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Time Enough for Drums
Sixteen-year-old Jem and her servant struggle to keep things going at home in Trenton, New Jersey, when the family men join the war for independence from the British king.
207 pages, Nook
First published January 1, 1986
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1772 people want to read
About the author
Ann Rinaldi
68 books983 followersAnn Rinaldi (b. August 27, 1934, in New York City) is a young adult fiction author. She is best known for her historical fiction, including In My Father's House, The Last Silk Dress, An Acquaintance with Darkness, A Break with Charity, and Hang a Thousand Trees with Ribbons. She has written a total of forty novels, eight of which were listed as notable by the ALA. In 2000, Wolf by the Ears was listed as one the best novels of the preceding twenty-five years, and later of the last one hundred years. She is the most prolific writer for the Great Episode series, a series of historical fiction novels set during the American Colonial era. She also writes for the Dear America series.
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
Rinaldi currently lives in Somerville, New Jersey, with her husband, Ron, whom she married in 1960. Her career, prior to being an author, was a newspaper columnist. She continued the column, called The Trentonian, through much of her writing career. Her first published novel, Term Paper, was written in 1979. Prior to this, she wrote four unpublished books, which she has called "terrible." She became a grandmother in 1991.
Rinaldi says she got her love of history from her eldest son, who brought her to reenactments. She says that she writes young adult books "because I like to write them."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 265 reviews
January 5, 2018
This was an excellent read.
Yes, I didn't 100%, completely approve of the romance here--but you know what? In the end, that hardly MATTERED. Because, as with all Ann Rinaldi books . . . this is about so much more than just romance. This is why she's my favorite historical fiction author. She takes what most other writers would just make a conventional "love story," and she crams in so. much. more.
Such as:
- Rich, realistic family dynamics. I absolutely loved Jem's relationships with both her parents. Let's hear it for strong parent-child bonds in YA fiction, am I right?? They were stern with her (and believe me, she needed it); but they struck a good balance between sternness and understanding. They allowed her room to grow. And they continually challenged her mind; forcing her to think through her own actions and reactions and the consequences thereof. Especially her dad. Man, I loved him <3 Intellectual debate at the breakfast table for the WIN.
- Which made it all the more impactful when
- Jem's relationship with her brother Daniel was fabulous, too. I loved Daniel; he was plain and matter-of-fact and kind. Good man. *hugs him*
- The nuanced & balanced portrayal of complex historical circumstances. This is where Ann Rinaldi shines like no other author I know--especially in her Revolutionary War stories. She never pretends that the Patriots in her books have some kind of automatic "moral high ground" over the Tories or the British; no, she makes them WORK for it. They have to prove that they're good people. They don't get a free pass just for being "Americans." And she forces her characters to confront their own moral inconsistencies, too. Jem spends most of the book declaiming about FREEDOM and JUSTICE, yet is thoughtlessly & carelessly hostile towards her family's slave, Lucy--whom her parents are working hard to free, by the way. It is only towards the climax, as she matures, that Jem finally begins to understand why Lucy's freedom is every bit as important as her own: without Lucy, the Revolution itself is meaningless. It's a very powerful moment. I Very Much Approved. *nods*
- The story's strong, yet subtle theme, encapsulated in the title, Time Enough for Drums. It's hard to explain exactly what this means if you haven't read the story; but trust me, it's really important. And I was very inspired. <3
- The beautiful flashes of description throughout. Rinaldi isn't one to flood you with sensory details; but when she does slip a few in--she makes them count. I am a fan.
Now, I suppose I should address the romance itself? Because this is the one area I wasn't totally cool with:
- It's a student-teacher relationship.
- Which bugs me. Because I work as a teacher and we're Not Allowed To Do That. Nor should we be allowed to do that; it's an abuse of power and lends itself to all kinds of nastiness. Stay safe, kids. Seriously.
- Howeverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, given what I know of this particular time period [Colonial era]--it seems people then didn't necessarily have the same view of student-teacher relationships as we do now. In this story, the girl's parents are actually [subtly] encouraging the match, once the girl technically becomes "of age" (16). Which, I believe, is a pretty realistic depiction. Especially since the guy was roughly on the same social footing as the girl's family (maybe SLIGHTLY lower? But not low enough for there to be class-based objections, as there would have been in a super-rich family who hired a tutor of much lowlier station. Etc.)
- Now on to the specifics of the relationship itself:
- THE CHEMISTRY WAS REALLY STRONG. I'm just gonna go ahead and admit that. Even with all the above reasons for disapproval, I was reading through some of these scenes and murmuring to myself, "dang it, I ship them." Personality-wise, Jem and John Reid were essentially a perfect match, and that's a fact. Both pretty headstrong, and sorta-kinda-arrogant, but they both had firm internal principles and cared very much about Doing Right. In their own ways. And the Romantic Tension in all their banter and sparring was very real & very palpable. Sarcasm galore. It was good stuff, I'm not gonna lie.
- Also, when he kissed her for the first time, I had #feelings. I just couldn't help it. DARN YOU, ANN RINALDI.
- Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut . . . even with all that . . . I still firmly believe that it would've been much better if they had waited to Confess Their Love until she was (let's say) 18 or 19, instead of 16. And yes, I am very much aware that 16 and 24 was considered a normal age dynamic for the time period--but here's the thing. At 16, Jem was still super immature. Childish and impulsive and irrational and the rest of it. She may have technically been seen as an "adult" in their society; but the fact remains that she WAS NOT AN ADULT by any mental standard; and nobody knew that better than the man who was assigned to tutor her, John Reid. Because HE'S the one who's constantly putting up with her immaturity and all the problems it creates. So what happens is, for several years there at the beginning of their romantic relationship, he's still periodically slipping back into that "teacher" role and exercising a teacher's authority over her, and that aspect of it did make me profoundly uncomfortable. Because that's not an equal partnership. And if Jem's not ready for an equal partnership yet . . . well, I would argue she's not ready for ANY partnership, period.
