Merriwether:A Novel of Meriwether Lewis and the Lewis & Clark Expedition

American Story #5

by David Nevin

From Booklist
This year is the bicentennial of the commencement of the expedition of the Corps of Discovery. The actual journey of Lewis and Clark is such a monumental adventure that it hardly requires a work of fiction to spruce it up. Still, a novel was inevitable. Nevin, who has written a series of novels dealing with American history from 1800 to 1860, has generally handled this subject with accuracy and respect for both his characters and their accomplishments. Nevin captures Lewis' streak of romanticism, his questing spirit, and his tendency to drift from elation to moroseness. Lewis, even to those who cared deeply for him, could be an enigmatic and frustratingly difficult companion. Yet, as Nevin shows, he and the more stable, practical Clark complemented each other well. In describing their journey, Nevin lets the daily sense of novelty and wonder shine through the narrative. After the triumphal return of the expedition, Nevin recounts the gradual softening and collapse of Lewis as his inner demons take hold. Jay Freeman
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, American History

Hardcover

First published May 1, 2004

About the author

David Reinhardt Nevin was born in Washington. His father, a veterinarian in the US Army when it had a horse cavalry, was soon assigned to Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Mr. Nevin joined the US Navy as a teenager and served in the Pacific. After the war he did poorly in college, but could write well enough to be hired as a police reporter for The Brownsville (Texas) Herald. That led to work for Time and Life magazines.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book grabbed me within the first few pages. If history classes were taught like this, I suspect many of us would have taken a greater interest in our founding fathers. The author was able to bring to life these great figures that dominate American history. The first chapters of the book capture who Lewis was and his struggles to become a man, and what made him the best man for the job of leading the expedition. When Lewis & Clark finally begin their journey, the author gives a detailed account of each step of the trail, including pulling the boats upstream inch by inch. I understood the struggle by the end of the second rapid they had to pull the boats up…but the descriptions continued in painfully descriptive detail, rapid after rapid, page after page. When the expedition finally reached the Pacific Ocean, it was only given a few pages of the book so it was extremely anticlimactic. The return trip was also given only a small part of the book, and with very little detail. It gave the book a very unbalanced feel. I would still recommend the book to anyone that may be traveling to Oregon/Washington. It brought the area to life for me.

[Kate Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book club book that I never would have picked up on my own. And I loved it! It's kind of a man's book, but that's okay--I stepped outside my comfort zone a bit. As I read this, I kept telling my husband about the journey: "Now they're here, now they're here." It was all very exciting. Plus, I love early America, and Thomas Jefferson obviously plays a big role in this story. Good stuff.

[Richard Gullickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Merritweather is a fascinating book about a remarkable and heroic person. The author does a great job in capturing Lewis’s heroic endeavors as well as his tragic personality disorders. He also offers a great account of Jefferson’s mentorship of his protégé and then his abandonment and lack of understanding at the end of Lewis’s life. Lewis was a visionary, a superb outdoorsman, naturalist, hunter, inventor, and geographer. He spent his entire life searching for the perfect wife without success. His dynamic and compelling nature attracted women and his neediness drove them away. His planning and leadership of the Corps of Discovery was outstanding. By recruiting the resourceful Will Clark to be his co-captain on the adventure, he ensured its success. He successfully engaged numerous Indian tribes who (mostly) helped him enthusiastically to make his journey a success. He followed the Missouri to its source expecting to find an easy passage across the Rocky Mountains which Jefferson had described as probably like the gentle Appalachians. They proved to be more like the Alps and the corps spent weeks of cold and starvation in crossing them to the Pacific side, aided by their Indian guide Toby and their Shoshone team member, Sacagawea, who was one of the most important and impactful members of the expedition. Lewis was an inspiring leader who had his team vote on the most important decisions, treating all as equal partners, including the slave York and Sacagawea. Lewis was a tragic figure from Shakespeare who knew his demons of melancholy, alcohol, and opium but was never able to overcome them. His tenure as the governor of the Louisiana Territory was marked by politics and squabbling and gave him no satisfaction. His sad ending could have been avoided if he was able to have the right women as a partner. It’s ironic that he once did find this partner early in life but they were unable to agree to a life together because of his ambition to spend years finding the NW passage to the Pacific.

[Jake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasantly surprised by the historical background to the story. Put into context a bunch of the events of the early American history. Had picked up the book at a used book store for a throwaway read but keep the authors name for to see if I can find any of his other titles.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read whatever I can about the L&C expedition, both fact and fiction. This one was captivating. Parts seemed repetitive thus 4 stars. I especially appreciated the author's detailed explanation of his methodology, and on where fact and fiction deviated.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always enjoy a novel by David Nevin. This did lag in some places, but was an entertaining way to learn a little about a historical figure I didn't know a lot about.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the historical accuracy of this novel. It really brought the characters to life.

[Sharon Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found thid book captivating and couldn't put it down. It made history come alive.

[Tim Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars, I enjoyed parts of this book.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I knew absolutely nothing about the Lewis and Clark expedition except a footnote from history class, I was interested in reading this to get the 'real' story. This was a great book, and really made you appreciate all that they went through, the preparation, what happened afterwards, etc. I really learned a lot from reading this, and have a greater appreciation for the expedition and how much these men (and woman) helped our country establish boundaries and expand.

[Howard Anders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition, through the eyes of Meriwether Lewis. Mr. Nevin discusses the highs and lows of the expedition, and of Meriwether Lewis' life, including his tragic suicide.This account, as fiction, adds new life to the old story, without departing from the essential facts.

[Alexander Kwok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it was a novel it follows the story of Lewis and Clark, putting an emphasis on Lewis, Clark and their upbringings and backgrounds, the selection of the men, problems along the journey that they faced, and the aftermath until Lewis' death.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading books by this author. I first read 1812 & now Meriwether. Mr. Nevin's books are considered novels but are historically accurate. I have enjoyed these books immensely and am eagerly looking forward to reading the others in this series.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was interesting but there is too much repetition for five stars. We are told over and over that they were sure that the headwaters of the Missouri led to a short portage and a west flowing river. Too much telling and not enough showing.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gobble this kind of stuff up. And what makes it great is that it is true!

[Al Bokolor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic novel. Mr Nevin has created yet another masterpiece reading of the old west regarding the greatest expedition ever undertaken in the history of America!