Who Would Like This Book:
Immerse yourself in the untold story of Deborah Sampson, a real-life hero who defied all odds by disguising herself as a man to serve in the Revolutionary War. The book masterfully weaves together vivid period details, complex questions about gender and identity, and emotional depth. Readers who love rich historical fiction, thought-provoking explorations of society's roles, and strong character journeys will be hooked. It's especially great for anyone who enjoys stories that challenge conventions and offer fresh perspectives on history.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the shifting perspectives and pronouns around Deborah/Robert a bit confusing at times, which can make for a challenging read if you prefer a straightforward narrative voice. If detailed explorations of gender identity aren’t your thing, or you’re looking for fast-paced action over internal character struggles and historical nuance, this might not hit the mark for you.
About:
Revolutionary by Alex Myers is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Deborah Samson, a woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Through vivid storytelling, Myers captures the challenges faced by Deborah as she navigates the dangers of war, the complexities of identity, and the societal norms of gender roles in the 18th century. Readers are taken on a journey alongside Deborah, experiencing her struggles, triumphs, and the internal conflicts she faces while living a life of her choosing.
The author, Alex Myers, intricately weaves together historical details and emotional depth to bring to life the character of Deborah Samson. Myers' writing style is praised for its ability to make history come alive, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the setting of Revolutionary-era New England. Revolutionary explores themes of gender identity, societal expectations, and personal freedom, all while shedding light on the remarkable true story of a forgotten American hero.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Triggers include themes of war, violence, gender identity struggles, and societal oppression.
Has Romance?
There are elements of romance that are intertwined with the protagonist's journey, though it is not the primary focus of the story.
From The Publisher:
"A remarkable novel" (The New York Times) about America's first female soldier, Deborah Sampson Gannett, who ran away from home in 1782, successfully disguised herself as a man, and fought valiantly in the Revolutionary War.
At a time when rigid societal norms seemed absolute, Deborah Sampson risked everything in search of something better. Revolutionary, Alex Myers's richly imagined and carefully researched debut novel, tells the story of a fierce-tempered young woman turned celebrated solider and the remarkable courage, hope, fear, and heartbreak that shaped her odyssey during the birth of a nation.
After years of indentured servitude in a sleepy Massachusetts town, Deborah chafes under the oppression of colonial society and cannot always hide her discontent. When a sudden crisis forces her hand, she decides to escape the only way she can, rejecting her place in the community in favor of the perilous unknown. Cutting her hair, binding her chest, and donning men's clothes stolen from a neighbor, Deborah sheds her name and her home, beginning her identity-shaking transformation into the imaginary "Robert Shurtliff"-a desperate and dangerous masquerade that grows more serious when "Robert" joins the Continental Army.
What follows is a journey through America's War of Independence like no other-an unlikely march through cold winters across bloody battlefields, the nightmare of combat and the cruelty of betrayal, the elation of true love and the tragedy of heartbreak. As The Boston Globe raves, "Revolutionary succeeds on a number of levels, as a great historical-military adventure story, as an exploration of gender identity, and as a page-turning description of the fascinating life of the revolutionary Deborah Sampson."
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Revolutionary?
About the Author:
Alex Myers is a writer, teacher, speaker, and activist. Since high school, Alex has campaigned for transgender rights. As a female-to-male transgender person, Alex began his transition at Phillips Exeter Academy and was the first transgender student in that academy's history. Alex was also the first openly transgender student at Harvard and worked to change the university's nondiscrimination clause to include gender identity. For the past decade, he has taught English at private high schools and currently lives in Washington, DC, with his wife and two cats.
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