- I still ship 'em in the end, though. When they're both older. That One Scene . . . it was . . . it was . . . *buries head in hands and squeals very quietly*
- That's the thing about Rinaldi; she's super good at conveying passion without it being over-the-top or cheesy in any way. I want to write like that, one day. <3
Overall, this was an excellent historical drama, and I highly recommend it--as long as the reader understands that the whole student/teacher aspect is very much a "Don't Try This At Home" thing ;) I loved reading it; and I am so very grateful to the wonderful friend who sent me this book as a Christmas present *hugs friend* :)
Yes, I didn't 100%, completely approve of the romance here--but you know what? In the end, that hardly MATTERED. Because, as with all Ann Rinaldi books . . . this is about so much more than just romance. This is why she's my favorite historical fiction author. She takes what most other writers would just make a conventional "love story," and she crams in so. much. more.
Such as:
- Rich, realistic family dynamics. I absolutely loved Jem's relationships with both her parents. Let's hear it for strong parent-child bonds in YA fiction, am I right?? They were stern with her (and believe me, she needed it); but they struck a good balance between sternness and understanding. They allowed her room to grow. And they continually challenged her mind; forcing her to think through her own actions and reactions and the consequences thereof. Especially her dad. Man, I loved him <3 Intellectual debate at the breakfast table for the WIN.
- Which made it all the more impactful when
- Jem's relationship with her brother Daniel was fabulous, too. I loved Daniel; he was plain and matter-of-fact and kind. Good man. *hugs him*
- The nuanced & balanced portrayal of complex historical circumstances. This is where Ann Rinaldi shines like no other author I know--especially in her Revolutionary War stories. She never pretends that the Patriots in her books have some kind of automatic "moral high ground" over the Tories or the British; no, she makes them WORK for it. They have to prove that they're good people. They don't get a free pass just for being "Americans." And she forces her characters to confront their own moral inconsistencies, too. Jem spends most of the book declaiming about FREEDOM and JUSTICE, yet is thoughtlessly & carelessly hostile towards her family's slave, Lucy--whom her parents are working hard to free, by the way. It is only towards the climax, as she matures, that Jem finally begins to understand why Lucy's freedom is every bit as important as her own: without Lucy, the Revolution itself is meaningless. It's a very powerful moment. I Very Much Approved. *nods*
- The story's strong, yet subtle theme, encapsulated in the title, Time Enough for Drums. It's hard to explain exactly what this means if you haven't read the story; but trust me, it's really important. And I was very inspired. <3
- The beautiful flashes of description throughout. Rinaldi isn't one to flood you with sensory details; but when she does slip a few in--she makes them count. I am a fan.
Now, I suppose I should address the romance itself? Because this is the one area I wasn't totally cool with:
- It's a student-teacher relationship.
- Which bugs me. Because I work as a teacher and we're Not Allowed To Do That. Nor should we be allowed to do that; it's an abuse of power and lends itself to all kinds of nastiness. Stay safe, kids. Seriously.
- Howeverrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, given what I know of this particular time period [Colonial era]--it seems people then didn't necessarily have the same view of student-teacher relationships as we do now. In this story, the girl's parents are actually [subtly] encouraging the match, once the girl technically becomes "of age" (16). Which, I believe, is a pretty realistic depiction. Especially since the guy was roughly on the same social footing as the girl's family (maybe SLIGHTLY lower? But not low enough for there to be class-based objections, as there would have been in a super-rich family who hired a tutor of much lowlier station. Etc.)
- Now on to the specifics of the relationship itself:
- THE CHEMISTRY WAS REALLY STRONG. I'm just gonna go ahead and admit that. Even with all the above reasons for disapproval, I was reading through some of these scenes and murmuring to myself, "dang it, I ship them." Personality-wise, Jem and John Reid were essentially a perfect match, and that's a fact. Both pretty headstrong, and sorta-kinda-arrogant, but they both had firm internal principles and cared very much about Doing Right. In their own ways. And the Romantic Tension in all their banter and sparring was very real & very palpable. Sarcasm galore. It was good stuff, I'm not gonna lie.
- Also, when he kissed her for the first time, I had #feelings. I just couldn't help it. DARN YOU, ANN RINALDI.
- Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut . . . even with all that . . . I still firmly believe that it would've been much better if they had waited to Confess Their Love until she was (let's say) 18 or 19, instead of 16. And yes, I am very much aware that 16 and 24 was considered a normal age dynamic for the time period--but here's the thing. At 16, Jem was still super immature. Childish and impulsive and irrational and the rest of it. She may have technically been seen as an "adult" in their society; but the fact remains that she WAS NOT AN ADULT by any mental standard; and nobody knew that better than the man who was assigned to tutor her, John Reid. Because HE'S the one who's constantly putting up with her immaturity and all the problems it creates. So what happens is, for several years there at the beginning of their romantic relationship, he's still periodically slipping back into that "teacher" role and exercising a teacher's authority over her, and that aspect of it did make me profoundly uncomfortable. Because that's not an equal partnership. And if Jem's not ready for an equal partnership yet . . . well, I would argue she's not ready for ANY partnership, period.
- I still ship 'em in the end, though. When they're both older. That One Scene . . . it was . . . it was . . . *buries head in hands and squeals very quietly*
- That's the thing about Rinaldi; she's super good at conveying passion without it being over-the-top or cheesy in any way. I want to write like that, one day. <3
Overall, this was an excellent historical drama, and I highly recommend it--as long as the reader understands that the whole student/teacher aspect is very much a "Don't Try This At Home" thing ;) I loved reading it; and I am so very grateful to the wonderful friend who sent me this book as a Christmas present *hugs friend* :)
November 8, 2022
Almost perfect young adult historical fiction.
Amazingly good historical accuracy. Reading this book (with author's note) you can be sure you weren't misled. In another word, it could be an interesting addition or introduction to a lesson about American Revolutionary War for teenagers, especially for girls.
The storytelling was engaging. There was no place for boredom.
Likable and rather complex characters.
A charming love story.
Nice and wise messages for (not only) young people.
It was a really good example of the genre. But, it was a tiny difference, there was something (or there was lacking something) that didn't make it an amazing novel of the genre to me (like e.g. Cluny Brown, Daddy-Long-Legs, I Capture the Castle or A Northern Light).
For more, I recommend the review by Katie Hanna.
PS I am going to read more by Ann Rinaldi.
