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The Chords of Memory
Across the verdant forests, lush fields, stormy seas, and riotous streets of 1800s America unfurls David Beckett's new adventure, a tale centered on the friendship linking young William Finnegan and wise Thomas Garrett. The author's commitment to biographical research and his gift for engaging dialogue breathe life into a plethora of real-world figures, true 19th Century villains and heroes. In these pages, furtive, anti-government conspirators, voodoo priestesses, dragoon soldiers, savvy politicians, bounty hunters, intrepid explorers, conniving lawyers, commercial tycoons, bold suffragettes, and clever smugglers vie for survival and supremacy, each battling to reshape our young republic. The Chords of Memory tackles complex, nuanced subjects with care and compassion. Ultimately, this rousing work of historical fiction spotlights what's best and bravest in our national character. -- U.N. Ambassador Sichan Siv
318 pages, Paperback
Published January 2, 2018
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 23, 2018
Interesting to learn history of a region and era (1840s) less often studied outside the states. Enjoyed how Beckett’s story connected political events to concurrent developments in Ireland, continental Europe, and the West indies. Not a big romance fan myself, but this book avoided the usual bodice-busting. We enjoyed the writer’s depictions of nature: hiking, hunting, fishing, boating. Glad to find no lachrymose “slavery porn” section; so tired of that cliché. 4.5 stars.
January 25, 2018
I thought this was a really enjoyable book - what a fun read! I'm not going to give any possible spoilers, but this was well written and entertaining.
January 24, 2018
Fantastic! I don't read much about this time period, so I found it very new and exciting. After I finished I just couldn't stop smiling.
January 22, 2018
Fantastic - really great historical novel, highly recommended!
February 24, 2018
Wonderful book! Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I found myself getting lost in beautiful visual descriptions of the landscape. I had often wondered about the mechanics of the underground railroad and this book lent thorough and interesting descriptions about the lifestyle of people in this era. Finnegan and Garrett are heroic, intriguing and brave characters who impacted the lives of many.
January 26, 2018
Entertaining romance adventure novel! Already told a couple of friends about this one.
January 29, 2018
This was great! Why can't more books be this fun to read? I had to tell my dad about this, I know he'll love it! Highly recommended!
March 5, 2018
THE CHORDS OF MEMORY - Another masterpiece of historical fiction from the author of The Cana Mystery. With this novel, Beckett transports us to the ninetenth centyry with finesse and aplomb, all the while handling issues of love and loss, sin and redemption, racism and patriotism. I admire his even-handed prose, appropos to the time and setting, never heay-handed, yet engaging and challenging.
In the novel, Irish-AmericanWilliam Finegan , eager to fight alongside his father in the Mexican-American War, but consigned to care for his mother, finds himself working for a Quaker--an irony that typifies this great country, our melting pot that yields delicious results. Young Finegan discovers that his employer, Thomas Garrett, is the station master for the Underground Railroad’s eastern route. With a tehnique suggestive of Ignatian spirtuality, Beckett offers us the observations of this minor player on a series of historical events during a time of major change in our country, perhaps the most critical point in our history. We meet Garrett, who led 2700 slaves to freedom, and Roger Taney, the supreme court justice who authored the Dredd Scott decision, along with a number of historical figures.
Read this book. You’ll be entertained. You’ll be enlightened. You’ll be challenged to examine your own pre-conceptions.
In the novel, Irish-AmericanWilliam Finegan , eager to fight alongside his father in the Mexican-American War, but consigned to care for his mother, finds himself working for a Quaker--an irony that typifies this great country, our melting pot that yields delicious results. Young Finegan discovers that his employer, Thomas Garrett, is the station master for the Underground Railroad’s eastern route. With a tehnique suggestive of Ignatian spirtuality, Beckett offers us the observations of this minor player on a series of historical events during a time of major change in our country, perhaps the most critical point in our history. We meet Garrett, who led 2700 slaves to freedom, and Roger Taney, the supreme court justice who authored the Dredd Scott decision, along with a number of historical figures.
Read this book. You’ll be entertained. You’ll be enlightened. You’ll be challenged to examine your own pre-conceptions.
January 31, 2018
Gripping adventure novel that takes you back in time - I'm more of an adventure guy, but I'm looking into some more historical fiction after this.
August 23, 2018
Superb! Best Christian Novel with strong anti-racist theme as others stated. Exciting plot. Suspenseful courtroom drama and a marvelous love story without uncomfortable nude scenes. Vivid characters some bad language and violence
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February 1, 2018Very enjoyable and lots of interesting events - I am recommending this to my book club. I think this will lend itself well to various topics we can discuss over some wine. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews