1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Freedman, Russell. Lafayette and the American Revolution. New York: Holiday House, 2010. ISBN: 0823421821.
2. PLOT SUMMARY
The American Revolution is typically thought of in terms of the American settlers versus the British Crown, but there were many more people involved than that! One such person was Gilbert de Lafayette, a very wealthy French marquis, who early on threw his hat, his heart, and his soul into supporting the colonists in their quest for freedom. Although very young, only nineteen, when he decided to join the Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette never looked back. As an officer directly under the command of George Washington, Lafayette formed many attachments to colonists, but especially to Washington himself. That bond eventually led to Lafayette’s command of many troops. He fought in, and led troops in fighting, many battles, and there was none more ecstatic to hear of Britain’s surrender than the young Frenchman.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
“On the morning of March 13, 1777, a stranger appeared in the village of Chaillot…” Lafayette and the American Revolution was a fascinating glimpse into this era of American history, but also into the diverse nations and supporters. Too often, non-fiction has a reputation of being dry and a touch staid, but Freedman’s book was nothing of the kind. His writing told a story that was easy to follow and so engaging that the reader will want to finish the book in one sitting. Freedman’s ability to tell a story is what makes this book so successful.
The pictures and portraits in this book are as intriguing as the text. Freedman made careful choices, ensuring that the pictures compliment the text perfectly. Some are woodcuts with the pictures etched into a wooden surface. Others are illustrations from famous artists of the period. Yet others are oil paintings. Some are also renderings of artists who weren’t actually alive at the time of the Revolution. Regardless of the medium of illustration, each is an important piece in the story of Lafayette.
Some of the most interesting parts of the story describe Lafayette’s unbridled passion. This character trait is perhaps what makes Lafayette so endearing to readers, and Freedman captures it flawlessly. Lafayette defied his father-in-law, left his young wife, risked his fortune, evaded the King of France, and demanded command of troops. As an untried dandy from France, few were eager to have him join their ranks, but with the passage of time, he proved himself over and over again. Thanks to Freedman, those moments are alive and poignant.
This narrative is masterfully done.
4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
Starred Review, BOOKLIST: “In this solidly researched and smoothly written biography, Freedman creates a vivid portrait of Lafayette as he matures from an impetuous young man and inexperienced solider to a leader capable of wisdom as well as valor…Handsomely designed with a spacious format and good use of color, the book includes many clearly reproduced paintings and prints. A time line, source notes, and a selected bibliography of sources are appended in this look at one of our Revolution’s most intriguing heroes.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “This study of the marquis de Lafayette, emphasizing his service in the Revolutionary War, is a gorgeously illustrated, beautifully laid out production in an oversized format. Each spread contains at least one painting, drawing, or photograph, often in color. Freedman is a skillful, compelling writer and includes many interesting details and quotations…”
5. CONNECTIONS
*Used in conjunction with a unit on the American Revolution, this book would compliment general information about the war very well.
*Other non-fiction books that depict events of the American Revolution:
Murphy, Jim. THE CROSSING: HOW GEORGE WASHINGTON SAVEDTHE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. ISBN: 0439691869.
Sheinkin, Steve. THE NOTORIOUS BENEDICT ARNOLD: A TRUE STORY OF ADVENTURE, HEROISM, & TREACHERY. ISBN: 1596434864.
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