Amazingly good historical accuracy. Reading this book (with author's note) you can be sure you weren't misled. In another word, it could be an interesting addition or introduction to a lesson about American Revolutionary War for teenagers, especially for girls.
The storytelling was engaging. There was no place for boredom.
Likable and rather complex characters.
A charming love story.
Nice and wise messages for (not only) young people.
And in that moment I possessed and lost the whole world and everything in it and was left with the feeling and the knowledge, which is love, that no matter how we give ourselves we always end up losing. That to love is to lose, the moment we agree to the bargain. And that, being human, we keep standing there wanting to lose more.
Because I had already resolved that if you're afraid of love, your heart will break anyway, only in not half so nice a fashion as it does when you let somebody love you.
It was a really good example of the genre. But, it was a tiny difference, there was something (or there was lacking something) that didn't make it an amazing novel of the genre to me (like e.g. Cluny Brown, Daddy-Long-Legs, I Capture the Castle or A Northern Light).
For more, I recommend the review by Katie Hanna.
PS I am going to read more by Ann Rinaldi.
dnf
March 14, 2019I didn’t get far into this book, only 17% before I decided to just drop it. I see a lot of people liking it, but I don’t share that with them. Usually if a book grips me from the first chapter, even first page, I’m going to continue reading it (obviously), however here nothing griped me; I read it and it felt distant, that probably has something to do with the narration which was too simplistic for my liking.
It doesn’t help that I found the main character, Jemima, a tad annoying or maybe her age has something to with it. I understand having your opinion about something/someone and sticking by it, but openly, and repeatedly, accusing people because they don’t share your believes didn’t sit right with me. Also the part where she says if she was her father she would never set Lucy free, a slave in their household, made me dislike her so much and she said it solely because Lucy told her to get ready. Such a childish behavior.
And, of course, there’s that tutor-student thing. I don’t like it. And with tutor-student thing comes age difference. I so don’t like it.
As I haven’t read many works that have old English pronouns (I wonder why) I found it difficult to concentrate on reading those parts as it really stood out to me. It appeared as there were too many pronouns in a dialogue.
It doesn’t help that I found the main character, Jemima, a tad annoying or maybe her age has something to with it. I understand having your opinion about something/someone and sticking by it, but openly, and repeatedly, accusing people because they don’t share your believes didn’t sit right with me. Also the part where she says if she was her father she would never set Lucy free, a slave in their household, made me dislike her so much and she said it solely because Lucy told her to get ready. Such a childish behavior.
And, of course, there’s that tutor-student thing. I don’t like it. And with tutor-student thing comes age difference. I so don’t like it.
As I haven’t read many works that have old English pronouns (I wonder why) I found it difficult to concentrate on reading those parts as it really stood out to me. It appeared as there were too many pronouns in a dialogue.
February 14, 2019
Oh my, this book was so captivating I have read it more than once. The time period is amazing, and the plot so exciting. I would give this a 10 out of 5 🌟's
January 17, 2013
Ann Rinaldi has become a household name in YA historical fiction, and this is one of her most acclaimed books. It’s been on my reading list for some time. The year is 1775, and fifteen-year-old Jemima Emerson is a headstrong young lady. She’s not a bad child; she simply doesn’t think before she acts, and Mr. John Reid, her tutor (and a hated Tory), is determined to turn her into a lady. She resists with everything she has.
But war has a way of making one grow up. Jem’s brother, Daniel, fulfills a commission under General Washington. Her merchant father sacrifices much to supply the army. Her mother writes essays under a pseudonym that appear all over the American colonies. And her boyfriend, younger brother, and servant all leave to fight. Her sister moves away and marries a British officer. All these events have consequences. Then the dangers of war come directly to Jem’s home town of Trenton along with the occupying British army. In the meantime, the tutor Jem so despises ends up being more than he seems.
This is a tremendous coming of age story that takes place during the American Revolution, one of my favorite historical time periods. There were so many forces at work, so many players, so many changes, and so much at stake. It’s fascinating! Ms. Rinaldi does a tremendous job boiling it all down and illustrating how all those factors came to affect one family. And the independence theme comes through loud and clear, both on a national level and a personal one.
Ms. Rinaldi’s greatest strength, however, is the strong characters she creates. Jem is a complex girl living in a complex time, and John Reid is the perfect counterpoint for her. Just like Jem, I couldn’t stand him at first. But the interaction between them kept me turning pages, even if the romance that develops between them was a bit predictable. Their strong bond serves to emphasize the horribleness of war.
I would rate Time Enough for Drums in the 12+ YA category because of that same horribleness. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s all-encompassing. War is always terrible, and in this case, the details are probably best left to an older audience. It also has a few mild profanities.
Highly, highly recommended historical fiction.
But war has a way of making one grow up. Jem’s brother, Daniel, fulfills a commission under General Washington. Her merchant father sacrifices much to supply the army. Her mother writes essays under a pseudonym that appear all over the American colonies. And her boyfriend, younger brother, and servant all leave to fight. Her sister moves away and marries a British officer. All these events have consequences. Then the dangers of war come directly to Jem’s home town of Trenton along with the occupying British army. In the meantime, the tutor Jem so despises ends up being more than he seems.
This is a tremendous coming of age story that takes place during the American Revolution, one of my favorite historical time periods. There were so many forces at work, so many players, so many changes, and so much at stake. It’s fascinating! Ms. Rinaldi does a tremendous job boiling it all down and illustrating how all those factors came to affect one family. And the independence theme comes through loud and clear, both on a national level and a personal one.
Ms. Rinaldi’s greatest strength, however, is the strong characters she creates. Jem is a complex girl living in a complex time, and John Reid is the perfect counterpoint for her. Just like Jem, I couldn’t stand him at first. But the interaction between them kept me turning pages, even if the romance that develops between them was a bit predictable. Their strong bond serves to emphasize the horribleness of war.
I would rate Time Enough for Drums in the 12+ YA category because of that same horribleness. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s all-encompassing. War is always terrible, and in this case, the details are probably best left to an older audience. It also has a few mild profanities.
Highly, highly recommended historical fiction.
September 11, 2009
I thought this was quite good, but felt that the romance between Jem and John Reid resolved too quickly. I enjoyed the romantic tension that was sizzling between them at the start but by only about 1/3 of the way through they'd declared their love for each other and he'd nicked off leaving her pining for him at home, NOT as fun!
