

[Brendan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The List is a good book. The overall story is very interesting and after every chapter you would want to read more and more. It is a really Revolutionary War fiction read. I rate this book a 3 and a 1/2 stars out of 5

[Spongebob Squarepants]

The list was a very fun read. It paints an astounding picture of what life was like during the revolutionary war. The conflicts in the book were stated clearly, and solved in a riveting way, keeping you constantly wondering what happens next.

One of the best parts is that the book is not only fun, but educational. You can enjoy the story while gaining great knowledge on some real, historical events.

This book was enjoyable and I highly recommend the purchase of it.