A review by spinnerroweok
Burr by Gore Vidal
5.0
There are historical novels that sound 20th century people running around in a 18th century set. Then there are pieces like Burr that seem to be so meticulously researched that you can smell the stench of the past. Mr. Vidal does his homework as he uses Aaron Burr to skewer the founders and show them to be the self contradictory humans that they are.
This is a book within a book as Vidal sets up a frame story around 1835 in which a young would-be writer is studying law with Mr. Burr. Along the way, we are given Burr's history through recollections and attempts at a memoir. Mr. Vidal makes both the frame story and Burr's backstory very entertaining.
I enjoyed this so much! I am next moving on to a biography of Burr while waiting for Audible to release Vidal's Lincoln later this month.
If you loved Hamilton and how hate Burr, read Burr by Gore Vidal, and question your allegiances.
This is a book within a book as Vidal sets up a frame story around 1835 in which a young would-be writer is studying law with Mr. Burr. Along the way, we are given Burr's history through recollections and attempts at a memoir. Mr. Vidal makes both the frame story and Burr's backstory very entertaining.
I enjoyed this so much! I am next moving on to a biography of Burr while waiting for Audible to release Vidal's Lincoln later this month.
If you loved Hamilton and how hate Burr, read Burr by Gore Vidal, and question your allegiances.