Although on that note, he did seem to enjoy excercising his power over her a LITTLE bit too much, plus the fact that he was nine years older than her and she was only 15 at the start... a tad offputting.
However, the history bits were quite interesting and other than those minor issues it was a good easy read.
Also I didn't like the picture on the front. If that's supposed to be John he looks MUCH too young, and she looks like an 80s bride with a spiral perm.
Although on that note, he did seem to enjoy excercising his power over her a LITTLE bit too much, plus the fact that he was nine years older than her and she was only 15 at the start... a tad offputting.
However, the history bits were quite interesting and other than those minor issues it was a good easy read.
Also I didn't like the picture on the front. If that's supposed to be John he looks MUCH too young, and she looks like an 80s bride with a spiral perm.
July 14, 2019
There were some great moments in this book. I loved how Jemima would, in the middle of a mind rant about how much she hated her tutor John Reid, mention his good looks, or muscular arms...
He was beastly and I hated him. We did geography and French and Latin and sums for four hours while Raymond's letter sat between us.
....Oh he knew he was handsome, all right. He strutted about the room when he lectured on geography or listened to my French and Latin pronunciation, ever aware of the breadth of his shoulders under his well-cut coat and the six feet of height that nature had blessed him with.
Hoho. Unfortunately, there were other times when Reid just seemed controlling, and so much older than Jem. Oh well, it's a fun, quick, young adult historical fiction read, more concerned with Jem's day to day doings (especially concerning John Reid) than detailing the War of Independence, but you do pick up interesting facts here and there.
He was beastly and I hated him. We did geography and French and Latin and sums for four hours while Raymond's letter sat between us.
....Oh he knew he was handsome, all right. He strutted about the room when he lectured on geography or listened to my French and Latin pronunciation, ever aware of the breadth of his shoulders under his well-cut coat and the six feet of height that nature had blessed him with.
Hoho. Unfortunately, there were other times when Reid just seemed controlling, and so much older than Jem. Oh well, it's a fun, quick, young adult historical fiction read, more concerned with Jem's day to day doings (especially concerning John Reid) than detailing the War of Independence, but you do pick up interesting facts here and there.
August 2, 2010
I finally wrote up a review of this book! It's an old favorite! I wrote it up for my blog, Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing (and, it looks/reads better there, because all the HTML is viewable! :) )
Time Enough for Drums is the one of three reasons I decided in 8th grade that it was okay to read and enjoy more than murder mysteries. (Robin McKinley is reason one and two but more on that later.) Because this book is one that I credit with vastly expanding my literary horizons, I'm going to tell you that this book is basically amazing (5 stars). However, I understand and recognize that if I were to read this for the first time now, I imagine my rating would be more along the lines of pretty awesome (3.5 to 4 stars).
Time Enough for Drums is enchanting. Jemima, (Jem) our heroine, is a strong, well crafted character. Although she is young, she has strong convictions, intense loyalties and a vast capacity for love and other emotions. When war breaks out between the colonies and the British, Jem knows which side she'll be rooting for. Her and her family and strong patriots who believe in what the colonists Americans are fighting for. Imagine the outrage when headstrong 15 year old Jem is forced to suffer through tutoring sessions with that horrid Tory John Reid. Although John has been a friend of the family for some time, Jem is none too fond of him. He is a strict tutor who demands respect and compliance and tells her what to do. Plus, he's a Tory.
I'll admit, this book is fairly predictable. It isn't terribly hard to figure out some of the major plot points, but in this story, that almost seems irrelevant. It doesn't matter that the storyline flows in a relatively straight and predictable manner, because Jem has such a hard time walking along it and that is where we find the great elements of this novel. There are also enough offshoots and unexpected moments that the story never feels trite or contrived. It is in large part due to those small side routes that we are able to see a true change in Jem from the spoiled and stubborn young 15 year old girl who will abandon her lessons at the drop of a hat (or the whinny of her horse) into a responsible, mature and determined young woman. War changes people. It changes some for the better, while bringing out the worst in others. Jem is one of the strong ones, truly changed for the positive and I consider myself lucky that I was able to watch her grow and learn what it means to be an adult.
Jem finds herself in many tough situations that really challenge her thinking, and force her to evaluate who she is, what she wants from life and what she is willing to sacrifice in order to achieve it. Some of the decisions Jem is forced to make are incredibly hard and have the potential to be seriously detrimental to the people she loves and cares for. These decisions were handled in an honest and realistic manner that made Jemima's character all the more real.
I also believe Rinaldi did a wonderful job contrasting the colonists with the British without turning the British or the British sympathizers into villains or stock characters. They were people too standing up for what they believed in, and trying to act as they found best. Rinaldi is also a master at knowing just how much information to include. She added just enough of the history within the story that I learned something but I never felt overwhelmed by all the details shoved into every single crack and crevice in the story. It always makes for awkward reading when you come away with the feeling that the author just had to show off how much research they did. This tends to bog the book down heavily and really disrupt the flow of the story. There was none of that in this book. Rinaldi transports the reader back in time, allowing us to experience life along with Jemima. There were moments after reading this book (every time) where I halfway expected to walk out of my house into the cobblestone streets in my petticoats and bonnet to fetch fresh fruits from the market. And I was almost always disappointed when I realize I'm a few hundred years late. (And then I remember indoor plumbing and tic-tacs and I'm happy again.)
Time Enough for Drums is a story that I connect with on several levels. I love Jemima's strong patriotism, her desire to do what she believes to be right and her fierce devotion to those she loves. I respect the choices that characters make when they are fighting to preserve what is most dear to them. And yes, there's also that part of my that just loves the happy ending.
One of the most amazing scenes in this book is when Jemima stands at the bottom of the Courthouse steps listening to community members read the Declaration of Independence. Although she doesn't stay for the entire reading (sigh... what a bummer) the emotions of the nameless characters experiencing it with her seep from the pages. You can feel the excitement and the energy is almost tangible. Perhaps it is because our Independence Day just passed, but at this moment, if I were able to visit one day or one event in history, I would choose to attend one of the readings of the Declaration of Independence. It is such an important and decisive moment in American history. It means so much to me personally, but I can't even begin to imagine how much more it meant to the people it was written for. They felt the bonds of tyranny and this document was the first blow to those chains. How powerful would it have been to have listened to those words read for the first time, and truly begun to believe that you could be free.
