Hugh Kenrick

Sparrowhawk #2

by Edward Cline

Sparrowhawk: Book Two, Hugh Kenrick encapsulates that process in the story of a young British aristocrat who rejects the tyranny of the British Crown and joins the Society of the Pippin, a club of thinkers who question the received wisdom of their age. By the end of his story, young Hugh Kenrick is sent to Virginia out of harm's way, and by the end of the Sparrowhawk series, thirty years later, he will play a crucial role in the American fight for independence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Literature, Epic, American

424 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Edward Cline is an American novelist and essayist. He is best known for his Sparrowhawk series of novels, which take place in England and Virginia before the American Revolutionary War. He is also the author of First Prize and Whisper the Guns. Outside of his work as a novelist, Cline is known for his writings on esthetics and his defense of capitalism and of free speech. As a writer, his strongest influence has been the philosopher-novelist Ayn Rand. Currently, he is a policy analyst for the Center for the Advancement of Capitalism. He lives in Yorktown, Virginia.





from wikipedia.com

Reviews

[Corto]

I couldn't help it. It's thinly (THINLY) disguised Libertarian propaganda- but it was an enjoyable read. Once again, I don't agree with Cline's politics-he's the same kind of sophist he rails against- and I DEFINITELY don't agree with his economic philosophy- BUT, he writes a thought-provoking "adventure" novel. Be warned, this is a slow burn- he takes about 300 pages to weave an intricate web before the action pops off. Still, I like the characters and it's great intellectual mind candy whether you agree with him or not. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long live Lady Liberty!

[Ken West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Experience even more thrilling (if that’s possible) than Book One. I can’t wait to begin reading Book Three. Edward Cline’s masterpiece does not disappoint.

A true American classic, Sparrowhawk is shaping up to be one of my favorite series of all time. Not since I discovered Ayn Rand so many years ago have I been infused with newfound excitement and energy for characters one can truly admire, and events worthy of experiencing.

[John Nino · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special appreciation is required

Overall a good book. I felt that the legal issues in the last third of the book were overdone. While truly a picture of English society in the 18th century it just seemed to drag on and on..
I was expecting a more active plan. A very philosophical tome.
Enjoy it!

[Narine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and it brings human factor in aristocratic world.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dagny Taggart: 1756 What an oddly interesting translation of Objectivist ideals.... This felt almost like a fine wine that is starting to turn. It has beautiful color and a well developed body but leaves just a hint of a bad taste in your mouth on the finish. It is almost too elusive to describe.

The characters are finely developed and the depiction of mid-18th century London and Southern England are rich, lovely and believable. I could even believe Hugh Kenrick as an original thinker bursting out in his early teens. The huge leap, however, from free-thought to refined Objectivism seems just too far to not seem entirely forced. (Even John Galt took several large steps to get there.)

I enjoy this series so far and have dived right into number Three: Caxton but this one just gets 3 1/2 Stars (maybe 3 3/4).

[Bob Hinnant · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is very good and the series very informative. It teaches a side of the American Revolution not generally taught. The only reason I give these books 3 stars versus 4 or 5 is that the author seems enamored with his vocabulary, tries too hard to use the vernacular of the period or both. I appreciate his efforts but it can detract from the story. I was glad to be reading the series with a Kindle so as to have the instant dictionary immediately available. In some cases, there were words used that Kindle couldn't define. I am considered to have a more than serviceable vocabulary myself but found myself challenged. On one hand it is good to expand your knowledge of our language but not to the point of detracting from the flow of the story itself.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers that Hugh's novel did not contain the excitement of Jack's. I still found this volume fascinating and necessary. I still find it important to understand the point of view of the aristocrats. I found it explained to me in a different way than most novels that tend to glamorize high society.

[Chaplain Stanley Chapin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tedious it kept getting bogged down in needles explanation

I am very interested in the various sides of the American Revolution, colonial, England, France, Germany, Spain and Indians. They each had a part, some more than others. This was too convoluted in explaining mainly the English version.

[Todd · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not as interesting as the first in the series but I am reading it so that I can better understand the rest in the series. I think I like the first book becaues it was writen from the point of view of the lower class.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story, excellent writing. Can't recommend it enough. I have to describe this as modern "classic literature," extremely deep and profound. Worthy of a special place on one's book shelves.

[Sunday Hollis · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good story hidden under an enormous amount of orating and pontificating.