What Ben Franklin Would Have Told Me

by Donna Gordon

"...wonderfully evocative prose..." ~Andre Dubus III WHAT BEN FRANKLIN WOULD HAVE TOLD ME explores the story of Lee, a vibrant thirteen-year-old boy who is facing premature death from Progeria (a premature aging disease); his caretaker TomÁs, a survivor of Argentina's Dirty War, who is searching for his missing wife, who was pregnant when they were both "disappeared;" and Lee's single mother, Cass, overwhelmed by love for her son and the demands of her work as a Broadway makeup artist. When a mix-up prevents Cass from taking Lee on his "final wish" trip to Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia to pursue his interest in the life of Ben Franklin, TomÁs--who has discovered potential leads to his family in both cities--offers to accompany Lee on the trip. As one flees memories of death and the other hurtles inevitably toward it, they each share unsettling truths and find themselves transformed in the process. Set during the Ronald Reagan presidency, this lyrical novel transcends an adventure story to take the reader on an unforgettable journey.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

330 pages, Paperback

Published June 8, 2022

Reviews

[Jennifer Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished "What Ben Franklin..." and really enjoyed the journey! Gordon's creatively drawn visual descriptions and her skill as a wordsmith, craft many finely-tuned emotional moments between super nuanced characters. It walks the line between being poetic and just plain telling an engrossing story where I really started to care about everyone, and felt like Lee, Tomas and Cass were people in my own life. Strongly recommend if you would love to read unusual tale built from one gorgeous sentence after another.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Gordon tells the story of an unlikely friendship between thirteen-year old Lee who has progeria and Tomas, a survivor of Argentina's Dirty War. Though death looms large in this evocative narrative of Lee and Tomas as they journey to Washington DC, where Lee can live out his dream of embracing his American heroes, Gordon's story is one of love and life. Lee's single mother Cass works as a make-up artist, beautifying actors for emotional effect. But the stage that matters is the one of real life with Lee who looks like an old man and the scarred and haunted Tomas. It is only by knowing how tentative life is that we come to treasure the jewels it gives us.

[SmallPressPicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

My only regret about this book is that it took so long for me to get around to reading it. I was deeply moved by the story of the main character, Lee, and by his relationship with his mother and his caretaker, Tomás. The author brings compassion, sensitivity, and insight to exploring the potentially life-changing power of connecting with others, even though it may first seem that we have nothing in common with them. I also loved the writing about the fragility of life and the importance of making the most of the time we have. I highly recommend this novel.

You can read my full review at: https://smallpresspicks.com/what-ben-....

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, starting with the first page. The implausible meeting of the main characters, Lee and Tomas, is totally believable thanks to the author's careful rendering. All of the characters are compelling, and their humanity is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The story line covers topics I knew a bit about, while educating me in the service of the story line, not in a heavy handed manner.

Some books are mostly a personal pleasure. This is one I will enjoy discussing with the friends who are currently reading it, and those who are now off to get their own copy.

[Scot Nourok · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few books that you just can't put down; "What Ben Franklin Would Have Told Me" is one of them. Superbly written—Donna Gordon was first a poet—it is a riveting story of a boy with progeria (premature aging disease) who wants to visit Washington, D.C, and Philadelphia. His mother entrusts his caretaker, Tomas—and the adventure begins. I highly recommend this wonderful novel. I have to say I cried at the end.

[Marlene Beggelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of the summer! The totally original story had me laughing and crying at the same time and completely in love with its characters- an unlikely pair with an unconventional and truly surprising relationship! Beautifully written. Lyrical and imaginative- the author's mind works in fascinating ways and I believe we will be hearing more about her in the future!

[Joan Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book

I wasn’t sure I wanted to read about a boy with Progeria. I wasn’t sure I wanted to experience that kind of heartbreak. But, I’m glad I gave it a shot because I ended up loving it. Turns out, in the capable hands of this author, the story was heartwarming not at all heartbreaking.

[Neil · Rating 5 out of 5]

What seems like an odd coupling of a boy with progeria and an Argentina refugee (with a healthy dose of Ben Franklin) makes for a thoughtfully sweet novel. The author deserves immense credit in staying with work for seven years (from podcast interview) because the result is a worthwhile read.

[Debbie Schrack · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely well-written book that tugs on the emotions. You really feel for the characters! I would highly recommend it!

[Izzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fitting to have finished this on Ben Franklin's birthday!

[Lauralyn Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the historical fiction with the weave of a child dying.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story because of how it combined lightheartedness with seriousness. Lee has a terminal illness and Tomas is the victim of war, and they seemingly have nothing in common. One lives in the past, and one doesn't have a future. What they share is a common concern with time and what they are supposed to do with the time in front of them.

[Ronnie Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished What Ben Franklin Would Have Told Me. I loved it, beautifully written with richly defined characters.

The story moves along with tension, compassion, and intrigue as we follow the two protagonists on their quests, each with a different mission in their hearts. Their relationship is beautifully portrayed and crafted with depth and humor. Other characters are introduced with the same richness that is portrayed throughout the novel. This is joyous, sad, and poignant book, a rare combination that's accomplished with skill and expertise. Highly recommend!