Although it is not the most complex story I've read about the revolutionary war, nor the most intense, it is one that has stayed with me over the years because of the emotions it invokes. It leaves me with a strong feeling of love and support for my country. (As well as the strong desire to hug my sister and tell her how much I love her.)
Time Enough for Drums is the one of three reasons I decided in 8th grade that it was okay to read and enjoy more than murder mysteries. (Robin McKinley is reason one and two but more on that later.) Because this book is one that I credit with vastly expanding my literary horizons, I'm going to tell you that this book is basically amazing (5 stars). However, I understand and recognize that if I were to read this for the first time now, I imagine my rating would be more along the lines of pretty awesome (3.5 to 4 stars).
Time Enough for Drums is enchanting. Jemima, (Jem) our heroine, is a strong, well crafted character. Although she is young, she has strong convictions, intense loyalties and a vast capacity for love and other emotions. When war breaks out between the colonies and the British, Jem knows which side she'll be rooting for. Her and her family and strong patriots who believe in what the colonists Americans are fighting for. Imagine the outrage when headstrong 15 year old Jem is forced to suffer through tutoring sessions with that horrid Tory John Reid. Although John has been a friend of the family for some time, Jem is none too fond of him. He is a strict tutor who demands respect and compliance and tells her what to do. Plus, he's a Tory.
I'll admit, this book is fairly predictable. It isn't terribly hard to figure out some of the major plot points, but in this story, that almost seems irrelevant. It doesn't matter that the storyline flows in a relatively straight and predictable manner, because Jem has such a hard time walking along it and that is where we find the great elements of this novel. There are also enough offshoots and unexpected moments that the story never feels trite or contrived. It is in large part due to those small side routes that we are able to see a true change in Jem from the spoiled and stubborn young 15 year old girl who will abandon her lessons at the drop of a hat (or the whinny of her horse) into a responsible, mature and determined young woman. War changes people. It changes some for the better, while bringing out the worst in others. Jem is one of the strong ones, truly changed for the positive and I consider myself lucky that I was able to watch her grow and learn what it means to be an adult.
Jem finds herself in many tough situations that really challenge her thinking, and force her to evaluate who she is, what she wants from life and what she is willing to sacrifice in order to achieve it. Some of the decisions Jem is forced to make are incredibly hard and have the potential to be seriously detrimental to the people she loves and cares for. These decisions were handled in an honest and realistic manner that made Jemima's character all the more real.
I also believe Rinaldi did a wonderful job contrasting the colonists with the British without turning the British or the British sympathizers into villains or stock characters. They were people too standing up for what they believed in, and trying to act as they found best. Rinaldi is also a master at knowing just how much information to include. She added just enough of the history within the story that I learned something but I never felt overwhelmed by all the details shoved into every single crack and crevice in the story. It always makes for awkward reading when you come away with the feeling that the author just had to show off how much research they did. This tends to bog the book down heavily and really disrupt the flow of the story. There was none of that in this book. Rinaldi transports the reader back in time, allowing us to experience life along with Jemima. There were moments after reading this book (every time) where I halfway expected to walk out of my house into the cobblestone streets in my petticoats and bonnet to fetch fresh fruits from the market. And I was almost always disappointed when I realize I'm a few hundred years late. (And then I remember indoor plumbing and tic-tacs and I'm happy again.)
Time Enough for Drums is a story that I connect with on several levels. I love Jemima's strong patriotism, her desire to do what she believes to be right and her fierce devotion to those she loves. I respect the choices that characters make when they are fighting to preserve what is most dear to them. And yes, there's also that part of my that just loves the happy ending.
One of the most amazing scenes in this book is when Jemima stands at the bottom of the Courthouse steps listening to community members read the Declaration of Independence. Although she doesn't stay for the entire reading (sigh... what a bummer) the emotions of the nameless characters experiencing it with her seep from the pages. You can feel the excitement and the energy is almost tangible. Perhaps it is because our Independence Day just passed, but at this moment, if I were able to visit one day or one event in history, I would choose to attend one of the readings of the Declaration of Independence. It is such an important and decisive moment in American history. It means so much to me personally, but I can't even begin to imagine how much more it meant to the people it was written for. They felt the bonds of tyranny and this document was the first blow to those chains. How powerful would it have been to have listened to those words read for the first time, and truly begun to believe that you could be free.
Although it is not the most complex story I've read about the revolutionary war, nor the most intense, it is one that has stayed with me over the years because of the emotions it invokes. It leaves me with a strong feeling of love and support for my country. (As well as the strong desire to hug my sister and tell her how much I love her.)
December 22, 2024
Lowering my rating to four stars upon my reread.
I finally reread my favorite book by one of my favorite childhood authors. I think it’s probably the most romantic of her books. Did it hold up to my memories? Not quite. I don’t think it aged very well. Reading it now, the romance is a bit cringe, because not only is the romantic interest the main character’s tutor, but he could be pretty controlling at times! I’m sure it was closer to accurate given the time period, but still... I’m not sure I would want a preteen reading this book and idolizing the romance in this story. I mean, John told Jemima to stop her silly crying on at least one occasion... NOT cool. I’m hoping he was halfway joking. Sigh. I still really enjoyed rereading this book. I thought it was a good blend of romance, history, and family dynamics. I’d forgotten it took place in New Jersey, so that was kind of cool. I think some readers will get annoyed with Jemima’s spoiled personality, but should keep in mind that at the start of the novel, she is only 15, and is free-spirited in nature. She did show some growth by the end of the book. If you’re looking for a clean YA historical fiction about the American Revolution, you may enjoy this story; however, I am hesitant to recommend it to everyone due to some of the controlling nature of the love interest.
Content info (may contain minor spoilers!):
Slavery, racism and prejudice, death (including a family member), war-related content, grief/mental illness, numerous uses of the word “damn/damnit” but no other cursing. Age gap, enemies to lovers, closed door romance.
