A dense, somewhat unfocused historical tale that boasts compelling characters and a plot that ultimately packs a wallop.
Allen explores an early, largely uncelebrated patriot who helped bring about American independence.
Nearly every American recognizes the names George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, but Allen’s tale dips a bit further back in time to follow the exploits of the overlooked James Otis, Jr. (also known as Jemmy), one of the men who struck the first blows for the independence of the United States—his words kindling a fire that grew into the American Revolution. While the material dealing with the radicalized Jemmy (who forfeits the life of comfort his family had built over generations) is strong and straightforward, the journey to those incidents, which takes up roughly the first third of the book, is often convoluted. Allen is skilled at portraying how Jemmy’s drives stemmed not just from his intelligence and nascent political philosophy but from his feelings of inadequacy—the upper echelons of Boston society perceived his family as country bumpkins. In the sections that speculate as to Jemmy’s motivations (as well as the motivations of others who accompanied him, all fascinating figures in their own rights), the plot comes to life. But earlier passages—many of which deal with the complexities of the 18th-century legal system, the Otis family history and the economic models used by businessmen of the time—feel too loosely bound together. The author jumps somewhat haphazardly from historical tidbit to historical tidbit, and while some add to the vivid portrayal of the world Jemmy and his cohorts would so radically change, many others could easily be edited out. Still, once Jemmy begins his march toward revolution, the material is much stronger and more focused, and the book makes an effective case that he and his fellow patriots should be better remembered by Americans looking to celebrate their country’s infancy.
A dense, somewhat unfocused historical tale that boasts compelling characters and a plot that ultimately packs a wallop.Pub Date: July 10, 2011
ISBN: 978-0983644606
Page Count: 309
Publisher: Griffins Wharf
Review Posted Online: June 9, 2011
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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