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A review by candacesiegle_greedyreader
A Friend of Mr. Lincoln by Stephen Harrigan
4.0
Stephen Harrigan is one of the most compelling authors writing today. "Remember Ben Clayton" is one of my very favorite novels (and the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon backme up on its quality) and I have returned to "Gates of the Alamo" twice. His ability to create instantly interesting characters and place them so intentionally in their time and place is a marvel.
"A Friend of Mr. Lincoln" takes place mostly in Springfield and concerns Lincoln and his circle of friends in what was then just a largish settlement. Lincoln's charisma shines like a beacon, even though he is the raggediest, homeliest guy in town. Poet Cage Weatherby is among the group of young men who swap stories (or just listen to Lincoln) and discuss books, poetry, and politics out there on the prairie. The discussions are deeply satisfying to all and their tight circle offers an intellectual life to all that would not otherwise be available. Until . . .
Harrigan's Lincoln is a total political animal, and the people of the young town of Springfield revel in the debates, discussions, scurrilous newspaper articles, and occasional fist fights that follow. "A Friend of Mr. Lincoln" could have gone on for another 50 pages at least, so rich is the world he creates.
I'm giving this novel four stars because, even though it is excellent, it is not as much so as Harrigan's other books.
I recommend it for all lovers of historical fiction, Lincoln lovers, and readers who like a deep involving read. I wish Mr. Harrigan wrote faster so I could look forward to his next book.
"A Friend of Mr. Lincoln" takes place mostly in Springfield and concerns Lincoln and his circle of friends in what was then just a largish settlement. Lincoln's charisma shines like a beacon, even though he is the raggediest, homeliest guy in town. Poet Cage Weatherby is among the group of young men who swap stories (or just listen to Lincoln) and discuss books, poetry, and politics out there on the prairie. The discussions are deeply satisfying to all and their tight circle offers an intellectual life to all that would not otherwise be available. Until . . .
Harrigan's Lincoln is a total political animal, and the people of the young town of Springfield revel in the debates, discussions, scurrilous newspaper articles, and occasional fist fights that follow. "A Friend of Mr. Lincoln" could have gone on for another 50 pages at least, so rich is the world he creates.
I'm giving this novel four stars because, even though it is excellent, it is not as much so as Harrigan's other books.
I recommend it for all lovers of historical fiction, Lincoln lovers, and readers who like a deep involving read. I wish Mr. Harrigan wrote faster so I could look forward to his next book.