I finally reread my favorite book by one of my favorite childhood authors. I think it’s probably the most romantic of her books. Did it hold up to my memories? Not quite. I don’t think it aged very well. Reading it now, the romance is a bit cringe, because not only is the romantic interest the main character’s tutor, but he could be pretty controlling at times! I’m sure it was closer to accurate given the time period, but still... I’m not sure I would want a preteen reading this book and idolizing the romance in this story. I mean, John told Jemima to stop her silly crying on at least one occasion... NOT cool. I’m hoping he was halfway joking. Sigh. I still really enjoyed rereading this book. I thought it was a good blend of romance, history, and family dynamics. I’d forgotten it took place in New Jersey, so that was kind of cool. I think some readers will get annoyed with Jemima’s spoiled personality, but should keep in mind that at the start of the novel, she is only 15, and is free-spirited in nature. She did show some growth by the end of the book. If you’re looking for a clean YA historical fiction about the American Revolution, you may enjoy this story; however, I am hesitant to recommend it to everyone due to some of the controlling nature of the love interest.
Content info (may contain minor spoilers!):
Slavery, racism and prejudice, death (including a family member), war-related content, grief/mental illness, numerous uses of the word “damn/damnit” but no other cursing. Age gap, enemies to lovers, closed door romance.
August 15, 2017
I remember loving Ann Rinaldi historical fiction as a teen, so when a podcast about childhood favorites mentioned this one I immediately ordered it from the library. I'm a sucker right now for Revolutionary War stories, fueled by my love of Hamilton: the Musical, and AMC's drama Turn: Washington's Spies.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, YA sensibilities have changed a bit in the thirty years since this book was published. I found the romance and the power dynamic displayed therein to be moderately appalling - tutor John Reid demanded complete obedience from the girl he supposedly loved to distraction (I admit that this is probably more historically accurate to the sexism of the time than something I would have found more palatable). Main character Jemima is also problematic in that she's overly defiant without being smart or having good reasons for her actions. There are some good portions that describe what being a civilian during the war must have been like: seeing opposing troops battle in your town, having your home requisitioned by the military. However, the heartwarming and squishy romance that was promised just felt icky to me. I guess that this is one instance where the book didn't hold up over time. Or maybe I could have read and loved this as a kid, but not with mature eyes.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, YA sensibilities have changed a bit in the thirty years since this book was published. I found the romance and the power dynamic displayed therein to be moderately appalling - tutor John Reid demanded complete obedience from the girl he supposedly loved to distraction (I admit that this is probably more historically accurate to the sexism of the time than something I would have found more palatable). Main character Jemima is also problematic in that she's overly defiant without being smart or having good reasons for her actions. There are some good portions that describe what being a civilian during the war must have been like: seeing opposing troops battle in your town, having your home requisitioned by the military. However, the heartwarming and squishy romance that was promised just felt icky to me. I guess that this is one instance where the book didn't hold up over time. Or maybe I could have read and loved this as a kid, but not with mature eyes.
February 15, 2018
0 stars. Negative stars.
Poorly drawn characters, stilted dialogue, a lack of any kind of building setting, terrible editing.
("Thee" is an object while "thou" is a subject. "Thee" does not do anything. "Thou" does something.) Throw into it a relationship that involves grooming, an uneven power dynamic, and threats of abuse and you have yourself a 1980s children's romance! While I'm sometimes willing to concede that one can allow large age gaps in relationships and threats of physical trauma in a book on the grounds of historical accuracy, not much about this book seemed accurate. It seemed more like the author was trying to portray Jem's relationship with John as a healthy one without going into what could have been wrong with it. Without that analysis, I think it's dangerous to have in a children's book.
Complete garbage.
Poorly drawn characters, stilted dialogue, a lack of any kind of building setting, terrible editing.
("Thee" is an object while "thou" is a subject. "Thee" does not do anything. "Thou" does something.) Throw into it a relationship that involves grooming, an uneven power dynamic, and threats of abuse and you have yourself a 1980s children's romance! While I'm sometimes willing to concede that one can allow large age gaps in relationships and threats of physical trauma in a book on the grounds of historical accuracy, not much about this book seemed accurate. It seemed more like the author was trying to portray Jem's relationship with John as a healthy one without going into what could have been wrong with it. Without that analysis, I think it's dangerous to have in a children's book.
Complete garbage.
October 16, 2017
Ann Rinaldi was my jam when I was twelve, and this book was my very favorite. There was NOTHING more romantic than Jemima and John's scenes together (other than maybe Anne and Gilbert), but the story was also dramatic and heart-wrenching and multilayered, with complex characters struggling to survive terrible things.. The family's relationship, pulled apart by war, is so well drawn. As a teen, I appreciated that Ms. Rinaldi didn't make the period feel sugar-coated or romanticized, and it's books like this that made me want to study history. I loved revisiting this.
September 3, 2010
I LOVED this book!!!!!! All thanks to dear Kelsey, who gave it to me as a wonderful birthday present! It was such a refreshing breeze to be able to read a really good book after the last two I read, which were both pretty poor. But "Time Enough For Drums" was excellent; Ann Rinaldi did an AWESOME job of making it suspenseful and dramatic--and romantic too:) I would highly recommend it!
March 9, 2015
This was such a great book! All of the historical facts were acurate, so that naturally made a history nerd like me really happy. I loved John and Jem's relationship, as well as her relationship with her brothers. This book was such a good read!
April 13, 2019
HOLY GUACAMOLE! This book was SO GOOD. I’m such a history buff, and this book was right up my alley! Plus the romance was SWOON WORTHY!
June 16, 2023
I discovered Ann Rinaldi's books as a teen and loved them, and I still tend to enjoy them today. I find myself easily moving through the story and can finish them fairly quickly, which is nice. But I was less enamored with this one. The historical setting was good and the pacing was what I typically expect from Rinaldi, until the end of the book. The last few chapters felt very rushed and choppy. Most of the book covers the span of just a few months, and then suddenly time is flying by and years are covered in just a few pages.
A lot of what happens near the end is also sad and depressing. I suppose it does a good job of showing all the casualties of war, but because it's done in such a rushed way, it loses something and doesn't balance the pain with enough hope for the future. I found the mother's situation particularly jarring.
