©1996, ProMotion, inc.
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Here, painstakingly researched and marvelously believable, are real men and women-not history book figures-living out the passionate struggle of a young nation striving to discover its very identity.
Beset by sectionalism, at once belligerent and timorous in the face of European aggression, the fledgling United States of America is at a pivotal time in its development: to remain entrenched on the eastern seaboard or to look westward to the dream of becoming a continental nation.
Under Nevin's treatment, the major players in this drama take on three-dimensional solidity: Andrew Jackson's fiery temper and his iron will to control; Rachel Jackson's agonizing attacks of depression and despair balanced by her fervent faith in God; Dolley Madison's delight in the splendid presidential mansion she has created, and her unquestioning care for her White House staff when the British force them to retreat from the capitol; James Madison's self-doubt, offset by his stubborn strength of character
Equally well drawn are the supporting charactersÑboth historical and fictitious. Jean Lafitte, for example, bargaining with Jackson for amnesty as the price of his help in the siege of New Orleans, slowly shuts his right eye to give weight to his words. Sallie McQuirk, one of Nevin's few "imaginary characters," gives both depth and charm to Nevin's vivid portrayal of the political and social milieu in 19th-century Washington, D.C.
For historian David Nevin, America's War of 1812 was "a second revolution to prove the first." For historical novelist David Nevin, the War of 1812 was the arena in which his primary concern was "to track people's motivations and their response to real events." Both as history and as historical fiction, Nevin's 1812 is a resounding success.
Robert C. Jones is a writer in Warrensburg, Missouri.
©1996, ProMotion, inc.