We decided a bit late for the Book Club selection for this posting but I did remember to share about it. Hope you were able to join us in reading this story.
Set in Williamsburg at the start of the Revolutionary War, this is a story of dreams, courage, bravery, and finding home where you least expect it. As we join the story, young Julian Day has just lost his father while crossing the ocean to America. He is met and cared for by those who were supposed to meet his father. These aristocratic but independent folks take Julian under their wing and help he find his way. Having never stood on his own two feet before, he is encouraged and strengthened by some good people who want to help him.
He learns what it means to be a teacher, which it turns out he really enjoys. In the process, he learns as much as his students but about a very different subject. They are learning spelling and geography and writing; he is learning how to handle himself, what he truly believes, what friendship really means, and how to stand for what is right.
The story takes us through several of the battles of the war that were important and we meet many of the important participants of the Revolutionary War – Washington, Lafayette, Jefferson, Greene, Patrick Henry, Francis Marion, and many more men and women who work hard to win independence from the tyranny of the King.
This historical fiction is the first in a series of seven novels by Elswyth Thane. She wrote this in 1943 after she spent several summers back and forth between America and England. Well researched and full of interesting characters, this is a story that is really quite easy to read but that will challenge you to think about your own beliefs on freedom and war.
The book I read did not have any discussion questions in it and I did not find any online already set up. Wendy has been busy handling life lately so I am forgoing writing any questions for this one. I just recommend reading this book. I would love to read the rest of the series but our library system does not have them. Perhaps I can get them elsewhere.
Join us in March for the next Book Club post. I am thinking it may be either Uncommon Type: some stories by Tom Hanks or The River Between Us by Richard Peck. Really, though, anything is up for grabs as we haven’t decided on anything yet. Both of these are on my “to read” list.
Blessings,
At Home.
At Home 
I couldn’t find questions either, thoroughly enjoyed this read, it really felt like talking family with me. 🙂 the struggles, the joys, the sorrows, the learning… good book. Chicago review press has the whole series I think… I just have the first one as well.
It was very good. Thank you for the suggestion of the book. I am so thankful for all that people went through during that time but also very thankful that I do not have to go through it personally.