But the main reason I could not enjoy this book more was the central romance. I just couldn't get on board with it, and since that's the main focus of the story, I couldn't just ignore it either.
A lot of what happens near the end is also sad and depressing. I suppose it does a good job of showing all the casualties of war, but because it's done in such a rushed way, it loses something and doesn't balance the pain with enough hope for the future. I found the mother's situation particularly jarring.
But the main reason I could not enjoy this book more was the central romance. I just couldn't get on board with it, and since that's the main focus of the story, I couldn't just ignore it either.
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March 16, 20224 stars | A- 90% | Ages 14+| (People over 12 could read this but I certainly didn’t enjoy it or appreciate it at 12.) After being persuaded to read this for YEARS by my mom, I have finally done it! *congratulatory pat on the back*
In the beginning, Jemima was a feisty, immature, 15-year-old girl, but her character arc was great. This book was a coming-of-age story and she really did come of age. John Reid was so swoon worthy. It felt really weird that he was 9 years older than her, but his personality was amazing. He was such a great tutor (and then boyfriend) and didn’t take her crap, but was still so gentle and sweet. I wanted to slap Becky into a wall, and then some. She was just so hateable and I really did hate her guts. Her Indian uncle, Canoe was so amazing and her grandpa was as well.
I really did enjoy this story. I went into it thinking it was more of a love story, but it’s definitely more of a coming-of-age story with a love story as a subplot. I really appreciated this, because I hate books that have romance as the main plot. It makes it extremely boring, and this book wasn’t boring at all. The revolutionary war was a great setting. I thought it was so sad that her dad died and her mom became closed off because of the shock and guilt.
The writing was okay. It wasn’t spectacular, but it got the point across. It’s pretty weird to read stand-alone novels after reading series with complex plots, but it was still entertaining. I found it really weird that out of nowhere it was like “OMG JOHN’S A SPY” but like other than that, I thought it was great.
I truly enjoyed this book, though it was definitely a one time read. This is one of my mom’s favorite books and while I didn’t love it, I wasn’t disappointed. I honestly think anyone could enjoy this book. It’s just up to preference whether or not you love it.
In the beginning, Jemima was a feisty, immature, 15-year-old girl, but her character arc was great. This book was a coming-of-age story and she really did come of age. John Reid was so swoon worthy. It felt really weird that he was 9 years older than her, but his personality was amazing. He was such a great tutor (and then boyfriend) and didn’t take her crap, but was still so gentle and sweet. I wanted to slap Becky into a wall, and then some. She was just so hateable and I really did hate her guts. Her Indian uncle, Canoe was so amazing and her grandpa was as well.
I really did enjoy this story. I went into it thinking it was more of a love story, but it’s definitely more of a coming-of-age story with a love story as a subplot. I really appreciated this, because I hate books that have romance as the main plot. It makes it extremely boring, and this book wasn’t boring at all. The revolutionary war was a great setting. I thought it was so sad that her dad died and her mom became closed off because of the shock and guilt.
The writing was okay. It wasn’t spectacular, but it got the point across. It’s pretty weird to read stand-alone novels after reading series with complex plots, but it was still entertaining. I found it really weird that out of nowhere it was like “OMG JOHN’S A SPY” but like other than that, I thought it was great.
I truly enjoyed this book, though it was definitely a one time read. This is one of my mom’s favorite books and while I didn’t love it, I wasn’t disappointed. I honestly think anyone could enjoy this book. It’s just up to preference whether or not you love it.
February 1, 2016
Time Enough for Drums
This is another historical book from Ann Rinaldi that deals with the Revolutionary War. Jemina Emerson is 15, a Patriot, and a rather headstrong and opinionated young girl. John Reid, a supposed Tory, is hired to be her tutor, and for a good while things do not go well between them.
Things get more complicated as the town, already split between Tories and Patriots, has to endure armies of both sides coming through the town. The Hessians, fighting on the side of the British, seem to be a rather brutal group.
Things rapidly get worse for her as her father is killed, her mother seems to go pretty much insane, her tutor turns out not who he appears to be at all, and there's no way of telling which army will occupy the town next.
One of the really good things about Rinaldi's novels is that they deal not only with the lives of the central characters, but show how things like the Revolutionary War and the Civil War affected the entire town that the main characters live in. They show that matters were not clear-cut at all, and not everyone supported the same side.
Another good book in the series.
October 18, 2009
I read this novel after completing Rinaldi's, The Last Silk Dress, and honestly it felt like the same story only transferred into the American Revolution time period. However, it was very enjoyable. Jemima is a young woman attempting to be accepted as a lady, however she is very stubborn in her rebel ways. She loves the patriot cause, and is disgusted by the politics of her Tory tutor, until she comes accross documents proving that John is actually a spy for Washington. Holding this precious information and his life in her hands makes them grow close, and eventually blossoms into a romance. The novel addresses issues of war, and difficulty in labeling people as the enemy, as well as the courage and danger in standing up and fighting for one's beliefs. Her mother secretly right Patriot news pieces, that when discovered costs her father his life and sends her mother into an emotional collapse. I love historical fiction, so this was right down my ally. It was alot of fun to read, and it brought to my memory loads of facts I recalled learning years ago in American History!
May 11, 2016
While TIME ENOUGH FOR DRUMS is a good little book about life during the Revolutionary War, I see a lot of similarities between it and William Lavender's JUST JANE - Life during wartime, families split on different sides, the controversy of slavery in a country fighting for its freedom, the love interest turned spy for the American Army, and more. However, JUST JANE is about a noble born lady who finds her place as a Patriot, whereas TIME ENOUGH FOR DRUMS features a feisty young lady whose family is all doing their part for The Cause.
And while I think I'm a bit older than TIME ENOUGH FOR DRUMS'S intended audience, I still enjoyed it. It's obvious that the author did a lot of research to ensure events from the story fit into the timeline of the war, and that the situations at home are as true to history as possible.
And while I think I'm a bit older than TIME ENOUGH FOR DRUMS'S intended audience, I still enjoyed it. It's obvious that the author did a lot of research to ensure events from the story fit into the timeline of the war, and that the situations at home are as true to history as possible.
May 8, 2012
Great historical fiction read, for kids ages 10-14. Use to teach the American Revolution unit in history class.
Time Enough For Drums was set in the 1700s during the Revolutionary War time. I like being able to see the War through a different perspective. Jem, a 15-year-old girl is telling the story. I thought the book was interesting because it also noted significant historical events while still keeping you hooked. During the end of the book, though it started getting very sappy and a lot of disappointments happened all at once. It was very clever of Ann Rinaldi to do it through a regular colonist’s perspective because I got to see what one person would think of George Washington and what they felt during the war. Overall, I think Time Enough For Drums was a good read, while also giving you historical facts about the war. --by 5th grader Veronica
Time Enough For Drums was set in the 1700s during the Revolutionary War time. I like being able to see the War through a different perspective. Jem, a 15-year-old girl is telling the story. I thought the book was interesting because it also noted significant historical events while still keeping you hooked. During the end of the book, though it started getting very sappy and a lot of disappointments happened all at once. It was very clever of Ann Rinaldi to do it through a regular colonist’s perspective because I got to see what one person would think of George Washington and what they felt during the war. Overall, I think Time Enough For Drums was a good read, while also giving you historical facts about the war. --by 5th grader Veronica
October 20, 2016
I think I got obsessed with Ann Rinaldi in the fifth grade. Pretty sure I went through a phase where I read every book the library had from her and waited with bated breath for new ones.
I don't love her books quite as much as I did then. I haven't read any of her books written since 2008 or so. Despite the love affair ending, Time Enough for Drums will always hold a place in my book affections.
Now that I think more about it, I had a love/hate affair with her books. There were some that I loved ( An Acquaintance With Darkness ) and some that I hated ( Brooklyn Rose ). And, well, probably a lot that I felt meh about since I can't remember more than a handful that have stuck with me in some way.
I don't love her books quite as much as I did then. I haven't read any of her books written since 2008 or so. Despite the love affair ending, Time Enough for Drums will always hold a place in my book affections.
Now that I think more about it, I had a love/hate affair with her books. There were some that I loved ( An Acquaintance With Darkness ) and some that I hated ( Brooklyn Rose ). And, well, probably a lot that I felt meh about since I can't remember more than a handful that have stuck with me in some way.
February 16, 2009
Rank in My Top Ten: # 3
Why in My Top Ten: I think this is one of the best historical fictions of all time, though I'm sort of biased because I kind of grew up with this book. I first read it when I was 12 and have read it at least 25 times since then. It is a young adult novel, so the book's themes are tailored for that age group. However, the story of how the revolutionary war affects a 16 year-old girl's family and friends still captivates me every time, even 13 years later. The love story is charming, and while John Reid is no Mr. Darcy, the teenager in me will always hold a soft-spot for him.
Why in My Top Ten: I think this is one of the best historical fictions of all time, though I'm sort of biased because I kind of grew up with this book. I first read it when I was 12 and have read it at least 25 times since then. It is a young adult novel, so the book's themes are tailored for that age group. However, the story of how the revolutionary war affects a 16 year-old girl's family and friends still captivates me every time, even 13 years later. The love story is charming, and while John Reid is no Mr. Darcy, the teenager in me will always hold a soft-spot for him.
June 20, 2009
This is a well written historical romance set in Trenton during the Revolutionary War. The characters come alive as well as the war during that time period. Jemima, a teenage girl, wages constant war with her tutor, John Reid, a supposed Tory. Her brothers are Patriots who go off to fight with Washington, her sister is married to a British officer, and her mother secretly writes pro-rebel essays for the paper. Ann Rinaldi is a real expert at telling an interesting and compelling fictional story while keeping the historical facts surrounding the plot accurate. This is a wonderful book for anyone teenage to adult. I can't wait to read more Ann Rinaldi!
September 29, 2012
The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the main character, Jemima, was supposed to be "spirited". Unfortunately her "spirited" actions were mostly outright disobedience. Other than that, the romance is sweet and clean, the dialog is well written, and the characters are very likable. I do remember writing in my journal that if I were the author I would have made Jemimah hate Mr. Ried a lot longer than she did, because that part of the book was the best. :) That's just my opinion though, I love it when the heroines do that. The sappy mushiness of the romance after he told her could have been put off a bit longer.
December 5, 2019
A perfect example of how a protagonist changes to the worst through the story. She turned from a strong-headed, independent and cool girl into a NERD one . (By the help of John and almost all the other characters)
I wanted the protagonist to be more involved in the war of Independence as the title suggests.
I wanted the protagonist to be more involved in the war of Independence as the title suggests.
May 3, 2010
Such a good historical novel. My favorite of Ann Rinaldi's. She is an amazing history writer. When I was younger I used to scale the library for any new books by her. She was my favorite writer and I still reread my favorites that she has written. This book is about the Revolutionary War in New Jersey. It sort of has a Pride and Prejudice undertone (but most good love stories do). An awesome book.
July 26, 2011
I love this book! Of all the Ann Rinaldi books I've read, this is definitely my favorite! Unlike most of her other novels, it isn't depressing, although there are some sad parts. John Reid is an awesome character, while Jemima is annoying for most of the book. However, she becomes more mature as the Revolutionary War progresses, and by the end of the novel, she becomes a lady. I think it's really cool that Rinaldi's son and daughter posed for the cover of this book as John and Jemima.
March 3, 2019
Not exactly gripping or exciting material but it's alright. I found the main character - Jemime really annoying and her age isn't enough of a reason for her to act the way she does. The student, teacher romance I found a bit icky, even though I tried to view it through the lens of that time period. The fact that her parents encouraged it made it even more... uncomfortable.
An OK read but don't expect anything great.
An OK read but don't expect anything great.
March 31, 2020
So I should preface by saying I'm not usually an Historical Fiction/Romance reader. Nothing against it, just not my usual genre. BUT, when one of my best friends lent me this book and excitedly told me how it was her favorite of all time, I had to read it. And it was amazing!!!!!!
The characters were so real and relatable. Nothing was held back or sugar coated. It was just all in all a great ride Easily one of my favorites for 2020.
The characters were so real and relatable. Nothing was held back or sugar coated. It was just all in all a great ride Easily one of my favorites for 2020.
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